As wonderful as the season of winter can be, it can also have a detrimental impact on your wellbeing. There’s a need to do far more than wrap up warm, if you want to protect your immune system, limit stress and pressure, and have fun from the end of November to March.
Look after yourself by following our 7 winter wellbeing tips:
- Reduce Stress
Winter officially kicks off with the lead up to Christmas. This hectic period of activity can quickly increase stress and pressure, if you don’t know how to effectively manage everything on your to-do list. The more stressed you feel, the greater your chances of knocking your immune system off kilter.
To reduce stress in your life, look for ways in which you can minimise your workload and responsibilities throughout the winter months. Saying “no” to anything that adds extra pressure, and delegating tasks/chores to other people, can help to boost your sense of wellbeing.
- Stay Hydrated
When it’s cold outside you’re likely to feel less thirsty than when the temperature is high. Skimping on your water intake is not a good idea though. It’s important to stay well hydrated. Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water (for women) and 8 to 10 glasses (for men) regulates your body temperature, delivers nutrients to cells, and keeps organs functioning properly. Good hydration is also beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.
If you’re not a fan of the neutral taste of water, you can pep it up by adding slices of fresh lemon, or other fruits. Drinking green or black tea also counts towards your recommended daily water intake.
- Watch What You Eat
Nothing beats tucking into comfort foods when the weather is harsh. Just because you’re hiding your body under extra layers of clothes, it doesn’t mean that you should give into every edible temptation. While most people expect to put on a few pounds over the festive season, watching what you eat and managing portion size can help balance the Christmas indulgence.
Eat your biggest meal of the day as early as possible, to avoid going to bed on a full stomach, and subsequent sleep disruption. Feast on a smaller serving of your favourite comfort foods, with a larger side of fresh vegetables.
- Salute The Sun
As sunshine is in short supply during the winter, it’s important to make the most of it to top up on vitamin D. Whenever possible, wrap up warm and go for a walk in nature. Connecting to the elements helps to keep your body from feeling sluggish and has a positive impact on your mind.
Salute the sun on your morning work to work, and if you can, work close to a window. If you suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), use a lightbox or SAD lamp to boost your mood during the dark winter months.
If your exposure to natural light and fresh air is limited, pop a daily vitamin D supplement and consume a good variety of vitamin D-rich foods like eggs, liver, oily fish (salmon, mackerel and fresh tuna), cheese, and orange juice.
- Exercise Your Mind & Body
The motivation to stick to an exercise regime can easily disappear in the run-up to Christmas and New Year. When it’s cold, wet and dark outside, leaving your cosy comfort zone, to go to the gym, can be quite a challenge. Exercising at home can help you stay physically active.
Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise like dancing around the kitchen, or intensive housework, is great for raising your heart rate. Having a kick about with your kids or taking the dog for a long walk also count towards the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise. If you’re happy to go to exercise classes, balance high-intensity running, cycling or interval training, with yoga, tai chi, and meditation practice.
- Try New Activities
The winter season is a perfect time for exploring new interests. While you’re hibernating you can teach yourself how to cook, how to make jewellery, arts and crafts, or beer brewing!
If you’re interested in all things esoteric, you can learn all about the art of the tarot and explore other forms of divination.
- Find Your Inner Peace
One of the easiest ways to boost your winter wellbeing is to have a psychic reading with an experienced tarot reader. A psychic reading is an empowering experience that can give you valuable insights, guidance and motivation. It can also boost your mood and leave you with a feeling of inner calm and peace.
If that sounds like something you’d like, call and speak to one of our dedicated psychics today.