5 Tips For Relaxing During Winter
Winter is well on its way, and with the cold weather comes the dreaded winter blahs. People find themselves feeling more lethargic, anxious, or can suffer from seasonal depression. In addition to that, your body’s functionality tends to diminish in the colder seasons, too. Skin can become dull and flaky, hair can become limp and lackluster. Some people have trouble with breakouts, others may struggle with eczema triggered by the cold air. Regardless of your own personal winter-based issues, here are five tips for relaxing during winter that will help you de-stress and keep your best face even in the most frigid of months.
Consume Warm Things
The colder it gets outside, the more your body has to work to keep you warm. Bundling up is one great way to combat the cold, but drinking or eating hot things can keep you warm for much longer. Drinking tea throughout the day or eating soup for lunch can not only help you to stay warm without having to crank the heater up, but it can also provide a little mood boost! Studies have shown that eating warm food in cold weather can induce the release of endorphins. Just be careful not to consume too many fatty or sugary things, which are in abundance at this time of year!
Set Aside Quiet Time
One of the best tips for relaxing during winter includes setting aside some time for you. The holidays are a busy time of year for most people. You spend all of your time running around, meeting up with family, catching up with old friends, and buying tons of presents for your loved ones. In between all of this hustle and bustle, many people forget to take time out for themselves – sometimes for weeks or even months at a time. This holiday season, try to set at least one day of the week aside just for you. Whether it’s meditating, reading a book, or just unwinding with a glass of wine and a good meal, it’ll help you reduce your stress levels.
Get Your Vitamins
During winter, it’s not uncommon for people to suffer from vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin D in specific is often reduced in winter due to the fact that the sun isn’t shining as much. Vitamin and mineral supplements can be used to help make up the difference during the long, dark months of winter. Vitamin C, D3, E oil, elderberry and zinc are all quite good for this season in particular. They can help boost your immune system during flu season, keep your skin soft and moisturized, and provide you with the missing vitamins that the sun would normally be providing.
Invest In Self-Care Tools
Everyone loves a good trip to the masseuse to relieve some tension, but did you know you can perform massages of your own in the comfort of your own home? Companies like Massage Tools make it possible for you to buy professional-grade massage and spa equipment that you can use time and time again. Not only will it save you a few extra dollars in costly spa visits, but you’ll still reap the benefit of relaxation during the winter that’s spa quality. Other good at-home self-care regimens can include manicures or pedicures, or even facials. With the right equipment, any “treat yourself” day at home can become a full-on day of relaxation and beautification.
Get Enough Sleep
Some people may not be aware of it, but seasons can affect your sleep cycle. In the winter months, people are more likely to feel lethargic and have difficulties sleeping regularly for several reasons. This includes the lack of sunlight, the introduction of many fatty and sugary holiday foods, and the cold air. Combating these issues can allow for you to get the proper amount of sleep even in the winter, which should be somewhere between 7 and 9 hours for the average individual. Try to sleep in a cool and dark room under warm covers. Drink water throughout the day, but stop drinking it as you get closer to bedtime. Try to keep the same schedule even on the weekends in order to give your circadian rhythm the stability of a schedule. In taking the extra time to maintain your sleep, you can see a vast improvement in winter sleep quality.
All five of these tips can vastly improve your health, wellness, and beauty even during the darkest and coldest months of winter. Give these five tips for relaxing during winter a try and see for yourself what a difference just a few changes can make!