Throughout the year, it’s important for us all to try and maintain good health. Whether in a physical or mindful sense, practising self-care and making sure we’re in touch with our lifestyle habits is essential for improving day-to-day life. However, things do start to get bit tricky when the seasons inevitably change and the weather isn’t always nice and clear outside. During the colder months, when the mornings are brisk, there’s a bitter wind in the air and it gets darker much earlier, it’s not hard for anyone to get thrown off by the change of pace. It’s a time of the year when it’s easier than ever to stay isolated at home and push aside any form of self-kindness, so we’ve put together some of the best ways to help you thrive while keeping cozy this winter.
Declutter
Your home is your sanctuary, and one of the most satisfying things you can do on a cold winter’s afternoon might just be a little decluttering. Everyone’s got their preferences in what makes the perfect living space so there’s no one way to do this, but the act of freeing up those cupboards and cabinets could be a great way to reduce stress and create that feeling of productivity and control you might feel like you’ve lost staying indoors more often. In addition to this, anything of quality that you no longer want may be perfect in the hands of someone else in need. Local charity shops can offer the opportunity for you to donate and spread kindness, engaging positively with your community.
Stay Connected
Keeping up with your connections is another great way look after yourself as well as others. Touching base with family, friends or even your furry companions can be food for the soul when all you may want to do is stay under a blanket in the living room, well away from the cold outdoors. Whether it’s a quick chat over the phone or a bushwalk together in the mountains, spending time with the ones you love is a surefire way to make you feel warm inside.
Looking for a group activity?
Springwood Sports Club offers Barefoot Bowls for any occasion, casual fun with your favourite people | Click here to learn more
Boost your Immunity
A cooler environment means that our bodies are working harder than usual to keep us at our full potential each day, doing what it can to avoid all sorts of viruses and infections that naturally come with wintertime. Building up a strong immunity is crucial for self-care, and one of the ways to do this is with an energy and nutrient-rich diet. Making sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole grains, as well as foods rich in vitamin D, such as fish, eggs and mushrooms, is vital for maintaining good health and can taste fantastic if worked into your usual meals. Additionally, you’ll want to stay consistently hydrated and get proper amounts of sleep each night to further boost your immunity and shield yourself from those unwanted illnesses.
Live in the Moment
While these techniques are all exceptional ways to practise self-care, it’s also important not to get too caught up in any expectations you might set for yourself over the season. Sometimes, staying inside and relaxing with your own creature comforts might be a great form of mindfulness and self-appreciation. In moderation, treating yourself to something special can greatly improve your mood and regulate emotions. For some, it might be as simple as losing yourself in a new book with a scented candle nearby. For others, maybe it’s picking up an old creative skill and spending an afternoon with a paintbrush in hand. Self-care doesn’t mean one thing to everyone; there are countless ways to be kind to yourself and others this season so take care and enjoy the cool air!