In this blog post I will share with you my ideas on how to beat those winter blues in order to stay positive, healthy and happy during the winter!!
1: Eat healthy
Get stuck into the superfoods! They are packed with nutrients that have loads of health enhancing properties including boosting your brain function and immunity. These include: Kale, Watercress, Brussel sprouts, Spinach, Rocket, Cabbage, Broccoli, Leeks, Mushrooms, Cauliflower – yum!!
2: Exercise
It can be even more difficult to get motivated to exercise in the winter months. Indoor or outdoor, the combination of physical exercise and sun exposure (hopefully!) can lead to a great serotonin release and a boost for your immune system. If you are like me and are not big on exercising, I find a brisk walk with the dogs is rewarding and I always feel revived afterwards.
3: Organise
Winter is probably the best time to organise as you are inside more often. Embark upon a project that has been bothering you, whether it be your pantry, paper management, a cupboard, drawer or room. Get stuck in and use some of my tips from my previous blog “Be organised in winter” to help you along the way.
4: Learn something new
How about using the long evenings in your favour and trying something new? Maybe there is something that you have pondered about learning, but never had the time to pursue it. Whether it is a dance or cooking class, a new sport, creative activity or something else, use this winter to get stuck into something new and have some fun.
5: Plan a holiday
Even a short break away can make a huge difference to lift your spirits. Whether you go somewhere warm or cold, it helps to have something to look forward to and to go somewhere that is a change from where you live. Take some good reading material, walking shoes and yummy food. Some time away will make it that much easier to get through the winter.
6: Have a slipper bath at Te Aroha
Te Aroha mineral spa is a hidden gem situated in between Matamata and Thames, an hour and a half drive from Auckland. Built inside an Edwardian building in the Te Aroha Domain, the cast iron baths are filled with natural hot soda water, and there are little chocolates and cold water for you to enjoy whilst soaking in the bath. If you go after dark, candles are lit too! It’s very relaxing and only $12 per person for a half hour soak. Highly recommended for these cold winter days and well worth the drive! Check them out here….
7: Join a book club!
Winter is a great time for this as you have more time to read in the evenings and you can snuggle up with a good book by the fire at the end of your day. It’s a great way to meet new people and get some socialising happening during the week.
8: Buy a crock pot
If you don’t already have a slow cooker, now is the time to go out and get one! By simply preparing whatever recipe you choose and popping it into the pot, your meal is ready for you and your family when you get in from the cold. It frees you up in the evening so that you have more time to do the things you want to do and saves all the fuss of making a meal at the end of a long day.
I have left you with a delicious slow cooker lentil and cauliflower stew recipe for inspiration 🙂
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