In St. Louis, winter time presents us with shorter days and colder weather. That combined with flu season and holiday happenings can make it difficult to keep a healthy routine on track. Keep momentum or start a new wellness habit by incorporating some of these tools or tips into your daily routine. Now more than ever, it’s important to take care of both your physical and mental health!
Tools & Tips for a Healthier Winter
Therapy Lighting
Each winter we find ourselves living with shorter daylight hours and bitter cold temperatures. Many of us also work inside for the majority of those daylight hours, often leaving for work or coming home after dark. A therapy lamp could help boost your mood by delivering UV-free lighting. The Mayo Clinic recommends light therapy boxes as an effective treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depressions that typically occurs during fall and winter. There are many different types of lights available online at major retailers as well as at alternative medicine shops.
Getting outside on a sunny winter day can also help. Natural sunlight has been proven to help improve mood by boosting the release of serotonin. Taking a walk or phone call outside on a sunny day could be just the mood booster you need this winter!
Extra Skin Care
Cold weather can have a major impact on your skin. Keep your skin healthy by drinking enough water and using moisturizer on dry or flaky skin. Try a new ointment, moisturizer, or lip balm to make good skin health a priority this winter. Even in winter, it’s recommended to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. Protect your face, lips, hands, and any exposed areas when you are outdoors. We recommend including an extra skin moisturizing step into your daily morning and evening routines while you are getting ready for the day, or before you head off to bed for the night.
Breathe in the Benefits
An aromatherapy diffuser and humidifier is a useful item to combat dry air many of us experience in our own homes. Many are recommended for use with essential oils that can also be soothing.
Place a diffuser in rooms that you spend the most time in, or in your bedroom to breathe in the benefits while you sleep.
Lavender oil is a great choice to aid in relaxation and sleep.
Unwind from a busy day with aromatherapy that also adds beneficial moisture to the air you breathe every day.
Hike Away the Winter Blues
Even if it’s a little chilly outside, sometimes getting bundled up and out into nature can help you feel happier. Lucky for us, there are many great hikes near St. Louis. We love this list of 25 trails that are all within a two-hour drive of St. Louis. There are also many paved walking trails that can be visited for a lower impact activity. Cliff Cave Park and Creve Coeur Park both have great paved trails that are accessible and beginner friendly. If you’re not much of a hiker, you can also try these workout ideas that are perfect for winter days.
Start a Journaling Journey
Many praise the impact that keeping a journal can have on overall mental health and mood. A journal can help by getting negative feelings out of your system, while also helping you identify things that may be bothering you. A gratitude journaling practice can also life your mood, by focusing your attention on what you are thankful for in your life. There are many ways to start a journal or begin writing therapy. Start with a blank notebook, or a guided journal. Many yoga or wellness studios also offer classes that are focused on journaling, or include it as part of the practice.
It can also boost your mood to have something to look forward to, like a vacation (or staycation), social event with friends, time spent with family, or reconnecting with a hobby you love. Find more ideas and wellness events happening in our area by visiting our Facebook page. Thinnergy wishes you a happy and healthy winter season!