Winter brings shorter days, colder temperatures, and can sometimes leave us feeling low. But with a few simple practices, you can boost your mood, strengthen your immunity, and feel more balanced throughout the season.
Here are three quick ways to support yourself this winter.
1. Support Your Gut Health for Better Immunity Did you know that around 80% of your immune cells are in your gut? A healthy gut microbiome can boost immunity, mental clarity, and even skin health. Try incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or a quality probiotic supplement that includes immune-boosting ingredients like vitamin C, echinacea, and zinc. Keeping your gut healthy is one of the best ways to stay resilient against winter bugs [1,2].
2. Get Outside Daily It’s tempting to stay indoors, but getting outside, even for a short walk, can do wonders. Natural light supports vitamin D levels, essential for immune health and mood. Plus, fresh air exposes you to new microbes, promoting a more diverse microbiome. Spending time in nature also helps you feel more relaxed, making it a powerful winter habit [3].
3. Reflect and Set Intentions for the Year Ahead Winter is a perfect time for quiet reflection. Take a few minutes each day to journal or meditate on what you want in the coming year. Listen to your “gut feelings”—they’re more insightful than you think! Setting intentions now can help you enter the new year feeling aligned and energized [4].
These simple self-care practices can help you feel healthier, happier, and more grounded this winter. Embrace the season by taking a little time for yourself—you’ll feel the benefits all year long!
References
1. Smits, S.A., Leach, J.L., Sonnenburg, E.D., Gonzalez, C.G. . . . Sonnenburg, J.L. (2017). Seasonal cycling in the gut microbiome of the Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania Science, 357(6353), 802-806 doi: 10.1126/science.aan4834
2. Suzuki, T.A., Worobey, M. (2014). Geographical Variation of Human Gut Microbial Composition. Biology Letters, 10(2). doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2013.1037
3. Roecklein, K.A., Rohan, K.J. (2005). Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Update and Overview. Psychiatry, 2(1), 20-26.
4. Allen, R. (2024). 12 whole body self-care tips to get you through the Winter. Hyperbiotics. https://www.hyperbiotics.com/blogs/recent-articles/12-whole-body-self-care-tips-to-get-you-throu gh-the-winter
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