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Maintaining Wellness During the Winter Solstice
02.07.23
As the seasons shift in Australia, and the temperatures begin to dip, we find ourselves entering the time of the Winter Solstice. In the simplest terms, the Winter Solstice, happening on June 21 or 22, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. This celestial event is due to the Earth's tilt on its axis. In the Southern Hemisphere, during the Winter Solstice, the tilt of the Earth's axis is the farthest away from the sun, leading to less exposure to sunlight, shorter days and cooler temperatures.
This period, often associated with introspection and slowing down in many cultures, offers us an excellent opportunity to pay attention to our overall wellbeing. As the frosty winds of winter sweep across our sun-burnt country, it becomes even more important to maintain balance in our health, both physically and emotionally.
In this Wellness Journey we will share tips and tricks on how to maintain your wellness during this time. We will explore everything from how to nourish your body with warming, nutrient-rich foods, to engaging in gentle physical activity that respects the body's need for more rest and relaxation during this time. Additionally, we will delve into ways to combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can impact those of us in the cooler, less sunny climates.temperature outside cools. Because, after all, wellness isn't just a summer pursuit – it's a year-round commitment to ourselves.
6 Tips to Maintaining Your Wellness During the Winter Solstice
1/ Eat Nutrient-Rich, Warming Foods
During the winter solstice, our bodies naturally crave warm, hearty meals. Stews, soups, roasted vegetables, and whole grains are excellent choices. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to boost your immune system and keep you feeling well. Include seasonal produce such as winter squashes, root vegetables, dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, and pomegranates. Adding spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric not only adds flavour but also have warming effects on the body.
2/ Maintain Regular Physical Activity
It's easy to feel sluggish during the colder, darker days of winter, but it's important to maintain regular physical activity. Opt for indoor workouts if the weather is too harsh, or enjoy winter sports if possible. Remember that exercise can include gentle, restorative activities like yoga or tai chi, which can help maintain strength and flexibility while also reducing stress.
3/ Stay Hydrated
In cold weather, we often forget to drink enough water, but hydration is essential for maintaining overall wellness. Start your day with warm lemon water, and drink herbal teas throughout the day. They not only hydrate but also provide warmth and soothing comfort.
4/ Get Enough Sleep
Our bodies naturally need more rest during the winter. It aligns with the natural light-dark cycle, so don't resist the urge to go to bed early and get plenty of sleep. Adequate sleep is key to maintaining a strong immune system and overall health.
5/ Engage in Mindfulness Practices
The quieter, slower pace of winter lends itself to introspection and mindfulness. Practices like meditation, journaling, or simply sitting quietly with a hot cup of tea can help to maintain mental and emotional wellness. It's also a good time for gentle self-reflection, setting intentions for the coming new year, or letting go of things that no longer serve you.
6/ Stay Connected
The winter solstice can be a difficult time for some, especially those prone to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It's important to stay connected with friends and family, even if you can't meet in person. Schedule regular video chats or phone calls, send letters or emails, or host a virtual game night. Social connections are vital for maintaining mental health and a sense of well-being.
Some mood boosting exercise hacks to try during winter
Morning Stretches: Start your day with a quick stretching routine. This helps to wake up the body, improve blood flow, and set a positive tone for the day.
Dance Breaks: Turn on your favorite upbeat song and dance to it. Dancing can be a fun way to break a sweat and release feel-good hormones.
Indoor Circuits: Create a mini circuit at home with exercises like jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks. This is a quick way to get your heart pumping and boost your mood.
Yoga: Yoga is not only a good exercise for flexibility but also great for reducing stress and anxiety. Try sun salutations, warrior poses, or a yoga flow video from a reputable online source.
Resistance Training: Use resistance bands or light weights to do strength training exercises. This can help maintain muscle mass and improve your mood.
Jumping Rope: If you have enough space, jumping rope can be a great cardiovascular workout and can be fun, making it an excellent mood booster.
Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing or performing specific breathing exercises such as "box breathing" or "4-7-8 breathing" can help lower stress and improve mood.
Online Fitness Classes: There are many free or inexpensive online classes available for anything from Pilates to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). They can be a great way to stay motivated.
Maintaining wellness during the winter solstice is not just a matter of surviving the darker, colder days. It's about recognising our bodies' intricate connection with nature's cycles, harnessing the power of these cycles, and creating an environment where both our physical and mental health can thrive.
Simple actions like incorporating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and exposure to natural sunlight can significantly improve our overall well-being.
In this quieter season of shorter days and longer nights, remember to take time for self-care. Winter solstice is a time of restoration and rejuvenation, a time to nourish our bodies, refresh our minds, and renew our spirits.
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