Wellness and Self-care for the winter months
We may be coming towards the end of February, but we still have a way to go until spring makes its appearance. The long, cold, dark months of winter are proven to affect our mental health.
One study found that 29% of British Adults suffering from Seasonal Defective Disorder (SAD) and over half of the adults surveyed (57%) saying that their overall mood was worse during the winter months and SAD is said to affect women the most. This shows a strong link between the lack of light we are exposed to during the winter months and our overall wellbeing.
And its not only our mental health that suffers in winter months, cold air and winter winds coupled with central heating all combine to wreak havoc on our skin, making skin feel dry and sore.
It’s imperative that we spend extra time protecting out mental health and overall wellbeing during these darker months. Here our top tips for maintaining your self care for winter months and creating your own winter wellness regime.
Make the most of natural light. Being outside is essential for out wellbeing. Being outside can improve memory, fight depression, and lower blood pressure as well as give us exposure to natural light which we often neglect in the darker months. Natural light boosts our vitamin D which is important for bone growth and helps regulate the immune system and the neuromuscular system. Getting out of the office at lunch time, walking instead of taking the car or getting out in the garden can all help you boost your natural light exposure.
Supplement Vitamin D. There are tests you can carry out privately to check your levels of Vitamin D and ascertain if you are deficient or not. Boosting your intake of oily fish, red meat, eggs, liver and fortified foods such as fortified cereals are all good sources of vitamin D or you may wish to use a high quality vitamin D supplement especially if you are on a vegan diet.
Meditation. Practicing meditation is a way to stay in the moment, be present to yourself and others, be in touch with your surroundings and reduce stress. There are many different types of mediation practices but if your new to the practice we recommend you download the headspace app. It is important to practice meditation regularly to get the maximum benefits. Set a timer for your meditation practice and stick to it. First thing in the morning is a great time and sets you up for the day.
Practicing Gratitude. Practicing gratitude is a great well of supporting your mental wellbeing. It allows you to focus on the present and appreciate what you have now rather than what you don’t have and think you need.
Practicing gratitude creates positive emotions like joy, love, and contentment which has proven to suppress negative emotions such as fear and anxiety. We particularly love the Six Minute Diary by UrBestSelf trust us once you try this you won’t look back!
Look after your hands. Wash your hands! This is the constant message we are hearing from the medical profession as a means of keeping colds and virus at bay. Unfortunately, all this washing often leaves skin red, sore and dry. To combat this, use a hand cream regularly. We love Green People’s Scent free hand and body lotion which only uses natural and organic ingredients and the lack of scent means its less likely to irate sore skin.
Sooth stressed skin. Dry, redness-prone and uncomfortable skin is unfortunately what many of us suffer from in the winter months. When your skin is like this you should be reaching for CBD. Why? Because CBD has incredible anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can soothe irritation caused by environmental surroundings in addition hemp is a power moisturiser. You can add a few drops of Planet Botanic’s Luxury Full Spectrum CBD Oil to your favorite face oil or moisturiser for a winter boost.