Winter Wellness Rituals
With shorter days and cooler temperatures, winter is a time to rest, recharge, and re-evaluate our daily habits. Just as we change over our wardrobes to cozy knits and soft, warm layers, it’s also wise to switch up our wellness rituals. Dry, flaky skin is common during the winter months and a lack of vitamin d can negatively affect our mental health and wellbeing. The comforting rituals below are perfect for achieving optimum wellness during this seasonal change. Read on for more and let us know on social which ones you try!
Gift Yourself Gratitude
Begin or end your day by saying or jotting down three things you are grateful for. Practicing gratitude is scientifically proven to improve your physical and psychological health and will instantly change your perspective on the day ahead. Pro tip: Saying it out loud or physically writing down what you are grateful for will have a far deeper effect than just thinking it.
Nourish Your Skin
Try dry brushing. This ancient Ayurvedic practice has been around for centuries and has recently been experiencing a resurgence. A simple technique that involves brushing natural bristles over your skin in a circular motion — dry brushing combines exfoliation and massage, aids in the removal of dead skin cells, and improves blood circulation. Following this ritual, it’s good practice to layer on a thick, emollient cream, as freshly brushed skin is more receptive to moisturizing ingredients.
Go in on Yin
A slower and more meditative form of Yoga, Yin Yoga targets your deep connective tissues and calls for longer poses and deeper breathwork. Poses are held for anywhere between 3-5 minutes — challenging your patience, forcing you to stay present, and slowly building strength and stability. The benefits of Yin Yoga are vast — aside from improved physical strength and flexibility — regular practice can trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain to improve mood and reduce anxiety, lower stress, and enhance mental focus.
Soak in a Bath
Adding a warm bath to your nighttime routine is a wonderful way to warm-up, wind-down, and prepare your body for sleep. To boost the benefits of your soak, burn scented candles or try adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to your tub. Just as with dry brushing, remember to apply a moisturizing body cream post-soak as the dry winter air and hot water can have a drying effect on the skin.
Get Outdoors
Colder temperatures make us less likely to go outdoors, which oftentimes leads to an increase in screentime, anxiety, and depression. The best thing you can do for your mental and physical health during the winter months is to get outside, even if it’s just for a short walk. Breathing fresh air, soaking in the daylight, and being present in nature is incredibly grounding and beneficial to our wellbeing. Bonus points if you practice “Earthing” or “Grounding” which is the physical act of touching the earth with your hands or feet to allow your body to reconnect to our planet’s natural electric charge.
