Winter can be a beautiful and contemplative season, but it is often difficult to enjoy it with the cold temperature and various illnesses in the air. Luckily, it is entirely possible to enjoy a picturesque winter season with a few simple steps! This guide will give you all of the self-care tips you need to enjoy winter today. One of the most difficult things about winter is the high-probability of getting sick. Whether it is a sore throat, stuffy nose, or flu, you’ll want to protect yourself while still enjoying the season. For many, the solution is either getting their annual flu shot or relying on over-the-counter medicines. Here are a few tips to protect yourself while also being around those you love and enjoy!
Staying Healthy and Warm
First, you’ll want to keep your body and home warm throughout the season. This seems obvious enough, but it requires more than just a sweater and heater. Make sure to wear socks indoors to keep your body temperature down, and sip on warm tea throughout the day. Avoid caffeinated drinks and teas in the evenings and instead choose something calming like chamomile. In addition, following this old Ayurvedic principle would serve well all season long – avoid drinking anything colder than your actual body temperature. In other words, unless necessary, forgo adding ice to your favorite beverages.
As the temperature drops, you’ll also find that the air gets drier as well. This can cause your throat and sinuses to get scratchy which also leaves you more susceptible to common colds. To prevent this, get an air humidifier and if desired, add some pleasant natural oils into the mix. Oils like lavenderLAVENDER is commonly used in skincare, fragrances, aromatherapy, and perfumes. It's ruled by Mercury and the Element of Air and offers protection against the evil eye. More, lemon, or peppermintRuled by Mercury and the element Fire, PEPPERMINT LEAF is a beneficial stimulant that must always be diluted regardless of its form. A diffused form of peppermint sprayed into the More can open your airways and keep you relaxed throughout the season. But please be mindful if that certain essential oils are harmful to children and pets. Plus, a humidifier can add much-needed moisture to your room, which aims in keeping your sinuses clear no matter the temperature outside! Also, change your furnace/AC filter on a monthly basis too!
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Depending on where you live, the winter may bring sub-zero temperatures and occasional snowstorms. When the sun isn’t present for long periods of time, your body begins to produce less vitamin DVitamin D, often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," is crucial for various physiological processes in the body. Its primary role is in calcium absorption and bone health, as it. When you have a vitamin D deficiency, you may experience mood swings along with other symptoms like depression, lethargy, insomnia and seasonal affective disorder (or SAD). To help, consider a small vitamin D supplement if you can’t consume enough foods to contain it as it may help to keep your levels stable. Plus, you can get some festive and colorful lights to hang indoors so you can always enjoy the warmth of the season and lift your moods. Another way is through regular exercise. While you may not be able to run outside, you can practice yoga or body weight fitness inside of your home! Or consider, doing daily pushups, jogging in place, or simply shaking our arms and body throughout the day to release excessive pranasee ki. During the winter months, even the smallest amount of exercise can go a long way in keeping your mind and body healthy.
Arts, Crafts, and Literature
You may spend more time inside during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean you have to be bored! Find some unique activities or games that you can play inside to stay busy aside sending the entire weekend in a “Netflix and chill” ritual. Consider playing a board game with family or friends or do a solo activity like arts and crafts, drawing, or anything craft that reignites your passion, especially if its something you haven’t been able to do in awhile. Plus, nothing is better than grabbing some hot chocolate, curl up in a blanket, and dive into a long and well-written book! Have some hot chocolate, curl up in a blanket.
These are just a few ideas to help you implement self-care all season long. For many, the winter isn’t their favorite season, but whose to stay you can’t enjoy at from the comfort of your own home. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have a wonderful winter season without worries!