Winter self-care

 

It's still Winter, for a few more weeks at least, and it seems to me that it has  been a very wet one, constantly washing dog towels and drying dogs and repeating! There was one day when I got through two sets of waterproofs because the rain was so hard. But it's to be expected in Devon, in the Winter, and sometimes Summer too!

Winter is a time for rejuvenation and hibernation, just as the plants lay dormant under the surface, gaining nourishment from the autumn leaf drop, waiting to leap out and grow, we take comfort in the long dark evenings and nights, so that we can rest and get ready for the long summer days.

But do we? Or are you running yourself ragged just as you usually would?

Winter self-care is very important, the lack of sunshine, and so vitamin D means that we need to take every opportunity to get out in the sunshine when it is here, but maybe supplement in weeks of rain like we have had recently. 

Your immune system is more compromised because of this vitamin deficiency, and spending lots of time indoors shut away with others who may be harbouring germs puts us at a higher risk of colds and other nasty illness.

So how do we stay safe, healthy and happy then? Well, I would like to say it's easy, but these days the pressure is always on isn't it? We don't take time for ourselves, for self-care, but we NEED to! You know me and capital letters, and this word is so important. We are so important, each one of us is important to many others, whether we like it or not, so that brief time to take care of ourselves may save a lot of trouble in the future.

Keep warm!

Maybe switch to a regular tariff on bills, set monthly amount so you don't scrimp on the heating.

Regular exercise.

Even if you have to do a video workout at home because the weather is bad, make sure that you keep moving, 3-4 sessions of at least 30 minutes a week.

Get fresh air.

Make the most of those dry days, get outside and absorb the sunshine, breathe in clean air, feel the wind on your face, look at nature, watch the changing season into spring, but wrap up warm to do it.

Sleep.

Get yourself a good bedtime routine, have a chamomile tea, stop screen time an hour before bed, maybe even relax in a nice lavender bath before bed.

Eat well.

Dump the processed food, get in some fresh veg, make hearty soups, get plenty of protein and drink water, even in the form of a herbal tea, but remember to stay hydrated in the winter.

Socialise.

Don't hibernate, get out, join clubs, do group exercise, visit a neighbour, be around others to keep your mood elevated.

BUT MOST OF ALL......remember that Spring is just around the corner, new life is slowly making it's way out of the ground, flowers will be popping up all over, giving hope of longer days and sunshine to come. It won't be long, I actually saw some Celandines today in the fields, I always think of them as a sign of spring. Keep smiling too, it always helps me! :)