My Top 10 Winter Wellness Tips
When I lived in California, my body kept anxiously waiting for the change of the season. As a forever midwesterner, the subtlety of season changes in Orange County didn’t offer the same impact as a 70-degree temperature swing. While I often dreaded winters in Chicago and suffered from seasonal depression, I knew that eternal summer wasn’t for me either. The season changes have always helped me gauge the passing of time. And I get to express a different side of myself through what I cook, what I wear, and the activities I choose to do.
I’ve had a much easier time with winter living in Northern Michigan than during the 15 years I lived in Chicago. In reflecting on my time in The Windy City, I know my winter blues were in large part to the general unhappiness of my life at the time, particularly through the tougher years of my marriage. So I certainly don’t blame Chicago! Regardless, I’m now in my fourth year of wintertime in Traverse City and I’m continually impressed by the way the community embraces the thrill of winter. The snow seems to stay longer and stay whiter. And the cozy home I’ve created definitely plays a role in keeping me joyful, even on the darkest of days. I can’t help but wonder, however, if some of my winter wellness practices that I hang onto now could’ve positively impacted me back when that seasonal depression ran more rampant.
I’ve honed this winter wellness checklist through the last several years and continue to refine it year after year. I hope it inspires new ideas, a warmer embrace of the winter season, or even a temporary pick-me-up during the cold winter nights. If you have tried-and-true ways to embrace the chill, drop a comment! I’d love to learn new ways to savor the stillness and slowness of the season.
The magical Shady Lane Cellars in Suttons Bay, MI
Here are my top 10 wellness tips to survive the winter months:
Up the supplements
I take vitamins B (for nervous system health), C (for immunity), and D (for the lack of that dang sun), turmeric (for inflammation), ashwagandha (for stress), and fish oil (for brain health).
Increase my sleep
Gone are the mornings of 5:00am wake ups. It is normal during the winter months to need more sleep. I can be rigid with my schedule and extremely disciplined. But this winter I have been way more accepting of my body’s need to rest. Naps?! Bring those on too.
Set the mood
If you know of the concept of hygge, the art of coziness, then you know lighting is of utmost importance. I have added these cute nightlights throughout my house. I have an abundance of candles. And my sun lamp brightens my morning routine.
Cozy gear
My couch has no less than three blankets on it. My favorite one is my weighted blanket, but the heated one and regular blanket serve a purpose too. I also bought heated socks at Costco that I can control on my phone. I have several pairs of slippers, fleece pants for lounging and for outdoor activity, and hoodies for every occasion. As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. Whenever Patagonia makes their sherpa overalls again, you better believe I’ll be buying them!
Cozy activities
I became a member at our local sauna and cold plunge venue in Traverse City and this has helped with both staying warm and building community. I also love a flowy hot vinyasa class in the winter. And nightly baths with an obscene amount of bubbles and salts.
Enhanced beauty regimen
Winter usually comes with dehydration, so I’m all about staying hydrated, moisturized, and yes, focused on anti-aging as I creep near 40. Since I promised it in my most recent podcast episode, here’s my exact skincare routine, in the order in which I use it:
Cleansers:
Replenix Acne Wash - for PM
Sulfur soap - for AM
DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Scrub - 2x/week
Toner:
The Ordinary Toner - nightly
Hydration:
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid - nightly
Anti-aging:
Tretinoin (doctor prescription) - nightly
Ilia eye cream - nightly
Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask - 1x/week
Moisturizing—I choose one per night pending how my skin feels:
BONUS: While this winter was the first time I embarked on a spray tan, I have to say, I am hooked. If I need a self-esteem boost, getting a little wintertime glow surely brightens my mood. And my face!
Nourishing meals
I love nothing more than to cook a big, tasty soup or stew in the winter. This lamb stew from The Fat Radish is an annual must-make for me.
Fresh flowers & house plants
I buy myself flowers every week for my kitchen counter. And this year I have vowed to be a better plant mom to my super low maintenance ZZ, snake, and spider plants. Having greenery and fresh, bright flowers always puts a smile on my face.
Having things to look forward to and embracing the season
As I mentioned, Northern Michigan is full of community-gathering events that help get me out of my house. Just last weekend I attended a cidery’s annual apple orchard blessing, complete with a giant outdoor bonfire and fireworks. Next weekend a slew of wineries are participating in a Sips + Soups wine crawl. I’ll be heading to Chicago in February to see Taylor Tomlinson. And in a couple weeks I’ll be zipping up to the U.P. for some winter hiking and adventuring. I scour our local magazine and newspaper for events as well as social media. Once I see something I like, I add it to my calendar and send invites to my crew.
A large part of embracing winter, for me, is managing my mindset. Trying things that I can only do in the winter season, particularly out and about in nature, helps me make the most of the few months where it truly feels like a winter wonderland. This year my family and I tried curling (ridiculous fun!). I LOVE to sled and tube. Cross country skiing between winteries with a thermos of mulled wine is one of the cutest things I think you could do up here. And knowing that this time of year is built around being intentional, slow, and restful serves as a true recharge before the wild summertime unveils itself again. Instead of wishing time away, I reframe it as, what do I not want to miss out on before the season changes?
Vacation (duh)
Let’s face it. Sometimes all of the above is not enough to get you through one. more. day. of winter. Especially in March and April when I’m usually so over it. When I plan winter vacations, I always plan them for the later part of the season when the snow isn’t usually as nice, it’s brown and melty, and my mood feels like the sludge on my boots. I’d be remiss to not plug my retreat to Bali here! If you need a grand adventure to look forward to, soak up the sun with me on the other side of the world this upcoming April.
Hi, I’m Jenna.
A yoga instructor, trained pastry chef, major book nerd, and former graphic designer. I have a zest for life and am passionate about continuously upleveling my growth – and bringing others along for the ride. My aim is to guide individuals in discovering themselves fully so they can walk through the world
100% self expressed.
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