Here There and Everywhere

With the days growing shorter and temperatures dropping, it is easy to feel a shift in our energy and mood during the winter months. Whilst the coziness and beauty of the season can bring some warming moments, it can also bring a sense of heaviness, isolation and ‘winter blues’ for many. The good news is that you don’t need grand gestures to lift your spirits during this time, starting small can make the biggest differences. Whether it’s making time for a morning routine or finding joy in simple pleasures, here are a few things that I like to do to take care of my physical, mental and spiritual health during the winter season.

Morning Rituals

Having a morning routine can feel like hard work to begin with, but the benefits are undeniable. Remember to tailor it to your personal needs ensuring that it makes you feel ready for the day ahead. There are countless morning routines that you can find in books and online, but adding that personal touch and doing what works for you is crucial.

So what are some morning rituals that you can do?

Meditation & mindfulness: Spending as little as 3 minutes on this practice can present a calmness and clarity of the mind which breeds creativity for the day ahead. You can even start with a guidance app such as Insight Timer, and then learn to do this without.

When to do it: You can practice this at any time that feels comfortable for you. If you are like me and have a very active mind, doing it as soon as you wake up can help you detach from negative thinking or procrastination which come from events of the previous days.

Journaling: Spend some time writing down how you feel and what your plans are for the day. This sets an intention and can help you understand yourself better.

When to do it: I like to journal after I practice meditation/mindfulness so that my writing comes from a place of calm and presence, but it can also be beneficial to do this when your mind is most active to learn more about your way of thinking.

Stay Physically Active

At-Home Workouts: Stretching, cardio, and strength training can all be done at home very easily, which makes it perfect for the winter months when it is cold and frosty outside. Stretching every morning has great benefits to mobility and flexibility for both short and long-term. Here is a great video for a full body mobility routine that I love.

When to do it: Stretching within an hour of getting out of bed is great for reducing stiffness and tightness in the muscles and joints after a good nights sleep.

Being Outside: We all know the feeling of the alarm going off when you are warm and cosy tucked up in bed. You can see the frost or darkness outside and crave that extra hour in the comfort of the bed. I’m not saying never do this, but getting up and getting that breath of fresh air can be a perfect way to begin the day. Wrap up warm and take a short walk in the natural light, you won’t regret it!

When to do it: First thing in the morning and about an hour before bed can be good times to get outside and get some fresh air. It can energise you in the morning, and relax you at night for a good rest.

Nourishing Food Choices

Comforting, yet nutritious meals: From herbal teas to warming soups… having a comforting and nutritious diet during the winter months is great for maintaining the necessary energy levels during cold season. Soups are a great source of vitamins and nutrients and are perfect for winter. You can find some great and simple recipes in cookbooks and online. I find that BBC Good Food is a great website for recipes.

Mindful Eating: It is easy to indulge in emotional eating during the winter months with foods like chocolate, mince pies, lots of cheese & crackers… but being mindful of what you eat is important and can be a form of self-care and help combat emotional eating. Savor the flavours and focus on the experience of both cooking and eating meals.

Set Realistic Goals and Let Go of Pressure

Lower expectations: This seems counter-productive, but letting go of expectations to be constantly productive during winter can give your mind and space to relax. It’s absolutely okay to slow down and focus on your well-being during this time.

Focus on small wins: Encourage yourself to set small and achievable goals, whether it be reading a chapter a day, spending 5 minutes on meditation, or just positive self-talk. Doing this brings a sense of work and reward which is realistic and productive.

Winter can be a season of cold and quiet, but it doesn’t have to feel heavy on your mind and body. By embracing small, intentional acts of self-care, you can navigate the winter months with a little more warmth, joy, and ease. Whether it’s through a cosy evening ritual, stepping outside for fresh air, or simply allowing yourself the space to slow down, these small steps can have a big impact. Taking care of yourself isn’t just something nice to do—it’s necessary, especially when the world feels a bit darker. So, as you move through winter, I encourage you to be kind to yourself, seek out moments of comfort, and know that the brighter light is always within you.