As the year comes to an end we know that winter is here. To enjoy this season you need self-care a practical winter self-care schedule. It may be challenging but planning helps. Here is a small guide for the winter self-care routine based on the principles of yoga and Ayurveda.
As the cold dry winds blow and temperature drops you yearn for a cup of hot ginger tea. It is time to take care of your health for the season. The dry air helps germs to be airborne for a long time which makes you susceptible to allergy and infection. However, winter is supposed to be a healthy season. With little care, you can happily enjoy the season.
Enjoy the Chill?
Yoga and Ayurveda list a few rules to strengthen the immune system and to keep you healthy. Follow these to feel wonderful in winters.
Start the day with Yoga
Breathing exercises and Pranayam are extremely helpful in winters. Try doing Surya Namaskar, this set of exercises will keep you flexible. Toning exercises should be included in your routine. If you are susceptible to cold and sinus problems try Jal Neti, which helps in reducing the frequency of such attacks. Here is a Yoga guide for beginners.
Keep Moving
Short walks during the day are energetic. If you don’t feel like going in the morning try going out at lunchtime. A short walk in the sun will help you to remain positive as winter is known to create ‘SAD’ (seasonal-affective disorder) syndrome.
Opt for herbal teas
Drinking warm fluids helps you retain moisture in this dry season. Herbal teas are healthy, rich in antioxidants and strengthen immunity. Soups and almond milk are also good options to keep the system hydrated and aid digestion. Check here to buy
Use herbs and spices
Traditionally spices are included in Indian cooking. Turmeric, ginger, garlic, and black pepper added to the cooking help to keep the body warm and away from infections. Hot soup with a dash of pepper will keep the winter chill away. Buy quality herbs. Check here for Zizira products.
Include Good Fats
Fats are essential for the body. In winter we need fat to keep the skin, sinuses, and joints healthy. Ghee, sesame oil, nuts, and seeds should be included in the diet. Cow’s ghee is considered the best. Homemade ghee is beneficial but if it’s not possible for you to make ghee at home, you can buy good quality Organic ghee. Check the ghee from Amorearth.
Relax
Spend some time with nature. Fresh air and sunlight will keep you healthy. Spending time with pets is a stress buster. Spending time with kids will make you feel happy and light. Invest in good quality essential oils. Lemon, Peppermint, Sweet Orange,
and Frankincense are great for winters. Check here to buy.
Meditate
A ten-minute meditation will relax and eliminate stress. With long hours spent indoors, winter is the ideal time to form a meditation routine. You can start by concentrating on the breath. Chanting any mantra is also effective.
Introspect
Winter is a time to connect with your soul. With the dropping temperature, much time is spent indoors. Find time to have a massage or aroma magic. Cultivating a hobby will help to spend time happily as you connect with yourself. Try creative visualization or create a journal on any topic you like.
Do you follow any tips for winter self-care ? Do share your suggestions in the comments.
sulekha says
A great list for self care during the winter months. We need to stay happy to endure the cold and harsh winters. Yoga is helpful, relaxing with the pet and so is a walk in the sun post lunch. I love to introspect and aroma massage helps.
Obsessivemom says
We don’t really have much of a winter this side of the country. But the tips are useful. One can always do with yoga and introspection.
Rashmi says
These are amazing tips! Thanks so much for sharing. I especially love the one about spending time with kids and pets. It definitely helps one relax. 🙂
Vinitha says
Loved all the tips given here, Nupur. Yoga always helps. Especially in winter we need to devote time to take care if ourselves or else we would just spend time being lazy in the couch. 🙂 Going for a walk, spending time with family, taking time to introspect, all these are my favorite. Loved reading this, Nupur. 🙂
Alice Gerard says
I live in a cold climate and lots of darkness in the winter. I do suffer with SAD and these hints may be very handy for me. I try to take walks when I can and watch my diet. I do Zumba and I’ll try doing some yoga, as well. This was great and very detailed.
nupurt says
Thanks Alice for your kind words. I am happy you found this post beneficial. Do try these suggestions and let me know your experience.
Shilpa Gupte says
Thank you for this very informative post, Nupur! Indeed, caring for oneself in winters, or for that matter any season, is actually simple…one just needs to maintain regularity.
nupurt says
Many thanks Shilpa am glad you liked this post. Yes, I agree consistency is important.
nupurt says
Thanks Shilpa ! yes consistency is the key and self-care is an on going process
Parul says
Great ideas. I don’t follow a routine as such but yoga, walks and herbal tea make up my normal day 🙂
Nupur says
Winter is coming! With change in the air, it’s time to change our routine. Hope these tips will help me fight the skin dryness I experience every time in this season.
Nidhi GS says
perfect tips for the country I am currently staying…. thanks so much
nupurt says
Nidhi, happy to see you here. Thanks glad this helped