As the nights grow darker and the weather colder, winter is well and truly on its way.
However, the change in season can bring with it more than just a drop in temperature. It’s officially the time of year when people start to feel a little out of sorts but can’t put their finger on exactly why.
Feeling sluggish or even depressed when the weather begins to change is normal for many people as seasonal affective disorder (commonly known as SAD) takes hold.
But just because there’s a nip in the air and the days are shorter, it doesn’t mean you need to spend the coming months hibernating.
Here we offer five winter wellness tips designed to keep you happy and energised all season long.
- Get outside
This may seem easier said than done during the winter – especially when the wind is howling and the rain is pounding the pavements – but getting outside is a serious mood booster.
Being outdoors can help to improve your physical and mental wellbeing, along with increasing your Vitamin D intake which our immune system relies on to keep colds and flus away.
What’s more, natural daylight does a great job of raising your serotonin (one of your body’s feel-good chemicals) levels. As we hunker down for winter, serotonin levels in the brain dip so getting outside is recommended to alleviate depression.
Just remember to wrap up!
- Stay active
Let’s be honest, winter is the easiest time of year to blow off a workout.
“It’s too cold. It’s too wet. It’s too dark…” The excuses are endless but it’s important to push past them. Exercise offers vital support to your immune system during the colder months.
If your usual outdoor workout isn’t possible due to the weather, don’t let that put you off exercising entirely. You could join a gym or sign up to a fitness programme during winter to keep you on the move and ward off any seasonal illnesses. Being around other people, say in a spin class, can also give motivation to work just that little bit harder.
And don’t forget, every bit of activity counts. A workout doesn’t always need to be a heavy weights session. Something as simple as going for a brisk walk or taking part in a yoga class can also help to boost your body’s metabolism.
- Eat seasonal fruit and veg
One of the best things about winter is tucking into hearty, wholesome foods that warm your heart and your stomach. This season be sure to make the most of the best fruit and veg winter has to offer.
Incorporate root vegetables into your diet through cosy homemade soups and stews. Not only does soup give a warming sensation it’s also packed with antioxidants and potassium which can help protect your health.
Up your vitamin intake too with citrus fruits rich in Vitamin C to help boost immunity. Think tangerines, blood oranges and whire grapefruit.
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule
Just as staying active during the winter months is important, so is getting enough sleep.
Our sleep cycle is regulated by melatonin – a hormone that is released in response to light. Being exposed to excessive amounts of light at night – such as TV or phone screens – can impact the release of melatonin. This can not only reduce the hours of sleep you get each night but also sleep quality.
Having a positive sleep routine in place can help prevent you feeling sluggish during the cold, dark winter months. Cutting down on screen usage at night, avoiding caffeine and going to bed at the same time each night are just three ways to establish a positive sleep pattern.
- Perfect your skincare routine
The cold weather can cause havoc with your skincare regime. That’s why it’s important to make changes to your routine to suit the time of year.
If you have excessively dry skin the cold temperature and winds could be to blame. Coupled with the often stark temperature difference when going inside, it’s understandable that skin can be more irritated during the winter.
If you’re suffering from dry, cracked skin, try taking lukewarm showers instead of piping hot ones to help your skin retain as much moisture as possible. And don’t forget to moisturise twice a day.
You should also keep on top of your exfoliating and sunscreen routines – especially on crisp, bright days. Exfoliation helps clear dead skin cells and uncover healthier skin beneath it while sunscreen not only helps avoid sun damage but also prevents inflammation and further dryness from windburn.
To discover more about the services offered at Ludo’s Primal Wellness and how we can help you and your employees feel their best this winter, contact us by emailing ludo@ludosprimalwellness.com.
