My Complete Guide to Embracing Winter!

Here is My Complete Guide to Embracing Winter – but first….

Are you ready for the clocks to go back on 31 October at 2am?

On this last Sunday of October, the clocks ‘fall back’ by one hour and this marks the end of British Summer Time.

It also means an extra hour in bed! Yay!

So, are you ready to embrace Winter or are you dreading it?

 

I don’t like the cold, in fact I hate it! Yes, hate is a strong word but I really feel the cold! But rather than let this one aspect of winter overshadow the season,

let’s look at the positives –

 

Winter Gives Us Some Great Opportunities and here are just a few:

Start new Projects

During the warmer months, the body requires more glucose to engage in cognitive (thinking) tasks and research suggests that there is less focus and less drive to get things done because of this.

So, now is the time to start those projects you’ve been putting off! Maybe you could start something new? Decorate a room or re-design your garden on paper! Grab this perfect opportunity!

 

It can help you burn more calories

When it’s colder, the body has to work harder to keep warm, thereby using more calories to do so. Move more and burn more! Win win!

 

Fewer allergies

Those of us who suffer with pollen induced asthma and allergies get a reprieve! Enjoy being able to embrace the fresh air without the worry of a runny nose, tight chest or streaming eyes. Wrap up warm and get out there!

 

Lower temperatures aid better sleep

The ideal bedroom temperature is around 16-18°C. Hotter rooms can seriously impact your sleep, in particular REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Temperatures over 24°C are likely to cause restlessness, while a chilly room of about 12°C will make it difficult to get off to sleep.

In the colder months, whilst you may feel like hibernating, the sleep you do get can be more restful and restorative.

Invest in a thermostat for your bedroom to get the temperature just right for the perfect night’s sleep.

 

Winter boosts our immune systems

The cold triggers our immune systems to work harder. This means that whilst we might be more likely to get a cold during the winter months, the body is actually better able to fight it than it would be in the summer!

 

Winter Tips:

Outdoor Living

If you’re an outdoorsy-type then why not invest in a patio heater or a fire pit and make a cosy outdoor space to relax. Fire-pits can be purchased for as little as £25.

By increasing your level of control over the environment outside your home will give you just a little more freedom and will help you feel less stir-crazy if you are spending even more time behind the same four walls.

 

Heated Gilets or Body Warmers

Natural daylight is an effective mood booster. Wrap up warm and get out for walks on sunny days and on your lunch breaks. Heated waist coats/gilets are a godsend and can be purchased on eBay and Amazon! I wouldn’t be without mine! They work from a battery pack in the pocket with various settings. Perfect for those wintry walks.

 

De-clutter

De-cluttering is so therapeutic. It somehow clears the mind as well as your rooms and cupboards. Donate your unwanted clothes to charity and bedding to charity kennels and catteries.

 

 

Stimulate your Brain with Good Vibes

Research shows that listening to upbeat music and watching feel good films or TV can help your brain release endorphins (happy hormones).

Make yourself a playlist packed with your favourite tunes, comedies and podcasts while doing mundane chores.

 

 

 

Stay Social

Staying social is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Say yes to invitations and embrace the time of year by hosting cosy winter gatherings. Wintry walks and a coffee and cake to finish? Card nights? Film nights?

 

Make self-care a priority

When we feel low, self-care can go out the window, but try sticking with it. Keep things simple and don’t demand too much from yourself.

It’s ok to snuggle under a duvet and do nothing if that’s what you need.

 

Brighten your interior décor

All forms of light and brightness help fight off the winter blues.

Bring more lamps into the room and set a lighter mood with white walls and brightly coloured cushions and rugs.

 

Consider a light box

For some people, ‘light therapy’ can help seasonal affective disorder.

‘Light boxes’, which emit wavelengths of light similar to natural light are widely available.

 

Take care with carbs and sugar

Why do I always seem to eat more carbs in the winter, especially biscuits and cake? The brain is a glucose-hungry organ and people with SAD often find themselves reaching for the biscuit tin. But by eating lots of carbohydrates, a slump will soon follow as will weight gain.

Try instead to eat lots of oily fish and take extra vitamin D and eat more of the slower release energy foods; Brown rice, bananas, sweet potatoes, eggs, apples, Barley, oats, wholemeal bread and crackers.

 

Wear Bright Colors

I definitely feel better when I wear bright colors. Even if I wear a black polo in the winter, I’ll wear a pink scarf or sweater over it!

Black doesn’t make you look thinner – it drains pale sun-deprived complexions like mine and is sooooo gloomy! Try a bit of colour!

 

Vitamin D

Since we get most of our vitamin D from the sun, it’s a good idea to take a vitamin D supplement during the winter months. Best food sources of vitamin D are cod liver oil, salmon, tuna, milk, yogurt, sardines, eggs, and cereals fortified with vitamin D.

 

Make a Book, Film and Podcast List

Winter is a great time to get listening and reading. Cosy up by the fire and chill!

 

Sit By the Fire

What is it about fires that’s so warming, soothing, inviting and dreamy?

They don’t have to be real fires (I can’t stand the smell and mess), and the electric fire effect ones are just as mesmerizing. Treat yourself this winter!

 

Plan for Spring Breaks and Summer Holidays

Do some research and start planning your next holiday! There’s nothing better than having something to look forward to.

 

Love and Accept Winter!

I don’t tolerate the cold as you know and yes, I like everyone to know when I’m cold!

But I accept Winter and I embrace it and know there is no point trying to control it. I wrap up warm and get outside where I feel free and exhilarated.

This year I have treated myself to the thickest hooded long coat and woolly hat and the comfiest walking boots so there’s no excuse!

Nobody can control the presence of winter, but we can control how we choose to feel about it.

So, order your Sledges now and get ready for a bright, fun and fresh Winter!

Andrea x