Winter Wellness
If you’re anything like me, a change into a colder season often means a compromised immune system and a deep desire to hibernate. I love my morning swims, the sun to be awake with me at 5am and being able to wear nothing but an active wear crop. That being said, I also love the comfort of a winter reset. A season which I believe should incorporate more yin, rest, warm cups of tea, infrared sauna’s and experimenting with veggie soups. Here are a few of my go-to winter essentials that help my body and mind feel warmer and more energised during the colder months…
Infrared Sauna’s -
Yes, this directive is intuitive. However despite there being no better feeling then stepping into a warm box during the colder months, there are so many therapeutic benefits to using heat therapy on the body. One theory about how heat therapy works is that heat causes the body to ramp up its production of protective molecules called heat-shock proteins. Heat-shock proteins help repair components of cells that are damaged. By increasing heat-shock proteins, they help to support the body facilitate faster muscle and cell recovery, increase circulation and metabolic rate and more efficiently detox toxins. While there are so many studies and theories about what and why infrared saunas are great for you, I am more of an advocate purely based on the way they make me feel. That being said, I don’t believe they are for everyone! Make sure you always listen, trust and respect your unique body.
ArmaForce by BioCeuticals -
A delicious combo of echinacea, olive leaf extract, zinc and vitamin C. Say less.
Herbal Tea -
Hit’s different in winter. Probably one of my favourite parts of being in the cold is experimenting with new warm drinks. Herbal tea is specifically useful if you struggle to drink more water in winter also. I will drink any and every tea but some of my most nourishing flavours during the colder months include anything honey, chamomile, lemon balm, elderberry, and ginger.
Incense -
If you’ve been to my classes you would know I am huge on the element of smell. For me, the scent of a space dictate’s my tone and energy. There is something so soothing and comforting about watching the smoke from a freshly lit incense stick, before sitting down for your morning breath work and journalling. We need every little extra sprinkle of motivation to get out of bed in the darker, colder mornings! Some of my favourite scents are Satya Nag Champa, anything Sage and Wood. I’ve linked my fav below:
https://www.reformher.com.au/shop/maho-sensory-sensory-incense-sticks-white-musk-reformher
Tumeric, Pumpkin, Collagen Soup -
Other than marg pizza’s, hearty veg soups in winter are my go-to comfort food. I’m not great at cooking, but I am great at making my anti-inflammatory pumpkin soup with a side of fresh sourdough and butter. Recipe to come…
Movement that feels good -
It’s important to remember that moving into winter, our movement routine will change. Early morning’s outside become dark and cold. The body will most likely start to crave less high intensity and more restorative forms of exercise. The key is to be accepting and non-judgemental of yourself if you notice your routine start to change. If you want to stay fit during winter, work with your body not against it. Another hot tip if you’re finding yourself less inclined to make it to the gym during winter, grab some at home tools and an online movement platform that you adore. Find what you love, book it in consistently, find a friend to do it with and enjoy moving with love.