Winter Wellness - Beating the Blues
“One kind word can warm three winter months.” – Japanese Proverb
As the dark evenings blanket the damp streets, and cold, crisp air gushes around us – the natural remedy is to slow down, and reserve our energy. Like in nature, during the colder months, we feel the need to nestle in a calming, warm environment; watching the flames from the fire roar, as the timber crackles softly underneath. Our instinct is to turn inward, nurture ourselves, indulge in self-care, rest and restore.
Winter brings certain challenges to our health and wellbeing, including weathering the storm of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). There are some self-care rituals we can adopt to help counter the effects of the cold and beat the winter blues. These can help to improve your mood and well-being during the colder months:
1. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques – Guided meditation, yoga, breathwork, body scan, and journaling can be beneficial for reducing stress, promoting mental well-being, and enhancing overall quality of life. By taking time to practice morning meditation, write daily affirmations, running a warm bubble bath, switching off devices an hour before bed, and reading self-improvement books are various ways to adopt these into your everyday.
2. Restore with Reiki– Engaging in self-care practices and holistic treatments, such as Reiki healing, can be a positive way to combat the winter blues. Taking necessary time for yourself and prioritising self-care can help you feel more relaxed, calm, and re-invigorated. Reiki helps to soothe anxiety, release tension, balance emotions, improve mood, increase self-awareness, and provide emotional support to those struggling in the lead up to the festive season.
3. Spend time outdoors – Cultivate an appreciation for the unique beauty of winter. Whether it is the glistening snow, the stillness of a frozen pond, or the crisp, clean air, there is much to enjoy. Weatherproof your attire so you can enjoy the outdoors in the midst of winter. Wrap up warm and invest in a decent raincoat; then enjoy leisurely strolls in the misty rain, or on a welcomed dry day.
4. Schedule regular exercise – Set up a schedule that includes fitness classes, or home work-out sessions you will enjoy. Invest in some essentials like a yoga mat and dumb-bells to allow for a productive indoor session at home, on those days where you just cannot bear to leave the house.
5. Engage in hobbies – The winter months are a wonderful time to take up a new hobby. Whether it is joining a local choir, creative writing club or theatre group, or enjoying wholesome activities like reading, baking, cooking, or home DIY. Join an online breathwork workshop, or a guided yoga class and expand your horizon whilst nurturing your soul.
6. Maintain a healthy diet – Eat a balanced diet rich in seasonal fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, wholesome soup, fibre-rich wholegrain and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Prioritise boosting your immunity with foods rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C (found in citrus fruits) and zinc (found in nuts, seeds, and whole grains), and taking Vitamin D supplements.
7. Set realistic goals – During the winter months, you will have fewer daytime hours and less energy, so ensure to adjust your goals accordingly. Nurture your mind, body, and soul. Embrace indoor hobbies, aim for a practical fitness regime, indulge in reading, enjoy a self-improvement course, and focus on nourishment.
8. Create a cosy environment – Adopt some ‘hygge’ practices to set a comfy setting. Embrace warm lighting, faux-fur throws, knit cushions, cinnamon candles, and the backdrop of flickering flames. Winter is for resting and rejuvenating, for healing and restoring. Spend time with your loved ones in a cosy haven of woody scents, rich colours, comforting textures, and fluffy pyjamas. Sounds like a dose of wintry heaven!
During the winter months, it is important to recognise how you are feeling, and to let your body talk to you. If you are feeling lethargic and need to rest, then create a zen space to relax in. Allow yourself to be in the present moment, embrace being still, and snuggling up on the couch as the rain taps on the window. If you feel energised and ready to enjoy the outdoors, dress appropriately and listen to the crunch of leaves under your feet. Shed the old, embrace the new, heal emotional wounds, nurture yourself, focus on the now, nourish your soul, and get ready for a whirlwind of fresh energy and new beginnings that 2024 will bring.
Amber Doyle, Reiki Master and Practitioner, based in Oranmore. Follow @ambermoonholistic on social media, or check out: www.ambermoonholistic.com to find out more about her reiki healing, tarot reading services and workshops.
