5 Ways to Jumpstart a Winter Wellness Routine

If you live in a climate with four seasons, only the strong survive when it comes to vegetables. Why not take advantage of the season by eating what grows at this time of year? Hearty winter vegetables and leafy greens come packed with nutrients. Try rutabaga, spinach, kale, pumpkin, turnips, carrots, and parsnips for a delicious nutritious meal. Or, look for local winter vegetables native to your area at a local farmer’s market.

Wintertime can mean shorter days and colder temperatures. This can often put staying active on the back burner, especially with unpleasant temperatures outside. But sitting around all winter, you’ll miss out on all the amazing health benefits of working out. According to MedlinePlus, exercise may help balance your mood, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve sleep. 

Why not take the change in seasons as an opportunity to try something new? Maybe you can enjoy chilly outdoor activities, like skiing, snowing, or sledding, to get your heart pumping. Or, fit in a new daily exercise, like a 30-minute morning walk or 10-minute stretch to start your day. Sometimes all it takes is switching things up to find an exciting and new workout that you’ll actually stick to.

Oftentimes, well-being focuses more on the physical side of staying healthy. But mental health is just as important. Winter is an especially crucial time to care for your mental health, as limited sunshine and time outside can lead to seasonal mood slumps. According to The Cleveland Clinic, some people experience “winter blues”, a seasonal depression that occurs during a certain time of year. Not to mention, the stress that tends to come along with the holiday season.

Turn your winter months into an opportunity for self-care and healing. Psychology Today recommends checking in with yourself regularly. Take a moment each day to listen to how you feel. You can use journaling exercises to write down your thoughts. Schedule a date with a friend each week, to check-in and open up about your life. Maybe try a new form of emotional healing, like meditation or therapy.

Self-care is not selfish. Self-care is an act of love, so you can feel healthy and show up to the world as your highest self. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, self-care can often fall to the wayside. But don’t forget, on top of gift-giving and celebrations, you should also fit in time for self-care, too!

Why not take the change in seasons as an opportunity to treat yourself? Try a new self-care ritual that you’ve never done before. You could look to the East, for traditional healing treatments, like acupuncture, Reiki, or an Abhyanga massage. You could spend the afternoon at a spa or go on a healing retreat. Just make a point to do something for yourself, as an act of self-love to spark joy this winter season.

As much as self-care matters, so does giving back to others. According to the Mayo Clinic, volunteering may improve mental health and could reduce symptoms of depression. So not only do you help someone else, but you’ll also feel better doing it!

What do you have to offer to help others? Look for ways to give back to your community. Often during the winter holidays, organizations run seasonal donations, like collecting canned goods, blankets, and clothing. You could look for more hands-on ways to get involved, like fostering a shelter animal, visiting a lonely neighbor, or mentoring. Even just a small act of kindness this winter can go a long way, both for your mental health and the wellbeing of others.

Must-Haves for Every Wellness Toolkit
Meet the 6 Dimensions of Wellness
5 Teas To Warm Up Your Winter And Leave You Feeling Healthy