The beginning of winter means looking at yourself even more, both physically and mentally. There a few habits I have been enforcing in to my routine in order to give my body the best chance throughout the cold winter months.
I regularly get poorly throughout the winter, often feeling drained and tired on a daily basis. I often feel like I need to sleep for 10 hours a night and crave unhealthy food and meals that are carb-heavy. But this winter I want to try and make changes by enforcing specific healthy habits throughout the bleak season.
Aloe Vera water
I was introduced to Ale Vera gel via a friend in my village Emma who runs her own FOREVER shop. She gave me a bottle of the aloe vera gel to try and its been wonderful. Aloe vera water is made from the aloe vera plant, which has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. The water has certain nutritional and health benefits, but ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of adding aloe vera water to your diet too. I find aloe vera is great for my skin, hair and nails. Aloe vera juice also has anti-inflammatory properties in the digestive system, and it’s sometimes used to help treat constipation and heartburn.
Pamper yourself
With all of the stresses of everyday life, it’s important that we take some time for ourselves to relax, and recoup. This doesn’t have to be reading your favourite book, or watching that film you love, you can also relax by setting up your own DIY spa at home. Here’s my post about doing your DIY spa at home.
Magnesium tablets
This was something I stumbled across last year, and it’s been my saving grace. Studies have shown that magnesium deficiency may contribute to numerous mental health problems, including anxiety. Magnesium is a calming and relaxing mineral and it regulates the nervous system and may help you cope with stress so as to prevent anxiety, fear, nervousness, restlessness and irritability. I have never been keen to treat my mental health issues with medication, and therefore I am constantly seeking out natural ways to support myself. I do this through a daily dosage of magnesium, chamomile tea and Rescue Remedy.
Regular exercise
I have been a member of Pure Gym now for five months and have slowly been getting back on the fitness train. I’ve had bad weeks where I haven’t been once, and other weeks where I have been five times, but all in all, I realise how great going to Pure Gym is good for both my mental health and physical health. It gives me time to blank out, but also push myself and my body. Being strong is such a wonderful feeling when you’ve experienced both anxiety and panic for years.
Eat in season
Over the last 30 years, systematic scientific studies have confirmed that poor nutrition impairs the immune response. Fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and legumes or pulses are full of immune-boosting properties and antioxidants. I need to steer clear of food that is too carb-heavy and instead look at seasonal vegetables such as squash, pulses, and root veg. Nature provides fresh seasonal foods to compensate for what our bodies are lacking at that time of year. e.g. citrus fruits that are in season throughout winter are full of Vitamin C.
Sleeping lots!
I sleep a lot anyway, but I know I will want to sleep more than ever as winter approaches. I therefore plan to ensure I get at least 8-10 hours at the weekend and to try and get early nights in the week. It’s a great way for me to manage my anxiety, and sleep is so incredibly important. It can improve your memory, aid your immune system, spur creativity and curb inflammation to name only a few…
What habits will you be enforcing this winter?
