Winter is the ideal time to rest and recharge to prioritise rest and replenish energy levels and focus more on introspection. This can be challenging in the modern world – however taking time to promote overall wellbeing is more important than ever.
The colder months can often bring challenges to mental and physical health, which can impact productivity and morale within the workplace.
With flu cases spiking this year it is the perfect time to support our immunity and explore 6 effective strategies to help us thrive during the winter season.
hygge
[hue - gah] - noun
A calm, comfortable time with people you love, a complete absence of frustrations or anything emotionally overwhelming, often enjoyed with good food, with warm blankets and candlelight.
1. Embrace Hygge
Originating from Denmark, hygge is a concept that embodies the art of cosiness and contentment.
It encourages us to indulge in simple pleasures that bring comfort and joy.
Embracing hygge allows us to appreciate the beauty of winter and find solace in its peacefulness.
2. Stick to a regular sleep schedule
Harvard researchers say that it is difficult to find any other condition that has a greater impact on productivity than sleep deprivation.
It can be tempting to stay in bed on cold winter mornings, however making the effort to establish a regular routine can make a big difference.
Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day is a good way to train the body to get enough sleep.
A regular sleeping routine can help to ensure that your body reaches deeper levels of sleep that are essential for recovery and wellbeing.
Try to get as much natural light as possible integrate sunshine into your day: Take a lunch break, go for a walk, plan to get up early.
3. Vitamin D
Did you know that almost one third of Australians are lacking Vitamin D?
In this busy world it can be hard to find the opportunity to listen to our bodies and when we are working indoors can miss daylight almost completely for a few months.
A study by Sydney University found that due to the nature of office work; people who work indoors are in the high risk category.
Research has shown that employees exposed to natural light slept 46 minutes longer —and more soundly in general—than their peers who work in windowless offices!
4. Yoga for the winter months
We can change our yoga practice to suit the season. Here are yoga practices to boost your immunity, warm the body, help rest the nervous system and get a good night’s sleep.
Yoga practices to help you rest the nervous system and get a good night’s rest:
- Introduce a quiet more restorative yoga practice focused on deep breathing to calm your mind and release physical tension can have a very positive impact on getting a restful night.
- Breathe with long, full, deep inhalations and exhalations to calm the parasympathetic nervous system.
- Remain for longer periods in restorative poses – 5-10 minutes in each pose.
- Allow the out breath to be longer than the inhalation and hold the pose for longer than usual.
- If you struggle to sleep introduce gentle yoga forward bends & inversions. Eg. Legs up the wall pose (as pictured).
- Slow warming yoga practices warm the body and lubricate the joints.
- Gentle backbends help elevate our mood and energy.
- Forward folds and meditation assist with clarity and inward reflection of the mind.
- There are many excellcent poses to assist with immunity and ward off winter flu.
5. Enjoy a hot drink with all 5 senses
A hot drink not only warms you up, it also presents the perfect opportunity to be present, to savour the a moment of mindfulness and step away from distractions.
I drink my tea.
Sit down with a warm drink and engage all 5 senses:
- Listen to the sounds as you pour or stir the the drink
- The smells from the aroma
- Feel the warmth and texture of the drink in your mouth
- Look at the colour of the liquid and the shapes from any steam
- Savour the flavors
