Winter is a natural time of hibernation for animals and humans alike. It can be tempting to sleep in, indulge in comfort foods, say no to social invites, and opt for a Netflix binge.

There is nothing wrong with the above (in moderation) but as we feel the chill during these colder months it can be easy to slip into unhealthy patterns and become sluggish, and we all know how easy these patterns are to form and how hard they are to break.

So, if you are starting to feel the sedentary vibes that come with this time of year and are looking for ways to nourish yourself, we have got you covered. Try these tips to help you break out of the winter blues.

Warming Spices

Include more warming spices like cinnamon, turmeric and pepper are a great addition to teas, soups, and broths to help warm the body up from the inside. They do this by increasing the body’s circulation of fresh blood cells which in turn makes the body feel warmer.

A tumeric latte can be a winner to make you feel good inside and out. Add ¼ teaspoon or turmeric to some warm milk with a dash of cinnamon, black pepper and a drizzle of honey and you have a delicious coffee alternative that will warm you up from the inside.

 Hydration

Drink More water. Yup, it’s still important to drink lots of water even during winter to help keep the skin from drying out. Having your water at room temperature or a little warmer and adding a dash of lemon can help to make this a little more winter friendly. Herbal teas can also help you achieve your hydration goals, but be sure to make these decaffeinated as caffeine can increase dehydration and add to the dull texture of skin.

Movement

Get a friend, put on your winter woollies or thermals and get outside. A brisk walk around the block or a hike in the great outdoors will help increase circulation and warm the body. Another fast way to build heat is re-bounding.

Re-bounding is the scientific name for jumping on a trampoline like a kid. This type of movement helps to warm up the body quickly, increase oxygen to the brain and has even been proved by NASA to be more beneficial than jogging, not to mention it’s super fun. This form of movement will also help to flush any toxins from the body and encourage a healthy immune system.

Rug up

Sounds like a no brainer but many of us are still under dressed when the season rolls around. It has long been said that we lose most of our body heat through the top of the head and the soles of the feet? One major way to make sure you are regulating your body temp this winter is to invest in some warm socks and a cosy hat. Another must have is a thick scarf to cover the neck when out and about. The throat can be a major sore spot in winter so keeping it protected may help to minimise exposure to harsh winds and add to overall cosiness.

Winter doesn’t have to come with a side of blues, it can be a beautiful time to slow things down and nourish from the inside out if we let it. Allow yourself to enjoy this natural time of stillness and rest with these simple tips for a healthier hibernation. No doubt your body will thank you for it when the busy spring season comes bouncing in.

NASA  Report on rebounding  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7429911/