So, winter is fast approaching. Of course, you will say, well, LA is a warm city. That’s true. But with an average temperature of 17°C in winter, that can feel pretty cold when you are used to the sun! Seasons can affect us in different ways, and winter is often the hardest to get through.
Of course, you can apply this to any time of the year. But winter wellness will help you pull through until spring comes around and you begin to see more of the sun through the day.
Confidence and Smiles
Staying positive is one of the most powerful things a person can do. Negative thoughts lead to negative actions, and your day can spiral out of control because of this energy. Smiling and staying confident, even when it’s hard, is the key to a happier life. A personal makeover goes a long way, and this can be as simple as applying easy maintenance hair colors for a new look. The confidence a new look brings is sure to put a smile on your face, and those around you.
Winter Wellness Motivation
One of the hardest things in life is to stay motivated. Most people struggle with this at some point. And it gets harder in winter. A poll of 200,000 people found that 80% find it hard to stay motivated in winter. So what can you do? Changing how you think is one of the most potent methods. You can’t change the past, and you don’t know the future. Living in the now alleviates stress for you. Put simply, get up and go instead of worrying about what will happen!
Staying in a Good Mood
A good mood is an elusive thing for many people. However, you have a lot of control when it comes to this, and actually more than you think. A good mood in winter is essential for getting through those sluggish days that don’t seem to end! A powerful method is to begin your day as positively as possible. Positivity encourages more of the same from yourself and those around you. Accept that things will not go your way. It’s how you stay calm and deal with problems.
Creature Comforts for a Happy Home
Work, play, home life. These must be balanced for happier days throughout the year. Winter, in general, puts a strain on us for many reasons. The days are shorter, it gets colder, and there are many financial burdens that come with the holidays. So what’s a person to do? At home, you can make yourself as comfy as you need to be. PJs at 5pm? Why not? If you need a good book and an open fire with a glass of wine each evening, who’s stopping you after work?
Winter Wellness Socialization
Loneliness today has been described as an epidemic. Despite how connected the world is, social media and the web have had the opposite of their intended effect on many people. A core part of winter wellness is staying social, which is one of the top needs according to experts:
- Attend gatherings whenever you can, such as colleague and family dinners.
- Beneficial small changes like finding a new hobby can get you among new people.
- Find opportunities to indulge in your interests, such as group cinema viewings.
- Volunteer for local charities looking for workers over the holidays.
- Check-in on elderly neighbors or those who need assistance with everyday tasks.
- Strike up a conversation with another dog-walker when you take the pooch out.
- Call, text, or video chat with your friends when you don’t feel like leaving the home.
Just a quick text between friends reminds you that there are people who care. Of course, not everyone has friends or family. If this is the case, then you must leave your comfort zone and try to engage with others. This is hard for some people, but it’s easier than you think when you try.
Connecting with Nature
All books have been written about the benefits of nature on the human mind. After all, we aren’t much more than animals. We just learned how to speak! Jokes aside, humans thrive in nature. No one is suggesting you take off into the jungle unprepared. A simple walk among scenery can be enough to remind you of the beauty in the world. For some, this is enough to beat the winter blues. Physically, you breathe fresh air, get some sun, and even exercise a little.
Protection Against Viruses
Of course, fall and winter are commonly referred to as flu seasons. The flu isn’t super cold. It actually kills tens of thousands of people per year! If you are somewhat healthy, then you have nothing to worry about. But it still won’t be a pleasant time. It can take up to a month to recover, putting your job at risk! Staying well during winter is vital. Personal hygiene, regular exercise, and eating a healthy diet (plenty of vitamin C) combine as a powerful way to beat the flu.
Mind and Soul Winter Wellness
You can protect your body from issues such as the flu by staying healthy during winter. But what about the mind? Around 3% of people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can be debilitating. It is believed a lack of sunlight causes SAD, but no one knows for sure. Relaxation techniques, meditation, and exercise are known to ease the depression-like symptoms of SAD. SAD lamps are also considered effective in addressing these problems.
Basking in the Sun
So the days are shorter in winter. But the sun is still there during peak hours. In fact, the sun can be just as intense in winter as it is in summer. Sunlight is one of the fundamental aspects of good health. Without 10 to 20 minutes of sun per day, you run the risk of becoming vitamin D deficient, the most common in the world. Getting out into the sun changes your mood for the better and provides the physiological and psychological benefits you need during this time.
Summary
Being more confident and smiling more is one of the benefits of winter wellness when you look after yourself during the hard months. Wellness also means staying social, a desperate human need we all have. Of course, don’t stay inside! Fresh air and sunlight are highly beneficial.
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