Winter time is a time to nurture ourselves a bit more. We need to make sure that the dark days, cold weather, stormy weather and winter sniffles do not take a toll on our wellbeing.
1. Keep warm
Make sure you rug up when you are going outside on a cold and windy day. An extra layer of clothes, a scarf, and a jacket will help keep the cold at bay. Remember your hands and feet too! It is important to get outdoors for some natural light for at least 10 minutes a day.
2. Get more rest!
Snuggle up in bed, perhaps go to bed a little earlier so that you can get plenty of good quality sleep and there’s nothing wrong with a short daytime nap in front of the fire on a cold day!
3. Good nutrition
Winter is a wonderful time for those great soups! Remember Grandma’s Chicken Soup? Well, it’s time to find her recipe. Vegetable soups are a great way of getting those vitamins and minerals, too. Make sure you keep up your water intake – your skin will thank you!
4. Exercise your mind
Winter is a great time, when we are indoors more, to learn a new skill, take up a hobby, broaden your horizons by watching classic movies, reading, playing board games with friends, learn new computer skills, have some ‘me-time’, challenge yourself with new recipes, plan a holiday, learn to knit…. the possibilities are endless!
5. Go somewhere warm and sunny!
Do you find that your mood is lower in winter? This is quite common, and a holiday in the sun might be just the solution you are looking for! If you can’t manage to get away, make a corner of your garden into a ‘retreat’. Choose a sunny spot that is sheltered from the wind, a comfy chair, a hot cup of tea and a good book – you will feel like you have been away! Sue Buckle is a Registered Nurse, and is the Director of Just Better Care Hills District.
