Shake Off the Winter Blues: Winter Wellness Tips
Raise your hand if you’re feeling personally victimized by winter this year. Yes, us too! This year more than ever the winter blues have us down. If you’re like us and live in a four-season climate, you’re in the midst of bone-chilling temperatures, biting winds, and sometimes mountains of snow. We miss the warm sun, outside activities, and our cars not being covered in a layer of salt and ice. To help get you through to the other side of the season, follow these winter wellness tips that promote self-care and you’ll make it through in no time.
Wellness Tips to Fight the Winter Blues
Boost your mood with food.
We often use food as a source of comfort during the winter months. There is nothing wrong with cheering yourself up by baking your favorite batch of cookies or enjoying the smell of a hearty crock-pot meal cooking all day. Consider combining this occasional comfort cooking with a focus on healthy eating as well. Create a balance between the two. Focusing on a new healthy eating routine can be a good distraction from the blah-ness that is happening outside during winter. Another tip to remember is to include in your diet foods high in Vitamin D, which can boost your mood and help ward off depression. Vitamin D deficiencies are common during the winter months due to the lack of sunlight exposure. You may even want to consider taking a supplement during this time of year.
Get active.
Staying active during the winter months is often easier said than done. It’s so easy to just cozy up on the couch with a warm blanket and Netflix instead of getting in that 30 minutes of heart rate elevating activity. For so many of us that 30 minutes of extra time is hard to come by. While it may be hard, it is proven that if we can get ourselves to do it, physical activity can improve our moods and of course make us healthier at the same time. If a structured workout is hard to maintain, try doing something active whenever you can squeeze it in. Try a lunchtime walk with the dog or an evening yoga video that will not only be a workout but relax you before bed.
Get outside.
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that you can’t still go outside. While it does require a little more planning and a few more layers during the winter months, it is well worth it to take in some fresh air, enjoy nature and soak in some sun on those clear, crisp winter days. Consider taking a winter hike, although cold it can still be a beautiful time of year. Many park programs offer winter activities like guided hikes and snowshoeing. Having extra time outside can be a calming experience that is sure to bust those winter blues.
Set a good sleep routine.
Set yourself up for success with a good sleep routine. Having a bad sleep routine (or no routine at all) can be a major contributor to the bad moods you experience during the winter. Try setting a bedtime and wake-up time and sticking to it, every day. This puts your body into a healthy rhythm and can help sleep come more easily at night. Create a simple bedtime routine that helps relax your mind and body and try to avoid devices at least 30 minutes before bed.
Focus on yourself.
An important part of getting through the winter blues is to cast some focus on yourself. Do things that make you happy. Carve some time in your hectic schedule to focus on doing something for yourself. Take a relaxing bath or spend time meditating. Focus on a hobby that you’ve been interested in trying. Cozy up with a good book or settle in to watch a favorite movie or TV series. Brighten your mood by bringing home a new plant to enjoy and care for. Plants have been a proven source of comfort to their owners and can even have immense health benefits. It is the time of year to create comfort for yourself with the things you love. Things tend to only get busier as the spring and summer arrive so take the time now to focus on yourself!
Take a little time for “you” and download our free Wild Interiors coloring pages for a little creative relaxation that will help you fight the winter woes!