October 22, 2024
As the year winds down and the days get shorter, it’s the perfect time to embrace simple, yet powerful health habits that can help you stay balanced and energized. Here are five easy things you can implement, tailored specifically to the winter season and the holiday hustle:
Snowshoeing with the pups in Southwest CO 1. Sync Your Sleep with the Winter Light Cycle: With shorter days and longer nights, it’s tempting to feel out of sync. Start aligning your sleep schedule with natural light cycles. Try dimming the lights in the evening and getting outside during daylight, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This helps regulate your circadian rhythm, improve sleep quality, and boost your mood—especially when it feels dark all the time.
2. Harness the Power of Morning Light: In winter, the sun rises later, so take advantage of the morning light whenever possible. Even 10 minutes of natural light exposure in the morning can help regulate your mood and reduce feelings of winter blues or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you can’t get outside, try using a light therapy lamp to mimic daylight indoors. My advice, just open your blinds!
3. Reduce Inflammation by Warming Up Your Meals: Cold weather calls for warm, nourishing foods. Focus on anti-inflammatory options like hearty vegetable soups, bone broth, and ginger or turmeric teas. These not only help soothe your digestive system but also support immunity and reduce overall inflammation in your body during the colder months.
4. Create "Holiday Quiet Time" for Mood Balance: The holiday season can be overwhelming, with social obligations, travel, and shopping stress. Combat feelings of overwhelm by creating small windows of quiet time—just 5-10 minutes a day for BREAKS, a few deep breaths or simply enjoying a cup of tea in silence. This can help lower cortisol, reduce anxiety, and keep you grounded during the busiest time of the year.
5. Move with Warmth and Intention: In the colder months, staying active can be harder, but it’s still crucial for your mental and physical health. Opt for indoor, warming activities like yoga, stretching, or even a few bodyweight exercises at home. If you’re heading outside, try to get your blood flowing with brisk walks, and don’t forget to bundle up—keeping your body warm can help prevent stiffness and keep your energy up.
Feel free to pick the one that resonates most and start small. Remember, these simple habits can make a big difference when practiced consistently—especially during the winter!
xx, Chelsea C.