I used to HATE winter! I would dread it and long for the spring to come. Especially the time I spent in England. Getting to work while it was dark, getting home when it was dark, the dark grey days with little hint of the sun. It probably didn’t help that the relationship with my ex-husband was on our way out at that point in time, but I have learned a lot since then. The thing that started getting me not hating winter so much, or even looking forward to it, was learning to snowboard. It gave me something to look forward to. And the number of days we had bluebird skies on the mountain while I could see the city was covered in cloud were more than I could count. While I know snowboarding is absolutely a luxury that isn’t within reach of many, I learned some important things through that experience. Here are some of the things I learned, that will hopefully help you survive, and even thrive this winter.

1.Embrace hygge!!

If you haven’t heard of it before, hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Danish word, and it loosely translates to ‘cozyness’. Ever since I first heard it I’ve been in love with the concept!!! Think candles and fairy lights. Warm cups of hot chocolate, roaring fires, snuggled up in layers of blankets, good books, good food and good people. One of my favourites is a board game night with friends, sharing food and friendship. That all sounds great to me!!! Baths are good too. Cozy clothing with lots of layers. Since discovering merino clothing I haven’t looked back!! Honestly it has made such a difference!!

What sounds cozy to you?

2. Bring the outside in

Anyone who knows me knows I love my potplants. I was into them before they were cool. My sweet spot seems to be around 80. Too many more and they start getting neglected. Less and I start buying more! Aside from the scientifically proven benefit of improving air quality, there is an energy and a life that having houseplants brings to your space. It seems like lots of people have discovered this recently. Ask most plant lovers and they’re bound to have a cutting or two they’re willing to give to a potential new planty.

My favourite for starting out is a peace lily. As well as being one of the top plants for improving air quality, they’re also pretty forgiving. Put them somewhere out of direct sunlight, water when dry (it’ll start drooping to let you know when it gets really thirsty), and wipe down the leaves when they get dusty. Then enjoy the energy it gives your space.

Have you joined in the plant love? What’s your favourite or what’s on your wishlist?

3. Move your body

If the weather is good make the most of it and get outside. Whether for a walk around the block or something more energetic, getting the blood flowing and the oxygen into your body will also help boost the mood and the brain function. As I mentioned earlier in this post, snowboarding was an absolute game changer for me in my appreciation of winter!

If the weather isn’t so good then there is so much you can do under covers, and it’s not just limited to getting to the gym. When i was in England I discovered the boost of going for a swim in the indoor pools. It didn’t matter how cold it was outside, the pool was always the same temperature and a lovely way to move your body that’s kind on the joints (plus the spa or sauna after were a real treat!). Maybe check out your local council or high school and see what they have on offer. Lately I’ve seen rollerskating classes, adult dance classes, tai chi and a multitude of other ways to move your body and meet other people.

Another option (and one I I have done a lot in the past) is exercise at home. Pilates, yoga, box fit, high intensity interval training and many more are all accessible, many with no equipment or minimal equipment. The great thing about this is you can do it whenever it suits you, and even 5 minutes can have you feeling better!

What is your favourite way to move your body? 💪🏻

4. Nourish your body.

Nourishing your body is an important way to help beat the winter blues. Many studies have shown that eating real food with plenty of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) helps the brain health and reduces the symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders. Eating seasonal veggies helps keep the cost down, so this time of year think things like soups, stews, curries, roasts and one of my favourites, chillies. Warming foods that help with the hygge feel we talked about in part 1. And even better, share it with friends or make a big batch and freeze in meal portions for another day.

5. Soak up the sun!

Whenever possible get out into the sun. The sun on your skin activates your body to produce vitamin D, which is important for so many things but has also been linked to mood. The strength of the sun determines how long you need to spend in it to get your optimal vitamin D dose for the day, and the winter sun doesn’t have a lot of strength in it, and the further south you are the worse it is. The ministry of health recommends people living south of Nelson consider supplementing with vitamin D over the winter. Other risk factors for having a vitamin D deficiency are darker coloured skin (the body isn’t as efficient as absorbing it), and the skin not being exposed to sunlight. Unfortunately you cant get it through glass!

I have also been hearing a bit lately about the benefits of near infra-red light therapy. This can be received from the sun, in fact red and near infrared makes up around 40% of the sunlight we receive at sea level. Positive associations include improved circulation, enhanced wound healing, pain relief, reduced inflammation, improved skin health, neuroprotective effects, mood enhancement, enhanced athletic performance and recover, and increased energy and vitality. There is even a theory that this is what causes the benefits to the body rather than just the vitamin D status.

If getting in the sun doesn’t seem to be possible (I really struggled through the English winter!!) a light therapy light might be a solution worth looking into. I’d definitely get one if i had to spend another winter in England!