 |
| Years ago, I admitted I was not fond of the seasons changing to fall and winter. I’m fairly certain this is a common feeling. So what was I to do about it? To offset the thought, I started taking annual trips in October or November. This gave me something to look forward to and got me through to the holidays. But this was not a permanent solution. No. We can’t always escape. Confiding in a friend about my lack of love for the colder seasons, they challenged me to take a few minutes, ponder, and find the things about fall and winter that I actually DO enjoy. Once identified, I could lean into these. Can relate to any of this? If so, then here is my challenge to YOU…identify and lean into the things that make winter wonderful for YOU. Doing this might even help you THRIVE in the colder months, rather than languish in them. Instead of a gloomy countdown to spring, let’s flip the script. Rather than enduring fall and winter, let us embrace these seasons, as an opportunity to slow down, recharge, and reset our bodies, minds and souls. Here’s how: 1. Sleep! Get the best sleep of your life! While we can’t sleep through fall and winter like the bears, they are ideal seasons for catching up on some seriously restorative rest. Summer sleep can be an erratic mess. The longer days and late sunsets make it challenging to wind down. Late bedtimes can wreak havoc on our health. But once the chill sets in and the nights grow longer, our body’s natural rhythm syncs up with the season. With earlier sunsets, melatonin, our body’s natural sleep hormone, kicks in sooner, helping us fall asleep faster and more deeply. Encourage this! Allow it! Create a cozy nighttime routine: Dim the lights, put down the phone (easier said than done), and head to bed earlier. 2. Super Foods! Go with seasonal superfoods. Fall and winter bring us back to the earth with nutrient-packed root veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets. These humble roots grow deep in the soil, drawing up the vitamins and minerals our bodies crave in the colder months. Pair these with dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, packed with antioxidants that nourish and energize. Hearty soups, stews, and slow cooked meals provide comfort and warmth. Toss in immune-boosting ingredients like garlic, ginger, or turmeric and you’ll have a recipe for staying healthy all winter. 3. Reset! Find your mental health reset button. Shorter days can influence your mood, seasonal affective disorder is not uncommon. Instead of resisting the change, lean into the season’s slower pace. Fall and winter are perfect for reflection, rest, and recharging. Use this time to start a gratitude journal, meditate, pray daily, or dive into a good book, anything that helps you slow down and mentally reset. 4. Move! Embrace movement rather than abandon it. Staying active in winter is key to keeping your energy and mood steady. A brisk walk outside can do wonders for your circulation and metabolism. Think of it as a natural cold plunge in the brisk winter air. How about taking up a new winter sport? I plan to! Winter offers plenty of ways to move outdoors, whether walking, ice skating, snow shoeing, snowboarding or skiing. 5. Get Sun! Appreciate the sun whenever it peeks out. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, which couldn’t be more true for the sun during winter. With fewer daylight hours, it’s easy to miss getting out into it, particularly if you work during the day. Try catching a sunrise or sunset, a simple, beautiful way to lift your spirits. Even brief sun exposure boosts mood, energy, and helps regulate sleep. Take a short walk when the sun’s out, even if it’s cold or cloudy, or sit by a window to soak up the light. Natural light is key! The colder seasons can be daunting. But they are temporary, and great opportunities to slow down and turn inward for a bit. A perfect time for self-reflection, recharging and growing interiorly. Not to be wasted. Not to be missed! |