As the autumn season comes, it is a good time to think how you are going to support yourself through the winter months.
Winter can be hard on people. Long nights and cold weather tends to mean we stay in more and see nature and other people less.
Whilst this isn't a bad thing, if we're not aware of it, we can find a drop in our mood, health and emotional resilience.
Here are my top tips to prepare yourself for winter:
🧣Make a ritual of putting away your summer clothes and getting out you favourite winter clothes so you're excited to be wearing them again.
🧥 Make sure you are adequately kitted out for the winter. A good coat, scarf and wooly hat are a must if you live in colder climates.
🕯️Cheer up your house with a beautifully scented candle. Cosy lighting also helps to set the tone and make your house a warm winter nest.
🫖 Hot drinks are a must to stay warm and hydrated. Explore some of the wonderful herbal tea options with spices like cinnamon and ginger that are both a health tonic and warming in nature.
📖 Find yourself a good book and curl up to read with a nice warm blanket. Winter is a great time to go inwards and rest, but you can keep your mind stimulated and entertained by reading.
🍂 Get outside every day and be connected to nature. This is a wonderful time to enjoy the trees changing their colours, so find a woodland and enjoy the sights and smells. It's even better when done with a friend.
🚶 Balance resting with daily exercise. You may feel like doing less in winter, and that's ok. Find types of exercise that work for you and fit with your needs. For example, you might switch swimming for yoga, or tennis with table tennis. It's better to switch than to stop.
⛅ Sunlight becomes extra important in winter. Stand facing any sun there is, close your eyes and point your face directly at it. Tilt your head around, so all sides of your eyeballs and your brain behind it, is exposed to sunlight and can benefit from its uplifting impact.
🛌 Use this time to focus on improving sleep. There are hundreds of books, podcasts and blogs that will give you tips on how to sleep better. Investing in resting well pays dividends in all areas of your life.
🍁 Like the trees, autumn is a great time to let go of anything that doesn't serve you any more. Make a list of what you want to deal with before winter, and set about putting action points beside each item. This can be physical items like clothes or garden furniture, or things you can't see like a belief or emotions.
🙋🏼♂️ Tell a friend of your plans, or better still, buddy up and do your winter preparations together. Encourage one another and hold each other accountable. Share your insights and learnings as you move through the seasons with consciousness.
💻 If you don't want to go out, consider joining some of the many groups that now meet online. It can be wonderful to still engage in hobbies such as knitting, meditation or reading groups from the comfort of your home. This provides socialisation without needing to go anywhere, which is great if you don't like traveling in poor weather conditions.
🎃 Finally, there's no right or wrong way to do this season. The most important thing is you acknowledge the change from summer to winter consciously and listen to your body. Supporting yourself in this way is both wonderfully nurturing and wise. Connecting and honouring your needs will get the best out of you and reducing the likelihood of you getting sick.
Do you consciously do any of the above? Let me know your thoughts and the impact it has on you!