Live Freely: A Short Guide to Winter Wellness and Staying Active
Estimated Reading Time: (2.5 mins)
As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, it's tempting to hibernate indoors and let the winter blues set in. However, maintaining an active lifestyle, tackling seasonal depression, and nourishing your body with immune-boosting foods can help you not only survive but thrive during the colder months.
Embracing the Cold with Physical Activity
One of the best ways to combat the winter chill is to stay active. While the allure of a cozy blanket and a hot cup of cocoa may be strong, engaging in regular physical activity has numerous benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. There are many ways to include movement into your daily routine.
A few practical and minimal activation effort examples include a 5 minute workout at home, walking your dog, deskercise, and cleaning around the house. For more practical examples of physical activity. Check out our previous blog here! (Move Freely: 6 Practical & Simple Ways to Keep Your Body Active). Not only will exercise keep you warm, but it also releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that can help ward off the winter blues.
Tackling Seasonal Depression Head-On
The winter months often bring about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that is related to changes in seasons. Combating SAD involves incorporating light therapy, spending time outdoors during daylight hours, and practicing mindfulness.
Surrounding yourself with bright lights, especially in the morning, can help regulate your body's internal clock and improve your mood.
Our 2 salt booths offer color (light) therapy. You book a 15 minute session, practice mindfulness and meditation, while breathing in our 99.99% pharmaceutical grade sodium chloride. Breathing in the granular salt may help with respiratory issues, and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Additionally, maintaining social connections and engaging in activities you enjoy can provide emotional support and alleviate feelings of isolation that often accompany seasonal depression.
Nourishing Your Body with Immune-Boosting Foods
Winter is notorious for colds and flu, but a well-balanced diet can help fortify your immune system. Incorporate immune-boosting foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants into your meals. Citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, garlic, and ginger are excellent choices.
Consider adding warming spices like turmeric and cinnamon to your dishes, as they not only enhance flavor but also offer anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, and broths to keep your body functioning optimally.
Finding a Balanced Routine
The key to a healthy winter lies in finding a balanced routine that encompasses physical activity, mental well-being, and proper nutrition. Mix up your exercise routine to keep things interesting, and don't be afraid to try new activities like self lead yoga.
We offer yoga mats inside our salt room. For increased social connections, why not invite a few friends or family members to your next salt session? Practice self lead yoga together for up to 45 minutes per session.
We encourage you to embrace the beauty of winter by spending time outdoors, even if it's just for a brisk walk. Prioritize self-care, whether it's through meditation, reading, journaling, or indulging in a warm shower. Most importantly, pay attention to your diet to ensure your body has the nutrients it needs to fend off illnesses and keep your energy levels up.
Winter doesn't have to be a season of hibernation and lethargy. By staying active, tackling seasonal depression head-on, and nourishing your body with immune-boosting foods, you can not only survive but thrive during the colder months. Best wishes from our EPIC family to yours to embrace the chill, and let this winter be a season of wellness and vitality!
Book a salt booth or salt room session today! Don’t forget to ask about our intro offer.
References:
Arora, M. (2023, February 16). Vegan instant pot cauliflower soup. Piping Pot Curry. https://pipingpotcurry.com/cauliflower-soup-instant-pot/
Thomson, L. (2023, December 11). Ginger smoothie recipe. I Heart Vegetables. https://iheartvegetables.com/ginger-smoothie-recipe/