The sun is still shining in Ibiza but for most of us, we are settling into the winter months of Northern Europe and all that the colder season brings. I personally kind of love the change in seasons and enjoy the shift in energy it brings. I definitely find my body naturally wants to slow down and ease into a state of, not quite hibernation, but something that resembles cocooning.
However, I know that not everyone loves the colder, damper days and the darker evenings, particularly come January when the Christmas festivities are over and it feels like winter is draggning on. But if we can find and cultivate some winter wellness habits that we enjoy early in the season and try to embrace the different pace and the positives, it can make a big difference to how we emerge in spring time.
Everyone has their own thing but below are a few of my favourite ways to feel enthusiastic about winter.
~ Words matter and whether you're someone who likes to journal or is happy to be in your head allowing thoughts to flow, I find certain words just bring a little enthusiasm and light to the season. The Scandinavians had it right with the concept of Hygge, or in Irish the word teolaí, meaning cosy is a pretty good place to start. How many words can you think of that bring a positive association with winter?
~ Getting outdoors means getting bundled up in wooly hats and scarves and gloves, and on those crisp winter days a walk in the woods amongst pine trees and ferns and streams is the most mood boosting thing ever. Seeing your breath on your exhale and feeling the tip of your nose go cold as you walk at a pace to stay warm. Even better with friends or loved ones!
~ Curling up by a fire with a hot drink with a good book.
~ Taking a hot bath with bath salts, essential oils, candles, and music is the ultimate relaxation for me. It doesn't get any better than that!
~ Chilling out on those early nights, making the most of the longer evenings, and giving props to our body clocks and circadian rhythms.
~Preparing soup. Or any other comforting dish you like during the winter season.
~ Slow weekends and staying in pyjamas til mid morning.
~ Gentle movement and just taking it easy with my yoga and pilates in the colder months, opting for gentle movements and a more restorative approach.
What self-care practices do you enjoy the most during this season to ward off the winter blues? Embrace them, savor them, and discover happiness in simple daily routines.
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