Winter Wellness: Tips for Staying Healthy and Happy This Winter Season

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Happy January!

The Christmas tree has come down and the sparkle of the holiday season is behind us. 🎄

We felt really flat when the lodge was back to its normal day-to-day self so we thought we would look into a few ways for us all to lift our spirits for the month ahead

As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s easy to let the winter blues take over.

However, with a little effort and some mindful practices, you can maintain your well-being and enjoy the beauty of the winter season.

Here are some winter wellness tips to help you stay healthy and happy during the colder months. ❄️

1. Embrace the Outdoors

Spending time outside can improve your mood and health despite the chilly weather.

Fresh air and sunlight are essential for your well-being. Bundle up in warm layers and take a walk or hike. The natural light can help boost your Vitamin D levels and improve your mood.

We don’t really make New Year’s resolutions but we have committed to walking more this year and trying to hit ten thousand steps each day as many times as we can (OK it sounds like a resolution 😂)

We use step trackers on our phones (most Android and Apple phones can do this, as can Samsung Health, Apple Health, Fitbit apps, etc.) and Smart watches to track our steps.

They can help give you motivation and a little nudge when you have been sitting too long.

For an extra bit of motivation, consider asking some friends to share their steps at the end of the day as a little challenge to see who can do the most.

Here are a few more benefits of simply getting outside and walking;

Walking is an incredibly beneficial activity for both your physical and mental well-being.

It’s a low-impact exercise that improves cardiovascular health by strengthening your heart and lungs. Walking regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Beyond the physical benefits, walking is also a fantastic stress reliever. It allows you to clear your mind, boost your mood, and improve your sleep quality.

So, lace up your shoes, step outside, and discover the many wonders of walking!

2. Stay Active

It’s tempting to hibernate during winter (with lots of candles 🕯️🕯️), but staying active is crucial for your physical and mental health.

Incorporate indoor exercises like yoga, pilates, or home workouts into your routine (you can find many for free on YouTube)

If you prefer the gym, try out new classes or machines. Regular physical activity can help you stay fit, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.

If you prefer to stay indoors you could try a walking pad like we bought from Amazon. It’s easy to keep it handy and pull it out whenever you have a few spare moments. You can even sneak in some extra steps while watching TV!

3. Nourish Your Body

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy hearty and nutritious meals.

Focus on a balanced diet rich in seasonal vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Soups, stews, and casseroles are great options to keep you warm and nourished.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and herbal teas.

Winter is the perfect time to dust off the slow cooker and fill the house with the most wonderful aromas as you come home in the evenings. Nick enjoys making hearty stews in our slow-cooker

4. Prioritise Sleep

Good sleep is essential for your health, especially during the winter months.

Create a cosy sleep environment by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book or taking a warm bath, to help you unwind.

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to keep your immune system strong and your energy levels high.

And don’t forget the all-important nana naps! For anyone who thinks napping is a waste of time then I found some facts about those all-important forty winks in the afternoon

Improved Alertness and Focus: A short nap can significantly boost your energy levels and sharpen your mental focus. This can be particularly helpful after a heavy meal or during a dip in your afternoon productivity.

Enhanced Mood: Napping can help to improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress and fatigue. It can also help to improve your overall cognitive function, including memory and problem-solving skills.

Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Problems: Some studies have suggested that regular napping may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. However, more research is needed to confirm this link.

5. Practice Self-Care

Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as physical health.

Set aside time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether reading, crafting, or spending time with loved ones.

The new year is a great time to take up a new hobby, especially as we tend to spend more time indoors because of the weather

Mindfulness practices like meditation and journaling can help you stay grounded and reduce stress.

Find a notebook that inspires you – perhaps a beautifully bound journal, or simply a blank one that feels special. Alternatively, if you prefer the convenience of your phone, explore journaling apps like Journey.

The key is to simply let your thoughts flow onto the page. Don’t worry about structure or perfection; just write whatever comes to mind

6. Strengthen Your Immune System

Winter is the season for colds and flu, so supporting your immune system is important.

We both caught that bug that’s been making the rounds this winter and its taken a while for us to shake it off

Eat a balanced diet, stay active, get enough sleep

Consider taking supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc, but always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.

7. Stay Connected

Winter can sometimes feel isolating, but staying connected with friends and family is crucial for your mental health.

Make an effort to reach out to loved ones through phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits if possible. Social interactions can boost your mood and provide a sense of support and belonging.

It’s tempting to hibernate when the weather’s grim, but try to make time for friends and family. A good chat over coffee can really brighten your day.

If you’re not up for venturing out, invite someone over – maybe even bake a little something special

If you’re not feeling social (we all have those days!), consider joining a Facebook group dedicated to your hobbies and interests. Even online connections can provide a real mood boost. Why not try our Lodge Guys Facebook group for some lively conversation and a few laughs?

8. Find Joy in the Season

Finally, embrace the unique joys that winter brings. Celebrate the holidays, indulge in seasonal treats, and enjoy the cosy moments by the fire.

If you don’t have a real fire, even watching a crackling fireplace on YouTube can create a cosy and warm atmosphere, try the ones below.

Finding joy in the little things can help you appreciate the beauty of winter and stay positive throughout the season.

Many of us savour the joy and cosiness of Christmas, but January can feel like a bit of a comedown after all the festivities.

But why wait until December to enjoy the good stuff? Keep the Christmas spirit alive! 🎅🤶

Wear those festive jumpers and pyjamas if they bring you comfort, light those cosy Christmas candles, and indulge in your favourite holiday movies. 🎄

Identify the things that truly make you happy about Christmas and try to incorporate some of that magic into your January routine

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By following these winter wellness tips, you can maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle even during the coldest months.

Embrace the season, take care of yourself, and enjoy all the wonderful things winter has to offer. ❄️☃️

Let us know in the comments section below how you are doing this winter. We would love to know ⛄

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