When January rolls in and the holiday festivities wind down, many individuals find themselves grappling with the challenge of returning to their usual routine. The time has come to return to work, guide the kids back into school mode and contend with the lingering cold weather and diminished daylight. Given these factors, it is completely normal for this transition to pose difficulties for many individuals.
While this time of year can present challenges, the way we approach it can significantly impact your ability to ease back into a healthy routine. By reframing your perspective and viewing it as an opportunity to prioritize your physical and mental health and wellness, you may be able to kickstart the new year on a more positive and intentional note. Here are three wellness practices you can incorporate into your routine this month to help you find some more ease throughout this transition:
Wellness Practice #1
Allow yourself to slow down. Since it’s still cold outside, it might mean you’ve been spending more time inside than usual—and that’s okay! While it is important to strike a balance between physical activity and rest, winter marks a time where we should be taking it easy, slowing down and allowing time and space for rest. Allocate time each day to make yourself a cup of tea, read a book or just sit on your couch and do nothing.
Wellness Practice #2
Get more sleep. Humans actually need more sleep in the wintertime. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the normal range is to add an extra 1.75 to 2.5 hours per night. Heading to bed an hour early is a good place to start. From there, try your best to maintain a consistent bedtime and waking time. Quality sleep can help us fight illness, regulate appetite and help counter those winter blues.
Wellness Practice #3
Spend time outdoors and exercise regularly. Yes, it’s cold out there…but fresh air is good for us! If you enjoy being outside, consider going on a nature walk, sledding, skiing, shoveling snow or ice skating. Dance, Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi classes can be fun ways to get a workout in indoors. You can find a workout online that suits your preference for at-home practice. Making time for physical activity in the winter also goes hand-in-hand with your sleep. Typically, when you get exercise during the day, you tend to have an easier time falling asleep.
When you embrace these winter wellness practices, you’ll tend to navigate the seasonal transition with intentionality. Prioritizing our mental and physical health becomes the foundation upon which we build a winter of wellness for us to thrive.
