Winter Wellness Activities to Brighten Your Season

Winter can be a challenging time for many, but it's also an opportunity to embrace activities that promote wellness and joy. Here are some of my favorite winter wellness activities to help you make the most of the season:

1. Watch an Oscar-Nominated Movie

Curl up with a cozy blanket and watch an Oscar-nominated movie. It's a great way to escape the cold and immerse yourself in captivating storyline. Whether you prefer drama, comedy, or documentary, there's something for everyone. This year's nominations come out on January 19th. Follow the link for other nominated movie lists or find your favorite actors.

2. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery

Take a cultural excursion to a local museum or art gallery. Exploring art and history can be both inspiring and educational. Plus, it's a wonderful way to spend a chilly day indoors while expanding your horizons. Last year I went to the Met Museum in New York and absolutely loved it! I haven't gotten to a museum yet this year, so if you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments! <3

3. Practice Ayurvedic Self-Massage

Ayurvedic self-massage, or Abhyanga, is a soothing practice that involves massaging warm oil into your skin. It helps improve circulation, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Choose oils with natural ingredients. Take your time to enjoy this nurturing ritual. I love giving myself a bit of a massage before I go to bed or even after a shower. Using oils or tallow are great for your skin to retain moisture, soak in vitamins and feels amazing. My favorites are linked but you can also get them at The Willimantic F

4. Read an Inspirational Book

Winter is the perfect time to dive into an inspirational book. Whether it's a self-help guide, a memoir, or a novel with a powerful message, reading can uplift your spirits and provide valuable insights. It's always been difficult for me to read but I do love it. My ADD hack if possible is to find the audio book and the read while listening. I just started reading The War Against All Puerto Ricans. Pease share some lighter reads for my next endeavor.

5. Bake Something Grain-Free

Get creative in the kitchen by baking something grain-free. There are plenty of delicious recipes for grain-free cookies, bread, and cakes that are both nutritious and satisfying. Baking can be a therapeutic activity that fills your home with warmth and delightful aromas. When I bake, I prefer to bake with protein to ensure I don't have too high of a glycemic spike. When choosing a protein, do your research. Not all proteins are the same. My favorite baking protein is Truvani, one of my most a trusted brands. (also available at the Willimantic Food Co-op)

6. Learn a New Craft

Winter is an ideal time to pick up a new craft. Whether it's knitting, painting, or woodworking, learning a new skill can be incredibly rewarding. It keeps your mind engaged and provides a sense of accomplishment. This winter I definitely tapped into my crafty side creating jewelry, painting, and even some forms of sculpting. Whatever you choose, have fun with it!

7. Make Homemade Veggie Broth

Warm up with a nourishing homemade veggie broth. It's easy to make and packed with nutrients. Use a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a flavorful broth that can be enjoyed on its own or as a base for soups and stews. You know those veggie scraps that usually get tossed in the trash because who's really composting? You can bag them up, freeze and save them and create your own veggie broth! I haven't bought veggie broth all winter because of this. I will add some store-bought bone broth to add for an extra nutrient kick. Every batch is slightly different but that's part of the magic. :)

8. Bundle Up for an Outdoor Walk or Hike

Don't let the cold keep you indoors. Bundle up in warm layers and take a brisk walk or hike. Fresh air and physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels. Plus, winter landscapes can be breathtakingly beautiful. This has taken me years to be able to accomplish! My advice as someone who is just now getting into cold weather activities, layers are the key. My newfound love for Bibs Coveralls has enlightened my outdoors winter experience. Best part is you can wear your pajamas underneath!

I hope you take some time to embrace these winter wellness activities to stay happy, healthy and inspired throughout the season. Remember, winter is a time for rest and reflection, so take the opportunity to nurture yourself and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.