Boost Your Mood This Winter
Winter can be a challenging season for both our physical and mental well-being. With colder weather, less sunlight, and shorter days, it’s natural to feel a bit low on energy or mood. Fortunately, there are many ways to beat the winter blues and improve your health and vitality. These include boosting vitamin D levels, prioritising self-care routines, and incorporating practices like massage to keep you feeling positive and energised this season.
Increase Your Vitamin D
Vitamin D, often called the "sunshine vitamin," is important for a number of functions in the human body, like maintaining bone health, supporting the immune system, and even regulating mood. In the UK, it’s particularly difficult to get enough vitamin D naturally during the winter months, as sunlight exposure decreases significantly. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, and weakened immunity, which can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other winter blues.
Consider taking a vitamin D supplement to ensure you’re meeting your daily needs. Health authorities like the NHS recommend 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily during autumn and winter to support general health and mental well-being. Additionally, foods like oily fish, eggs, and fortified cereals are good sources of vitamin D and can be a helpful addition to your diet.
Build Self-Care Routines
Winter is the perfect time to slow things down and focus on self-care practices that promote relaxation and mental clarity. Here are three things you can do to help keep the winter blues at bay:
Establish a Relaxing Routine — Creating a regular schedule for relaxation, like reading, journaling, or meditating, can lower stress levels and improve mood.
Stay Physically Active — Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Even gentle activities like yoga or a daily walk can make a big difference.
Hydrate — When the weather is colder, it’s easy to overlook hydration. Make a habit of drinking water and enjoying warm herbal teas, which can have a positive effect in maintaining energy levels and supporting digestion.
Massage to Enhance Well-being
Holistic massage is a wonderful addition to any winter self-care routine. In my Bristol massage practice, I’ve seen firsthand how clients benefit from massage during the colder months. Not only does it provide an opportunity to unwind, but it can increase serotonin and dopamine levels, allowing the mind and body to relax. It’s a chance to take a break from daily stressors and focus entirely on your own well-being, helping you feel warmer and more balanced during winter.
Make Winter Well-being a Priority
By taking steps to boost vitamin D, and establishing regular self-care practices, you can feel more energetic, resilient, and positive throughout the winter months. Consider incorporating holistic massage into your routine to keep your spirits high, even as the temperatures drops.
Click HERE to book a warming holistic massage in Bristol, and beat the winter blues
All thoughts expressed are my own and are not meant to replace any official guidelines from a medical practitioner. Please contact your medical health care professional for advice.
