7 Simple Tips for Winter Wellness

Whether you’re looking to start a new wellness routine or beat the winter blues this is a wonderful time of year to get started. Just think how different everything will feel by Spring if you start making a few changes today. If you’ve read any of my other blogs then you’ll know that I’m an advocate of starting where you are and taking small daily actions rather than grand gestures that don’t last the week!

With that in mind I’m sharing 7 simple wellness tips that you can get started on today…

REST WELL
Do you need more rest during the winter months? I know I do. I’ve never been one for staying up late but the dark nights have me getting into bed even earlier than usual. But, if sleep doesn’t come easily for you or your lifestyle means that extra sleep isn’t possible then try making the few hours that you can manage, the best quality possible; Here are 7 tips for getting a better night’s sleep. 

STAY ACTIVE
It’s tempting to hibernate and stay tucked up in the warm during the winter months but our mind, body and spirit are all nourished with regular activity, especially if you can enjoy the outdoors. It doesn’t have to be much, just a daily walk or taking the kids to the park on the weekends. Not only does it raise your happy hormones that can be in short supply during the darker months but it keeps our bodies healthy and less sluggish.      

REACH WITHIN
The cold weather and lack of light can have a serious impact on our mood and motivation. So how can we counterbalance that? Well, one way could be to change our approach to how we see this time of the year. Now, I’ll admit that I can find the cold months a challenge but I’ve changed my mindset to see this time of year for working inwards and for letting go of anything that no longer serves me. I spend more time in meditation, rest and say no to anything that isn’t good for me. Try allowing yourself the time to do the same and when you reach the spring you’ll feel healed and ready to bloom - just like the plants.        

NOURISH YOUR SKIN
Keep your skin healthy this winter and you’ll be glad that you did when spring comes around. I’m a big fan of dry skin brushing, it’s easy to fit into your morning routine and really wakes up your body before stepping into the shower. If your skincare isn’t as natural as you’d like then try making a few changes. Swap commercially made shower gel - that can often leave skin feeling dry - for natural soap bars created with nourishing oils and butters to care for your skin. And, for a little extra care consider adding a natural body oil into your routine to help keep dry skin at bay; apply to warm clean skin when you step out of the shower for the best results. 

HYDRATE
Drinking plenty of water isn’t reserved for the hot summer months. Our bodies need to be kept well hydrated in the winter months too and that means increasing your water intake. It’s generally thought that around 1.2 litres of water each day replaces what we lose however if that feels like a challenge take small steps. Try replacing one of your warm or carbonated drinks with water every day for a week - see how much better you feel and then increase it to 2 drinks per day.

MEDITATE
Winter has a slower pace which makes it the perfect season to embrace meditation; whether that means increasing the time you spend in meditation every day, enhancing your practice with an aromatherapy meditation candle or simply getting started with a new meditation practice. Wherever you are on your path, every minute of meditation is time well spent. Read more about making meditation your new wellness habit

JOURNAL  
Journaling helps you to take a step back from all of the issues swirling around in your mind. Putting all of those unspoken words down on paper can be such a relief and if you choose it can be the start of a healing journey. It’s not about simply documenting what is happening around you but more about expressing on paper how you feel. Journaling can be a healing practice; helping you to identify patterns in your thinking and celebrate the progress that you are making. 

Don’t feel that you have to journal everyday unless you want to. It doesn’t have to be written on anything special either - a scrap piece of paper works just as well as anything else. And, if you want to destroy it rather than leave your words where they might be read by someone else then feel free to do just that, it’s your choice.

So, where can you get started on improving your wellness this winter? I hope that these simple tips have given you some ideas of your own too and that you feel inspired to get started today. Remember to print a copy of my 30 day habit tracker to help build motivation along the way.

AUTHOR: LEANNA DOOLIN

Co – Founder of holistic skincare brand, Pure Thoughts and advocate for women finding pause in their day to breathe deeply, give thanks and reconnect to what matters. Loves early mornings, dogs and books that you can’t put down.