Six Wonderful Winter Wellness Tips
As we’re still in the middle of winter we thought we’d talk about some winter wellness to get you through to spring! These are our some of our ‘Ins’ for self care this winter, which should help to brighten your mood throughout this bleak season!
Apps for sleep, meditation or mindfulness
Sleep is vital to our well being, and even more so in winter, when we’re meant to sleep 1-2 hours longer than we would during the rest of the year!
Headspace - is perfect for meditation and mindfulness. They have a variety of choices for guided meditations, or even programs for managing stress, anxiety or burnout etc. They also have a section for children to practise mindfulness.
Calm is ideal for sleep - whether you want to listen to soundscapes, sleep stories or even breathing exercises, Calm is great for getting into a drowsy slumber! I love the ‘Blue Gold’ sleep story, which takes you on a journey through lavender fields in Provence. You can listen to quite a few options for free, with sleep stories that are narrated by Matthew McConaughey, Laura Dern and many more narrators. Calm also has some soundscapes, like rain on leaves or wind in pines, which are very soporific.
Vibrant winter food:
When you have a very colourful diet filled with fruit and vegetables, you always feel lighter and somehow more energised. Plus all of the nutrients will help with brain and heart health. You won’t be as sluggish compared to how you feel if you’re always reaching for your phone to order fast food . We’ve got a delicious recipe for Butternut Squash Risotto that’s perfect for winter.
Keeping Hydrated!
This time of year can wreak havoc on your skin and hair - the skin is delicate, super sensitive to cold air and can quite easily dry out. You don’t need a 20 step routine to have glowy looking skin - just make sure you’re keeping up with applying moisturiser and serum on your face and neck. Using a sheet mask at the end of the day is always a great way to wind down and you can do this whilst watching your favourite tv programme. For your hair Act + Acre’s mask is great to use in between shampooing and conditioning and keeps the ends soft and hydrated.
Workout
It’s easy to feel more lethargic during the colder months, but now more than ever it’s important to keep active. Going on a brisk walk is great in the morning before work, especially when days are short and nights are long. It really lifts your mood when you build as much light into your day as possible. Or you don’t even have to leave the house, you can try indoor workouts like yoga, pilates, or try following a workout on YouTube. Exercise releases endorphins, which also help boost your mood.
Slow Moments
Winter is definitely a time for cosying up and reading a good book - we’ve got a list here. Or even literally doing nothing. The Dutch have a concept called Niksen - you’re not even practising mindfulness, you’re simply stopping and enjoying doing nothing.
Somewhat unconventional but really relaxing are sound baths - they’re incredibly restful and a lovely experience to indulge in at the end of the day. A sound bath helps you let go of any stress, anxiety, or other worries. There’s a Re:Mind Studios in London that has group or private classes you can attend and the studios have a delightful environment.
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