The cooler, dreary winter months can take its toll on us mentally and physically. Not only does the drier air literally suck the moisture out of our bodies, but the weather can also suck the wind out of our sails. If you’re looking to avoid feeling (and looking) devoid of radiance this winter, read on.
Here are 5 amazing tips that will help nourish your entire body this winter.
1. Hydrate, Hardcore
When the air is dry, our whole bodies dry out faster. To save your skin looking like a husk of corn and your insides from malfunctioning due to lack of hydration, you’re going to want to ensure you’re staying hydrated. In addition to getting your 8 8oz glasses of water a day, also sip on water and lemon juice first thing in the morning and midday to infuse your body with a hit of hydration and the energy boosting benefits of pure lemon juice. Just squeeze it in, and enjoy!
2. Eat Better Than Ever
Winter is known to increase depressive episodes. One of the best ways to fight back against depression is to eat well. Really well. Of course, not all of us have time, knowledge or energy to prepare exhaustive nutritionally balanced and nutrient dense foods. This is where you’re going to stand on the shoulders of giants and buy quality pre-made healthy meals and snacks. Think protein bars, snack mixes and protein powders. Let’s be clear: there is no substitute for whole food, but if you’re short on time and motivation, these healthy shortcuts can help.
3. Invest in Education
Keeping your mind vital and active is just as important as your body. Invest in yourself-care by committing to learn something new. Whether you want to learn more about nutrition or self-relaxation techniques or post-colonial literature, it doesn’t matter. Just take the time to indulge your brain with some good old autodidactic love.
4. Get (or Stay) Active
You don’t have to start doing crossfit or HIIT to get in shape. You certainly don’t have to start trying for a marathon or even a fun-run. You should, however, do something. Anything. Go for walks. Start doing some gentle stretching. Swim a few laps at the pool. Don’t worry about hopping on any fitness bandwagon: just do what you love doing and you’ll never workout a day in your life.
5. Breathe it In
Your sense of smell is the oldest sense, and given that people can detect over a trillion distinct smells, one of the most powerful. This is why aromatherapy is such an incredible way to bolster your overall health. You can use certain oils to energize, relax, calm or soothe. It can be as easy as using oil diffusers, or buying natural body lotions made with higher concentrations of natural oils. And when you do this, you nourish your skin as well, so double win!
These are just five strategies, and they are easy to implement into your daily life. You don’t need to set aside a lot of time or energy (or money!) to make them work, either, so be sure to use them, and start living your best life possible, all year round.