BANISH THE WINTER BLUES, your winter wellness guide

For a few months now I have been wishing for winter to just start already, now winter is here and baby it’s cold outside. It’s also a bit wet, the mornings are dark, I want all the carbs and winter warming desserts plus did I mention it’s cold?

Ummm, I have a feeling winter is going to drag on for like, forever and am wondering how I will get through it. First I am wishing for winter to start and one week in I am lamenting it UGH!

Well judging by the survey I took at a morning coffee catchup with mates as we gripped tightly to hot cuppas to warm our frozen hands it seems that while we love elements of winter there’s actually a lot about it that can feel like a drag. Sometimes winter sux and the days feel dark and dreary, mental and physical health can take a tumble South leaving us feel less than average.

Not an ideal situation, but I have got you covered babes. I have put together a winter wellness guide to help you get through winter so it doesn’t feel like it sux so much, and while some may seem alternate and kooky, they work so give them a go. If you have some fave ways to bust the winter blues and keep well I would love for you to share in the comments.

Rose Gold HD Headphones (I have these), Dr Tung’s Tongue Cleaner, Sense Ultrasonic Diffuser

MUSIC- OK who doesn’t like music in the background or a daggy dancing dance off, it’s easy to forget about just how good music actually makes us feel and what an instant mood lifter it is. Download Spotify, dust off your CD’s or records and get in the habit of carrying earbuds with you and plug into your favourite tunes.

TONGUE SCRAPER- um yes you read right…a tongue scraper is a nifty contraption I swear by and every morning and night I scrape the gunk off my entire tongue for fresher breath and better immunity. Sooo much bacteria and germs live on our tongue and can lead to the lurgy or worse so ladies, get scraping.

ESSENTIAL OILS- we all know someone who has an essential oils small business so invite them over for a cuppa and get the lowdown on what oils you could be using this Winter to lift your mood and boost your health. My personal favourite is Lavender for sleep (on soles and temples), a wild orange and frankincense blend and ‘on guard’ for keeping germs at bay. If you want to know more about oils then go check out Nicole Joy Inspire. I first met Nicole on the photo shoot for Lifestyle Basics and she is so grounded and chill, once I discovered her Instagram I was hooked.

DIFFUSER- as well as using oils on your body, in the bath, for cleaning or even ingesting some specific oils you can also pop a few drops in a diffuser for an instant mood lift.

Cleanse Crystal Set, Pom Pom Hot Water Bottle, Netflix Australia, Magnesium Oil (the one I use) Spi Chai Loose Leaf Tea, Fluffy Sloth Ankle Socks

NETFLIX AND CHILL- sometimes the best medicine is grabbing a hot cuppa, some snacks, a blankie, the TV remote and losing ourselves for a few hours in front of the telly, cheaper than the movies and no need to even get out of your pyjamas. I love Netflix because I can binge a few episodes (or the whole season) of my fave series.

CARRY CRYSTALS- I am super dooper new to crystals and sometimes wonder if it’s all a bit too woo-woo but heck they are pretty plus I actually do feel better when carrying them. If you want to know more pop over HERE and HERE

WHEAT-BAGS & WATER BOTTLES- our Nan’s were onto a good thing when they filled up a hot water bottle to make us feel better. They are comforting, warming, perfect for warming the sheets before you jump into bed and wheat-bags are also good for soothing tired and sore muscles.

MEAL PLANNING BOXES- when you have lost your mealtime mojo or you just can’t be arsed then meal subscription boxes might be the answer. We used ‘Hello Fresh’ last year and it got us out of a no cooking funk.

MAGNESIUM- I swear by magnesium! It is amazing for sore muscles and helps me to get a good nights sleep. I use the oil to massage into my skin or pop some in the bath plus I take a tablet at night too.

SUNDAY COOK UP SESSIONS- meal planning is key to keeping on track with good eating and a Sunday sesh in the kitchen is good for the soul too. So get meal planning and cooking and enjoy winter warming meals with no meal time stress.

Skin Boss Body Oil (try the coconut it’s my fave), Hello Fresh Meal Box, Velectrix Urban Bike(same bike I have) Keep Cup in Blossom, Maggie Mohair Throw

FARMERS MARKETS- not  is a local farmers market good for the hip pocket but you are supporting local small businesses too. I love a Farmers Market for seasonal fruit and veg, delish pastries and bread and meat that actually has a deep flavour, plus we make the most of the morning by incorporating time for brekky and a coffee while we shop.

NOURISH YOUR SKIN- my skin resembles that of a dry lizard as soon as the cold weather approaches. These days I slather on Skin Boss body oils morning and night, nourishing oils with no nasties and all the good stuff.

PLAN A HOLIDAY- stop dreaming of escaping and do it! Sure the budget doesn’t always mean we can head off at the drop of a hat but with planning a getaway is possible. So grab a thermos and head to a local park to enjoy some winter sunshine while you research and plan a holiday. Where have you always dreamed of going? I am dreaming of Copenhagen and Portugal.

RIDE A BIKE- getting out into nature is so good for you, fresh air and exercise are also a great mix to help you sleep so jump on a bike today…or tomorrow, whenever really. I recently purchased the bike pictured which has been a game changer, it gives an extra whoosh to help me get up hills or when my legs get tired. I have been making an effort to ride it to Pilates three mornings a week and to meetings in the local area.

PAT A DOG- do I need to say anything more…really? Dogs are good for your heart plus they are excellent lap warmers in winter, if you don’t own one seek out a friends.

WEAR SOCKS- we lose heat through our feet so pop on a pair of warm socks when at home to feel comfy and cosy.

EMBRACE SPICE-whether you amp up the winter  with some chilli and spices or sip on a warm mug of spicy chai tea  spices can boost your immune system and warm you up.

How do you go through winter, is it your favourite season?

Til next time

Jen x

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