Your Winter Wellness Guide

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Winter has come and even just maybe snow is on its way, the air is nipping at your nose and the holidays are close. Okay, so it might not always be quite so easy to keep the cheer up. Sometimes the negatives like having a chilly commute or train delays, and the ever-growing holiday shopping list can feel overwhelming.

Make this time of year as easy and enjoyable as possible by taking care of yourself, mind body, and soul! With the right mindset and some health and wellness tips, you’ll have all you need to conquer the holidays and the winter season with cheer and delight.

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year! ” -Thomas Wentworth Higginson

Here's a winter wellness guide for you.

Winter Wellness Guide For your body...

Tea Time For most of us, this won’t be a hard one! Take that tea break. Feeling chilly? A nice cup of tea will warm you right up. And while you’re sipping, think about how rich in antioxidants black and green teas are. Regular tea drinkers tend to have healthier blood vessels and a lower risk of heart disease. That should hit the spot!

Portion Control We all love the holidays for the decadent foods and desserts. Plus with the weather being colder, it makes sense to want to warm up on the inside with hearty foods. It’s important not to overdo it though and pay attention to your portion control. Try the little things, like filling your plate with vegetables first or waiting twenty minutes before going back for seconds. Don’t deprive yourself of the things you enjoy eating, or your plans to eat healthier will never last. Just be considerate of what you are taking in and the portion size you are allowing yourself.

Good to read: Best Winter Foods

Get Active, Both Inside & Outside Trust me we get it, it’s cold out. The wind chill and rain can even make it feel nasty out. So it’s understandable that you want to stay inside more. There are still beautiful days in the winter time though! Take advantage of mild or sunny days and head out for a stroll. Give into the kids and play outside by jumping into rainwater puddles or running around. When the day is just too cold and wet to get you outside, try indoor activities instead! Whether it’s practicing yoga, dancing around your room or doing HIIT exercises, you have options to stay active.

Drink More Milk! It’s true that you’re more likely to get a cold in the winter time, so work on building up your immune system. A simple thing you and your family can do is make it a point to eat and drink more dairy. Milk, cheese, and yogurts are rich sources of protein, vitamins A and B12, and calcium.

Winter Wellness Guide For your Mind...

Spread Out the Holiday Workload It’s easy to be consumed with everything that needs to get done for the holidays. Shopping, decorating, cooking for the family, organizing holidays plans. It’s overwhelming and it’s okay to admit that! Spread out the workload this winter season. Get a to-do list going and set some realistic timelines of what you can accomplish. Not waiting until the last minute to start, and prioritizing yourself over a few weeks will help your mental wellness, letting you be more productive. Don’t hesitate to reach out to family and friends for help either, this is the time of year to spend quality time!

winter wellness guide - family get together

Do Something as a Family Nothing says ‘it’s a holiday' like being all together. Take a little quality time to really be with your family and close friends. Maybe once a week you force the kids to a game night (they’ll end up laughing through it before they know it... even if they start out complaining). Round the gang up to make a gingerbread house or cozy up on the couch for a movie. The possibilities are endless and the time together is what really matters. Family is always good for the heart and soul.. and your well-being.

Curl up and Get Cozy Take time for yourself! When you're feeling run down, take the day off or at least set aside a few hours just for you. Everyone needs to give their mind and body a rest. Take a relaxing bath, pour a glass of wine, even take a catnap. These are all ways that you can pamper yourself, and I’m sure more are coming to mind!

Winter Wellness Guide For Your Safety...

Always Keep These Things In The Car

Snow and ice on the roads can be dangerous. You want to be prepared in case of an accident on the road, especially if you are traveling long distances and might not be close to the city. Some essential items that should always be in your car include:

First aid Kit
Water
Emergency food
Flashlight
Blanket
Ice Scraper
Duct tape
Multi-tool
Tire changing supplies
Jumper cables

Winter Wellness Guide For Your Spirit...

Do something to lift those around you. It’s the time of year to give and love. Your spirit will thank you for it and there are so many ways to do so!

Donate to a charity
Participate in a local gift drive
Christmas card writing to friends and loved ones
Phone a family member or friend you haven’t heard from in a while
Listen to Christmas music (This one is especially for your spirit, to get you in the mood!)