For some, the very thought of the approaching holidays elicits childhood images of snowmen with carrot noses. Groups of carol singers. And feasts of warm foods that nourish both the heart and soul.
For others?
The screaming children. The shopping panic. The crowded parking lots. And the uncomfortable holiday meal at the in-laws makes them want to go to sleep and wake up in January.
As we approach the winter season, one thing we can all agree on is our desire to stay healthy. But winter wellness is about more than just dodging illness and convincing the kids to eat a hearty vegetable stew.
Winter is Mother Nature’s rest period. When we are in step with nature, we find balance. It is a time to slow down. Reflect. Replenish. We are grateful for the year that has passed as well as the year yet to come.
Here are five winter wellness tips to help you make it a happy and healthy holiday season.
1. Sweat it Out – Even in the darker and colder days of winter, it is important to keep the body moving and blood flowing. Whether you bundle up and go outside for a run, or you strip down and get into a sauna, sweating helps remove the toxins and waste from the body. Find a way each day to release the toxins and stress. Turn your living room into a gym by doing pushups, yoga, lunges and squats. Even if it’s only ten minutes. It could be the most important ten minutes of your day!
2. Drink It In – In cooler temperatures, we may not sense our thirst as much as when it is hot. Take note of your water intake and be sure to listen to your body’s need to hydrate. The dry air means our skin, hair and nails will benefit from some extra water. If cool water doesn’t seem appealing, heat some herbal tea or add lemon to some warm water. Warm water with lemon is also a great way to start your morning as it helps to wake up the digestive system and detox the body.
3. Just say NO! – The holiday season is exciting! You may travel long distances to catch up with friends or family members you only see once a year. Every weekend seems to fill up with more social events than you have time for. And while it is fun to indulge in special treats, going overboard can make you wish you hadn’t. Be honest with yourself and recognize your limits before you leave the house. Become comfortable with saying “no.” It is a complete sentence! You don’t have to explain your reasons. Identify your top priorities and stick to your plan.
4. Just say YES! – Isn’t it nice when the presents are wrapped perfectly by yours truly? Isn’t it true that only you know how to make your great aunt’s apple pie just the way she did? And don’t you agree it really is best if you choose all the family outfits for the parties? We want our kids and spouses to look their best, right? But what would happen if on top of everything else you had to do, when someone offered you help, you said, “Yes. Thank you!” Even if it meant that something may not be done the way you would do it, the point is that it gets done! Let go of the details and let in the loving support. You will be thankful you did!
5. Fill Your Cup – No, we are not talking about the cup that holds that warm tea and water we discussed. Nope. This is your cup. Your body. Soul. Mind. The very place where you store your most precious energy to keep you going no matter what. One of the most important people you need to take care of during the busy winter months…is you! Find your own unique treat that makes you feel replenished. A warm bath with essential oils and candles? A daily meditation practice to calm the mind amidst all the chaos? A long walk in the cool air out of the house and into nature? Or even a movie night with the whole family whereyou get to choose the movie! Whatever action fills your cup, promise yourself that you will do this. Daily.
At the end of the day, at the end of the season, what is the most important thing to you?
Family? Laughter? Love? When you know the answer, all the other details just melt away. And you are left with more energy. More joy. And a lot of oddly wrapped Christmas presents and a burnt apple pie.
Off to build my snowman,
Kristyn
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