Four Self-Care Acts this Winter
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- October 31, 2024
It’s natural to feel a little bit deflated during winter time. The biting cold, the shorter days, and the persistent sniffles can all conspire to bring down your mood. In some cases, this can even result in a kind of depression, called Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Getting on top of the winter blues means indulging in a little proactive self-care. But what exactly might that mean? Let’s take a look.
Create a Cosy Atmosphere
In Denmark, where they’re used to the effects of long, cold winters, there’s a special word – ‘hygge’ – which refers to the atmosphere and vibe that acts as a perfect antidote to the season. Simply put, ‘hygge’ is all about making yourself feel safe and cosy – which means many things. It might mean savouring special warm meals, like soups, stews and teas. It might mean wrapping up in a warm blanket and watching something mindless on the television. Best yet, it means inviting friends over, and doing all of these cosy things in their company.
Practice Gentle Movement and Stretching
Most people, as a rule, are less physically active during the winter. However, this can exacerbate the problems we have with mood. You can deal with this by proactively making a point of exercising. Stretching, yoga, and pilates can all be effective in loosening up the body, and helping us to feel strong.
You might also elect to wrap up warm, and go for a walk in the woods. Being surrounded by nature as you exercise has a proven positive effect on mood and on mental health in general. So, why not take advantage?
Indulge in Hobbies
Whatever it is that you love to do, it’s worth taking the time out of your day to actually do it during winter. Whether it’s writing, painting, playing the piano, or cooking, a creative outlet can really help to drive down stress, and make you feel like you’re making good use of your time. You might even take up a new hobby, like gardening. Be sure to take caution when plating in the winter – using techniques to protect your crops like polytunnels, mulching or repotting towards the colder months. This time of year is also great for general garden maintenance. Get it right, and you could achieve big things in the coming spring!
Take Warm Baths or Showers
While there’s a great deal to be said for the health benefits of a freezing cold shower, there’s nothing quite like a long soak in warm water for relaxing stiff muscles and joints. You can enhance a bath with Epsom salts, essential oils (like lavender or eucalyptus), and bubbles, thereby creating a spa-like vibe at home. Don’t forget to care for your skin afterwards, with the help of body oils and moisturisers.
Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash
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Our Editorial Team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions may not always be the views of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under the direction of medical supervision please speak to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommnedations in these articles.
