If you are like most people, you probably keep your everyday routines the same all year round. You might use the same skincare products in January as you do in May, and you might eat the same kinds of food in October as you did in April. On the other hand, perhaps you use a richer moisturizer and eat more soup in the winter months than you do in the summer months. Either way, this article explains what you need to do differently in the winter months to stay in tip top condition, and why.
The Ayurvedic system of health and beauty is an old Indian tradition based on the notion that your body’s needs change according to the seasons. This system suggests that to stay healthy, we need to adapt with the seasons and provide our body the appropriate nourishment for each season.
According to this system, our body is ruled by earth in the winter, meaning that we are more likely to be lethargic, slow, and generally low in energy. In the animal kingdom, winter is a time for hibernation. Of course, as humans we can’t exactly hibernate, but we can conserve our energy and be sure to get the most warming, nourishment for our bodies.
Diet
Most people simply eat the foods they like all year round. Although there is a tendency to eat salad slightly more often in the summer and soup more in the winter, overall people do not realize the subtle reasons why your body needs much more nourishment from food during the winter.
While it is important to drink plenty of water every single day, in winter you should avoid icy cold water and opt for lukewarm water instead. This is much better for your digestion and can help to keep your body warm from the inside out. Even more importantly, the winter months are a perfect time to start drinking chamomile tea, fruit teas and other herbal blends. These all count towards your daily water intake, keep you warm and kick start your circulation which is often slower during the winter months.
Unless you are a vegetarian, winter is a great time to eat much more meat because our digestion is the strongest, similarly to how animals spend the year stocking up on food so they have plenty to eat in the winter when they hibernate. Lamb, bacon or minestrone soups are great for the winter because they are heavy, warming and filling.
The harsh cold in winter can strip the skin of its moisture, so try to replenish with a couple of servings of oily fish every week. Tinned fish such as mackerel or tuna are great sources of essential fatty acids, as is salmon. If you’re not keen on fish, consider taking a fish oil supplement.
If you were thinking of dieting in the winter, or trying to lose a few pounds before Christmas, you might want to re-consider. As winter is a time of low energy, any diets started in this season are more likely to fail and result in increased cravings and binging instead. Energy picks up again in spring (and then again in autumn), so if you must diet, it can wait a few months if you want the best chance of success.
Skincare
Always wear a rich, heavy duty moisturizer if you are going out in harsh, bitter cold weather. This applies to your face as well as hands and any other body part that might be directly exposed to the cold air. The most forgotten place is the neck; you might be wearing a scarf but it won’t hurt to moisturize for added protection. Always carry a hand cream with you throughout the day to re-apply as often as you need to, typically 3 or 4 times a day.
Probably the single most sensitive place that can suffer in the winter months is your lips. Lips are naturally more sensitive than the rest of your face and body because the skin is much thinner here. Always carry a lip balm with you and reapply as often as you need to; probably 5 or 6 times a day.
In the winter, you might be tempted to have a steamy hot bath but this is a bad idea; hot water can and will dry out your skin. Go for a warm bath instead, and add a couple of drops of essential oils. Lemon or ginger are great for morning baths to wake you up and give you that much needed burst of energy, whereas chamomile is a great addition to your bath for a gentle, soothing evening.
Exercise
Remember, winter is a time of low energy so the most important thing is to not overdo it. In a few months when spring arrives, you can switch your workout up a notch or take up a brand new sport or hobby. In the winter though, take it easy.
A fast paced walk outside for around 30 minutes a day is plenty. Make sure you go for your walk in the lightest part of the day, such as noon. Getting your daily dose of sunlight can protect you from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression brought on by the winter months. Furthermore, if you spend a lot of time indoors in the winter, it is important to get your fair share of fresh air, which can actually protect you from common colds by strengthening your immune system.
The most important things to remember for boosting your winter health is get a moderate dose of daily exercise outside in the fresh air and remember to eat plenty of rich, warming, filling foods such as soup and meat. Getting your weekly essential dose of oily fish is absolutely crucial to maintain nourished skin from the inside out. Don’t neglect your skincare routine at this time of year; pay special attention to your lips, face, neck and hands and if you usually use a moisturizing lotion, consider switching to a cream which is richer.
