7 Self-Care Tips To Improve Winter Wellness
Winter has arrived, and while some may dread the colder temperatures, the chilly season can be the best time to rest, recuperate and practice self-care. It's important to look after yourself both mentally and physically throughout all the seasons, but winter can also bring a myriad of nasty health conditions, making it even more important to look after yourself. To get you through those chilly mornings and long nights, we have pulled together seven self-care tips so you can make the most of winter.
1. Stay Active With Regular Exercise
While it can be tempting to stay warm under the covers all winter long, exercise is an important part of beating the winter blues. Exercise releases those wonderful endorphins that can help your mental health and overall happiness. Here are some easy ways to get an endorphin fix:
- Come see us in studio! Take the time to book your classes at the beginning of the week, when you are setting your goals. Booking in advance prioritises fitness, making you more likely to exercise regularly. You can view our current timetables and book online here
- Train online - When you can’t muster the courage to brave the cold outside, there is always our online workouts that you can do with the heater blasting in your home! There is a huge variety of at-home workouts for you to choose from. We are particularly loving our PIT (Pilates Interval Training) and Yoga classes for winter.
- Take a walk - Instead of meeting at a café for a coffee, grab your hot drink to-go and take a walk with friends. Don’t forget your Premium Pilates & Fitness SOL reusable coffee cup, available to purchase in studio
2. Dress Warm
It’s important to protect your body against drops in temperature. While it might be mild in Brisbane, cooler weather and chilling wind can affect your body’s ability to fight off viruses and infections. Make sure your wardrobe is stocked with winter essentials, like:
- Layers, layers, layers! We know that many parts of the world may laugh at our Brisbane winters, but we all know that it does get chilly early in the mornings and in the evenings. Layers works so well to keep the chill out and to peel off slowly when you do your exercise.
- A snuggly scarf – I feel warm just writing that!
- Socks – They make the world of difference at night! I myself love wearing Moveactive grippy socks around the house. My feet stay warm, I avoid slipping and the socks stay on whilst I sleep. Several of our clients swear by this as well. You can pick up a pair in studio.
3. Stay Hydrated
It’s surprisingly easy to become dehydrated in the winter. With drier air and a reduced urge for thirst, we often don’t get the hydration we need to stay healthy. Here are a few fresh ideas to make staying hydrated a little more interesting:
- Track your water intake by using a water bottle instead of a glass. Why not use a beautiful Premium Pilates & Fitness SOL glass water bottle, available to purchase in studio
- Enjoy soothing winter teas - One of our favourites is Pukka’s Peppermint and Licorice, made with licorice root, the minty brilliance of fresh peppermint leaves. Yum!
- Mix up your water - Combine hot water, lemon, ginger and honey or infuse chilled water with fresh fruits and herbs for a refreshing twist
4. Enjoy Nourishing Food
Rejoice in the magic of mother nature! Winter brings with it a bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as many warming winter specialties. Be sure to eat well and try not give in to every carb craving - it’s all about balance 😉 Some things to consider in your diet this winter:
- Wintery greens are packed with vitamin C. Try integrating cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts and broccoli into your weekly food plan
- Zinc helps keep the immune system strong and is an important part of maintaining good health. Foods rich in zinc include meat, seafood, nuts, seeds, dairy and legumes
- Soups are the real winter superhero. An easy way to meet all your nutritional needs and boost your vitamin intake in one big bowl of YUM. Check out our latest warming winter soup recipe
- Start your day off warm and toasty with a bowl of oats. Oats have many proven health benefits, including lowering your risk of heart disease. Jazz it up with some frozen berries and a sprinkle of chia seeds, or try an overnight oat recipe
5. Rest
Winter can be the best time to rest and recuperate. Sleep is especially important in winter, as it is integral in maintaining a healthy immune system. Here are some tips to help you get enough rest:
- Resist the urge to oversleep. If you sleep too much, it can actually make you feel sluggish. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and aim for about 8 hours each night
- Let some light in to your bedroom. The shorter days and longer nights in winter can throw off your body’s sleep cycle, leaving you feeling sleepy. Letting light in helps balance your melatonin levels
- Watch what you eat in the afternoon and evening, particularly your caffeine and sugar intake
- Turn off distractions, like Netflix or social media. Instead, opt for a book or a sleep podcast (try Sleep With Me) to switch off your mind for a long, relaxing sleep
6. Look After Your Skin
Skin is the body’s largest organ, and it’s often hit hard in winter. Indoor heaters and a drop in humidity makes the air drier, both inside and out. A few top tips for looking after your skin:
- Use a quality moisturiser to give your skin the extra nourishment it needs. I love Alpha H Multivitamin Super Cream for your face, which you can pick up in Camp Hill at Olli Skin Care
- Regular exfoliating (twice a week) will buff away dead cells so new cells can come in healthier and without obstruction. Try this Shea Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub from the Body Shop
- Don’t forget your face. Using a hydrating face mask once a week will help hydrate your skin, remove excess oils and improve the appearance of your pores. We recently tried out this Karuna mask from Mecca and it was magical
7. Meditate
The winter blues are real. Caring for your mind should form the foundation of your wellness routine, through winter and beyond. Regular meditation can help reduce stress, control anxiety and promote emotional health. If you are new to meditation or need inspiration, there are some great apps and online guides.
- Try this meditation guide which has been created specially to chase away the winter blues
- Get an App to guide you. There are many apps to keep you on track, such as 10% Happier (developed especially for you meditation sceptics out there), The Mindfulness App, Headspace or Breethe
We hope you take the opportunity to practice these self-care tips this winter, to keep your mind and body happy and healthy all season long! See you in the studio for that endorphin fix 😊 💪
