Embrace Winter Wellness
Winter can be a challenge when it comes to staying healthy – the biting cold and sombre skies keep us indoors and inactive. It’s tempting to just curl up on the couch and hibernate under a cozy blanket for the next two months.
Unfortunately, a body at rest tends to stay at rest. A natural part of winter’s slower rhythm can lead to a change in moods, energy levels and motivation, and studies show that our general physical activity significantly decreases in the winter while sedentary behaviours spike. Too much sitting can leave us feeling stiff and sore – everything tightens up when there’s less blood, heat and oxygen delivered to the muscles.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep your body buoyed and moving, even from the comfort of your own home. Prioritizing regular, moderate indoor activity supports a healthy lifestyle: Whether it’s gentle yoga or stretching routines, embracing self-care with winter-friendly movements that suit your interests and fitness level helps both our minds and bodies flourish, ensuring a happier, more energetic you.
Yoga and stretching are low-intensity activities that require minimal space and equipment. Create a personal wellness retreat with a mat and water bottle. Practice good techniques and set small, achievable goals with the help of online resources and classes, some are live and some pre-recorded and can be accessed anytime, from anywhere. Tap into a virtual community for increased enjoyment and fitness. Sharing journeys can make the winter so much less isolating and embrace you in the warmth of common goals and camaraderie.
Mindful movements promote meditation and relaxation, allowing for a deeper connection to your body and the present moment. The emphasis on the mind-body connection is especially beneficial to chase away the blues and stress. Keep movements gentle and slow. Don’t bounce. Breathe deeply for a calming, meditative experience.
Gentle yoga and stretching can improve flexibility, strength and balance. These slow, intentional movements increase mobility and reduce the risk of slipping and falling. On top of that, enjoy better sleep and boost protection against cognitive decline.
Approach winter’s challenges with a sense of curiosity and openness – welcome new interests. How about taking up tai chi or cultivating an indoor garden? Tend to your soul and grow roots with gardening – it has such positive effects on your mental and emotional health. Greenery soothes discomfort, reports research, including lowering anxiety and decreasing pain.
Indoor plants can brighten up your mood and home. Consider low maintenance plants if you’re a beginner, like pathos or a spider plant. Consider growing herbs and inviting a friend over to feast on fresh goodness.
Keeping up motivation during winter can be tough: Create a routine; ideally, set aside a consistent time every day for movement. Invite a friend/family member to share the activity for additional motivation, enjoyment and connection.
Look at the winter season as an opportunity for growth and self-care experiences away from home. Nurture your well-being with a spa wellness escape to Ste. Anne’s to experience the best of health, peace and gentle movement. Stretch & Mobility classes enhance your range of motion and keep you limber. Warm up to restorative Hot Stone Yoga for healing and stress release. Join in on a Hatha Yoga class, which is great for beginners or those who seek slow, relaxed poses.
Seek steamy refuge from the chill with soothing spa treatments, sauna time and soaking in our therapeutic outdoor pools beneath the stars. Pick your preferred temperature and recover, reflect and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul in our hydrotherapy pools. Move on to our historic inn’s cozy fireplace to share a warm cup of tea with a cherished friend.
There’s something profoundly therapeutic about finding the joy of movement and self-care in the season, savouring the uplifting light in the darkness of winter’s soulful days. It’s okay – and normal – to be less energetic right now, but gentle, intentional movement is the best thing for you and will lift your spirits and sustain you. The sunshine will be back in no time!
