I appreciate aspects of each weather season, but wintertime is not when I feel like I’m at my personal peak. Spring is my absolute favorite season closely followed by Spring. But since I don’t have any plans on the horizon to move to a temperate climate and I can’t literally hibernate until the end of March, I have to deal. Maybe you’re the same way? If you need some inspiration to get through the remainder of this winter season, read on.
1 // Get your blood work done and supplement for deficiencies Deficiencies in some vitamins and minerals can lead to minimal health inconveniences or even major problems down the line. Go to your health care provider and get your blood work done to confirm if you have any deficiencies and use supplements if they are recommended or prescribed. I was previously deficient in Vitamin D so that’s a supplement I try to remember to take particularly during the winter months when I spend less time outdoors and there’s less sunlight overall.
2 // Eat seasonally with plenty of greens Supplements do have their benefits, but I don’t personally believe you can supplement your way to good health. Focus on having a nourishing, balanced diet with plenty of greens. Try cooking seasonally and experiment with different soup recipes where greens are the star ingredient!
3 // Exercise and move your body You don’t need me to tell you about the numerous benefits of exercise on your health and mood. But it can be difficult to prioritize exercise in your down time when all you want to do is binge watch the next TV series in your Netflix queue you haven’t gotten to. Set yourself up for success with exercise with habits like: scheduling exercise dates with friends, working out through a YouTube playlist of your fitness videos, to scheduling classes at your local gym. Even try taking up a new sport, such as netball, football or tennis. You can take the Universal Tennis Rating quiz to see what level you’re at initially; it doesn’t matter if you’re not the best right now, it’s about the improvement! If you need some motivation, designated a friend as an accountability buddy and either take a class, exercise outside or indoors!
4 // If your budget permits, take a vacation somewhere warm Regardless of if you do a vacation or a stay cation, please take your vacation time if you have it. Better yet, if your budget allows, travel to a warm destination to decompress and unplug. A relaxing vacation can do wonders for your mind, body and spirit. If a vacation isn’t in the cards, pamper yourself in your own home as you would while on vacation or at a spa. For example: 1) Make your bed with fresh sheets and turn them down like hotels do, 2) take a long bath with your favorite bath products (or make your own!); bundle up and try a fun winter activity like ice skating wit friends in your own city. Spending time with your tribe will fulfill you and help to get out of those winter doldrums. Related: Five Places I’d Like to Visit in 2018
5 // Let there be Light! When you leave the house in the dark and come home in the dark, you can start to miss light. Adding some additional lighting into your home like Himalayan Salt Lamps or regular lamps can make your home more cheerful until daylight. Light boxes are prescribed to people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder so if that is something you deal with, there are numerous options available online.
6 // Treat Yourself As the nights get longer and the days get shorter, it can be challenging on the mind and body. It’s important to treat yourself every now and then as a way to keep your energy high. This could be something as simple as having a long, relaxing bath or as major as taking your skis up to a winter resort and having a fun weekend hitting the slopes.
7 // Implement pampering self-care practices Self-care can mean different things for each person. Examples that come to mind to pamper yourself for skincare. Using rich body butters to moisturize, get your nails done, raid your pantry to give yourself moisturizing facial, take baths, dry brush, remember to use your humidifier, have nights in to ‘Netflix and Chill’, invite friends over to play games, make it through your stack of books when you don’t feel like venturing out. Lots of people don’t realize the benefits of ultrasonic humidifiers so it’s worth looking into getting one for the winter – especially if you’re prone to illnesses. Related: The Importance of Self-care + 23 Self-Care Ideas
8 // Talk with your Tribe (or a Professional like a Therapist) Everyone needs someone to vent to. Talking about your concerns, fears and disenchantment with the season can help.
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