"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home." - Edith Sitwell
Winter time is upon us, a time when the weather turns chilly as frost covers our car in the morning, rain and wind howl and swirl through trees and days become shorter and less full of the sun. It’s a time when our bodies crave the warmth of duvets and jumpers, the heating in our houses is turned on more frequently and all the windows and doors are shut tight to keep in the warmth. Of just as much importance, it’s a time when our bodies need to be listened to.
It is okay to slow down, pace ourselves and find ways to stay cozy and well. Each of us will have different ways of doing this and here are some of our suggestions on what could serve you this winter…
1. Listen to your body
Our physical health is especially important over a period where the chill can get into our bones. Pay attention to the food you choose to nourish your body with because as the age old saying goes: you are what you eat. How much alcohol are you drinking and are you having enough water to ensure you stay hydrated? Would you rather have a glass of wine or nice herbal tea?Notice how much sleep you get on these cold nights and what needs to change if not enough. Our body strengthens and repairs itself when we sleep, so ensuring we are taking care of this part of our lives is essential for our health and well-being.Keep up some form of exercise, whether it’s a walk in the rain or an online yoga video at home. This will help keep you balanced and from feeling overly lethargic. We know it’s likely the last thing you want to do, but try it and if you feel better afterwards, reapply that knowledge in an act of self care.Notice your body and what it’s telling you. Whilst it’s easier to get caught up in jumpers, would a nice warm shower be more what you need? Moisturising your skin afterwards to care for it will help to keep you feeling fresh as well as prevent skin from getting dry and chapped due to the winter air.
2. Listen to your heart
If you find yourself struggling over this time in the way a lot of us do, remember the importance of reaching out to others. We may get caught in the endless events during the festive period, work events or various Christmas dos, but check in with yourself with what you need when it comes to your social diet.Our connections with those around us are paramount to us flourishing. Rather than the many, consider the few who are true nourishment for your heart. Investing some quality time together could bring a much deeper sense of fulfillment.If you don’t feel like talking to anyone around you, please always remember there are helplines available where many services will be there to offer you a non-judgmental ear to help you process your feelings, see the Mind website for a list of helpline services.
3. Listen to your mind
Now is the perfect time to stay indoors to explore activities for your mental well being.Many people find journaling to be a helpful way to explore their inner world, so try starting a journal. You can also purchase journals which give you prompts, asking you questions in various areas of interest.Or perhaps you want to try your hand at painting, or spend more time reading or praticing new recipes in the kitchen via social media accounts or a cook book. Or maybe you know deep down you want to put in the effort to invite friends over to watch a movie or start a show together.Notice what pulls you and what your mind is saying you want. Be bold and do something you wouldn’t normally do and see what doors that unlocks for you.
The key here is to do what our whole self is telling us. The mind, heart and body are inextricably linked, so increase your awareness of them over this period and take care of yourself in the best way that you can.
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