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Michelle Keenan empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal wellbeing by providing customised wellness coaching programmes tailored to their unique goals.
We’re past the solstice, but let’s be honest, Auckland winters can be a slog. Dark mornings, days of rain, and every second person is coughing. Hibernating until spring isn’t really an option, so here are a few tips to make it through.
Get outside
I know the couch is comfy and the weather is rubbish, but even 15 minutes of fresh air and daylight is really beneficial. It helps your sleep, your mood, and your vitamin D levels. Yes, even in winter! Just layer up.
It helps your sleep, your mood, and your vitamin D levels. Yes, even in winter! Just layer up.
Merino base, a decent jacket, a beanie. You could even text a friend and meet up. Suddenly that walk around the block doesn’t feel so bad, and the couch and a movie will still be there when you get back.
Keep moving
Movement is one of the best things you can do for your immune system and your mental wellbeing. And no, that doesn’t mean you need to be at the gym every day. A 20-minute walk, yoga in the living room, a weekly dance class, or some squats and lunges while the kettle boils – it all helps.
It gets your blood moving and helps your body fight stuff off. The trick is consistency – move every day, multiple times a day. Five minutes here, half an hour there. The benefits are cumulative and every little bit counts.
Eat for the season
Winter is made for slow food. Dig out the crockpot for soups or throw a big tray of veges in the oven to roast. Your body craves warmth and comfort, and there’s no reason that can’t be healthy too.
Think kumara, pumpkin and parsnips with lentils and greens. Add ginger and turmeric if you’ve got them. A good bowl of soup with a thick piece of toast is about as satisfying as winter gets – healthy, nourishing, and tasty.
Eat well and drink plenty of water even when it’s cold outside.
Look after yourself when you’re sick
We all catch some winter bugs at some point, and when it happens, the best thing you can do is stop pretending you’re fine. If you’re rundown, rest.
Your body needs that energy to fight whatever it is you’ve picked up. Drink water, have some soup, drink tea. And please, stay home.
You’re not a hero for bringing your cold to work, you’re just sharing it with everyone else.
