Winter Wellness: Nurturing Body, Mind and Spirit During The Season Of Stillness
Hello to the first day of winter for 2024!
Winter is a cozy, special time where we retreat inwards, embracing a sense of rest after the warmer, active months. Just as the leaves fall from the trees, we too must shed to be reborn.
Maintaining a healthy body, mind and spirit can be hard throughout these winter months, so it is extra important to take care of yourself.
Maintaining a healthy body throughout the year is important, but it becomes crucial in winter as our immunity is tested with colds, flus, and other ailments. A calm mind leads to a calm nervous system, which I believe to be the number one wellness tip. When our nervous system is regulated, we are less susceptible to illness and recover faster.
Here are some helpful ways to support a happy nervous system:
Infrared Saunas
My absolute favourite go-to! If you don’t have access at home, many local places offer these magical light boxes of heat. My top recommendation for infrared sauna use is Helix House in Cottesloe, but they are widely available nowadays.
Warm Magnesium and Salt Baths
Wonderful year-round, these baths provide extra comfort in the colder months. They are detoxifying, relax muscles and body tension, and offer the healing benefits of water. Try doubling up with some gentle box breathing or meditation for an added bonus. You can read more about the box breathing technique here.
Gentle Exercise
Keeping the body active is crucial during winter, but it's important to listen to your body and move accordingly, especially during cold/flu season. Consider adding gentle yin yoga, somatic exercises, or walking, and substitute intense cardio workouts with these gentler options to help maintain homeostasis.
Light Therapy
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SADS) can hit hard during the shorter, darker days. Red light therapy is wonderful for energising and warming the body and mind. Many companies offer these products today—be sure to do your research before purchasing. I recommend the Helsi red light panel; it's magical!
Connection
With the rain and gloomier days, it’s important to make time for connection with like-minded individuals. A cup of tea with a good friend in a safe space might be just what the doctor ordered.
Outdoor Activities
Finding outdoor activities can be tough during winter, but take advantage of sunny days and get out into nature. Your body and mind will thank you!
Music
Listening to music is a powerful way to elevate your mood, especially during the winter months. Music has the ability to soothe the soul, reduce stress, and release endorphins that make you feel happier and more relaxed.
Listen to my Winter Wellness playlist on Spotify here.
Winter is a glorious time of rest and renewal, allowing us to let go of what no longer serves us and giving our bodies and spirits adequate time to adjust, process, and rest. Rest is key to feeling our best anytime of year, especially in winter. Embrace this season, even if it isn’t your favourite, and surrender to its energies and rhythms. Snuggle in with loved ones, watch a feel-good movie, sit by a fire with a warm cup of cacao, journal your heart out, and by the time spring rolls around, you’ll be ready to bloom again!