Winter Wellbeing

Now the clocks have gone back, it's hard to deny that winter is on its way.  I find this week particularly hard, with the nights drawing in and the feeling that it will be months before we get light evenings again.  It's also the time of year when coughs, colds and other lurgies are lurking, and it's easy to worry about falling prey to the latest bug doing the rounds.

However, over the years I have learnt that if I wallow in that feeling, it just perpetuates itself and makes me feel worse, so I know I have to build in strategies to change my emotional attitude (mindset) and also support my physical strength to not just make it through winter, but also enjoy it.

Before I share some of my top tips, have a think about how you feel, and whether you have strategies in place for making the most of the next few months.  What are you thinking?  What are you doing?  If you'd like some inspiration - read on!

These are my top 5 tips.  

1. Manage light.  I make getting outside in natural light - even if it's cold & grey - every day an absolute priority.  If I can get out in nature even better, but anything outside a building or car will do.  I consider 10-20 minutes a minimum, and if I can combine it with a walk, or bike ride, even better.  It might be walking along the High St popping in & out of shops, parking further away from my destination or catching up with a friend outside.  Natural light is a key part of regulating our circadian rhythms, which in turn drives every cell in the body.  Ideally we need about 10,000 lux for 20 minutes a day.  Download a lightmeter app to see how many you're getting!
2. Find things to look forward to​.  I always ensure I have some treats in my diary for the winter months.  Skiing is a love of mine, and I actually get excited when I know snow is coming!  For some people winter sunshine is a must.  It doesn't have to be a major holiday though - how about a catch-up with friends, a date in your diary to watch a promised film or box set.  Maybe time to learn a new skills or join a club you've been interested in.  Find something that excites you and get it in your diary.
3. Boost your immune system with essential oils.  This is a really important one to get through the winter with maximum energy and minimum colds, coughs and snuffles.  There's so much you can do to boost your immune system but I'd like to talk about an amazing 'toolkit' that I have started using really successfully over the last 18 months, which are doTerra* essential oils.  I use the Protective Blend (On Guard) every night on the soles of my feet; if I feel snuffly I use the Respiratory Blend (Air) by inhaling or rolling around my chest and throat; if it get a sore throat or start feeling like I'm going down with a cold, I use 'FLOOM' - a blend I make myself with Frankincense, Lemon, On Guard, Oregano and Melaleuca (tea tree).  1-2 drops of each in a capsule or applied topically with a carrier oil 2-5 times a day has amazing therapeutic properties, with oregano which is sometimes known as 'nature's antibiotic', lemon which is full of antixoidants and frankincense which is incredibly healing.  The beauty of essential oils is that if you use a brand like doTerra, they are made to be therapeutic so you get huge emotional and physical benefits, and they're so lovely with their amazing fragrance.  They can be used preventatively, and also are great when you just want to grab something to help in the moment.
   
4. Reframe your mind.  If you think winter is a miserable time of year, it's probably a self-fulfilling prophecy.  You could try a CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy - the coaching style in which I am qualified) approach whereby you identify the feeling e.g. 'winter is so awful I'll never make it through', and learn to re-frame your thoughts such as 'winter can be hard because I don't like the dark evenings, but it allows me to snuggle on the sofa and watch my favourite films guilt-free so it has its benefits'.  Acknowledging your struggles whilst creating a different perspective can be a powerful way of boosting your morale.  If you'd like help with this, do get in touch.
   
5. Eat the rainbow.  Ensuring your diet is packed with nutrients is especially important both for boosting your state of mind as well as strengthening your body against seasonal threats.  By eating a wide range of colourful fruit and vegetables, you will give your body the best chance of staying strong.  Think antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, which are all essential for wellbeing.  Personally I do take supplements, but more as an 'insurance' policy.  In winter I take extra vitamin D and all year round I take Omega 3's, as part of doTerra's* amazing Lifelong Vitality supplements set.
   

I hope these tips prove to be of use to you.  Do remember that when you make lifestyle changes, that you can't do them all at once.  Choose one things that most appeals to you and is realistic to fit in to your life at the moment.  Try it for a few days, a week maybe, then if it's working, you can add in something else.

I'd love to know your top tips for surviving winter.  Please do share yours.

*if you're interested in knowing more about doTerra essential oils, please do get in touch with me directly as you won't find them in the shops, which keeps their prices down.  At the time of writing this blog (28th October) there's an amazing offer - if you buy On Guard, you get Air free - available until Wednesday 30th.  Please email me mary@bloomwithmary.co.uk if you'd like to get these wonderful natural winter solutions in your home now!

Mary supports women who are feeling stressed, exhausted and overwhelmed to take back control of their health and wellbeing using natural solutions so they can enjoy life again and embrace their future.  See www.bloomwithmary.co.uk for more details.