May 23, 2023

Tips for Winter Wellness

Winter is such a beautiful time of year. Not only does the season change within our environment but also a change within ourselves. I often talk to my community about honouring our season just like we do Summer, Spring, Autumn and Winter. You see, just like earth, we experience changes and shifts and as we approach winter, we can start to feel this sense of warmth, nurture and restoration come over us.

For me my routines and rituals start to slow down, the food I eat warms my body and nourishes my immune system, my movement slows and sleep becomes longer. Think of a bear going into hibernation during the colder months, resting, healing and replenishing. This is what our bodies are calling for so let's honour this season.

Shifting your routine to honour your season

This will look different to everyone depending on where you live and your lifestyle but for me this is how I shift into more of a yin state of living.

1. Essential Oils

In winter, things slow down and it's a great time to think about what you would like to create over the next few months. Starting your day with essential oils that help unlock your intuition and ground you are powerful tools here as you start to plant these seeds (Chakra blends are perfect here).

As for during the day, think warming blends that will help spark a little bit of fire within (like cheerful, nurture, ambience oils). Apply a drop in your palm, rub your hands together to create some heat and deeply inhale.

2. Nourishment

During Winter nourishing your body with wholesome, seasonal foods will help support your immune and digestive system. Soups, curries, and slow cooker meals are great options. Add in loads of fresh local vegetables like pumpkin, broccoli, spinach, carrots, apples, strawberries, all of which are loaded with Vit C and other vital nutrients to support our bodies during winter. Don't forget those warming spices like ginger and cinnamon.

3. Movement

Take advantage of the cooler days and head outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. Movement has such an incredible impact on the mind, body and soul, so finding a way to move your body while honouring this yin season is important. This may look like incorporating more pilates and yoga into your week or lower impact workouts. This of course doesn't mean you can't do HIIT, it more means listening to your body and what it's calling for.

4. Sleep

Sleep no matter what season is important. In winter there is a sense of cosiness which we just don't get in summer. We are more inclined to take it slower and really honour our sleep. It's a great time to take a look at your wind down ritual. Maybe a warm shower, comfy pj's, dream drops diffusing, ready a book while sipping on herbal tea? Now that sounds good to me.

Winter is a time to be gentle with yourself, to listen to your body and allow for great thoughts and ideas to manifest ready for those seeds to be planted. It's shifting from giving to receiving, so enjoy this season and all it has to offer.