Keep warm and well this winter I Sassy Organics

As the winter season sets in, it's important to take extra care of ourselves to stay healthy and warm. With shorter days and colder temperatures, it's easy to fall prey to common winter ailments like cold and flu. But fear not! With a little bit of extra effort and a few simple tips, you can keep yourself and your loved ones in great shape this winter. From eating nutritious foods to staying active and cozy indoors, there are plenty of ways to beat the winter blues. So, let's dive in and explore some effective ways to keep yourself well and warm this winter season.

Winter is coming, and we all know what that means.

If you're like me, you're already dreaming about cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, and warm nights spent curled up on the couch with a good book. But if you're like me, you also don't want to spend all winter bundled up in your house - you want to get out there and enjoy the season! So what's a girl to do? Well, I'm here to tell you that there are plenty of ways to make winter fun - even when it's cold outside! In this post, I'm going to share some tips for how to stay warm and well during the colder months. Let's get started!

The importance of staying warm

Staying warm is essential during the winter season. The human body is designed to maintain a constant internal temperature of 37°C, and when exposed to cold temperatures, the body has to work harder to maintain this temperature. This can put extra strain on our immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses like the common cold and flu.

One way to stay warm is by dressing appropriately. It's important to wear layers of clothing to trap heat, with a base layer made of moisture wicking material to keep the skin dry. A good quality coat, hat, gloves, and boots can make all the difference.

Another way to stay warm is by staying active. Exercise increases blood flow to the muscles, generating heat and keeping the body warm. Even a short walk or some light stretching can do wonders for the body.

Lastly, it's important to keep your home warm. The ideal temperature for a home is between 18°C and 21°C, and it's important to ensure that all windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent drafts.

How to keep your home warm

Keeping your home warm during the winter season is essential for your health and comfort. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.

Use a space heater: A space heater can be a great way to heat a specific area in your home, especially if you spend most of your time in one room.
Seal windows and doors: Drafts can make your home feel colder than it actually is. Use weather stripping or caulking to seal any gaps around windows and doors.
Use curtains: Thick, insulated curtains can help to keep heat in your home. Close them at night to keep the heat in and open them during the day to let the sun shine in.
Invest in good insulation: Proper insulation can make a huge difference in keeping your home warm. It helps to keep heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer.
Use a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature in your home according to your schedule. This can help you save on your energy bill while ensuring that your home stays warm and comfortable.

Foods that keep you warm in winter

Eating salads and cold foods during winter is not good for the body energetically, and creates more stress on the body by having to digest it. Warm meals like soups, stews and casseroles and curries are gentle and nurturing to body. As winter is a time of rest and hibernation, the body needs warming foods, which are nutritious and easy to digest. Adding warm spices to your meals such as turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom and clove also help to boost circulation and promote warmth from within.

Here are a few examples of foods that can help you stay warm and healthy.

Hot tea and cocoa: Hot beverages like tea and cocoa can help to warm you up from the inside out. They're also a great way to relax and unwind during the colder months.
Soups and stews: Warm soups and stews are a great way to stay warm during the winter season. They're also packed with nutrients and can help to boost your immune system.
Turmeric latte: Take a warm turmeric latte with you on your next winter adventure. Not only is it delicious, but it will help to warm your body and keep you feeling energized all day long.
Ginger and garlic: Ginger and garlic have natural warming properties and can help to boost your immune system. Add them to your meals for an extra boost of flavour and warmth.
Root vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets are great examples of root vegetables that are in season during the winter months. They're packed with vitamins and minerals and can help to keep your body warm.

Warming teas

During the colder months, it is important not only to dress warmly, but also to eat warming foods and drink warming teas. By warming teas, I’m talking ginger, cinnamon, cardamom… all those beautiful spices that generate heat throughout the body and stimulate circulation. Tea is ideal to sip on the cold winter days, and to snuggle up with on those chilly nights.

Try Organic Merchant spicy tea this winter, and you'll be warm enough to keep your hands off the thermostat. The combination of spices like cinnamon and cloves will keep you warm and cozy, while the ginger helps with inflammation, which means less aches and pains.

This spicy tea has just the right amount of kick to warm you up without overwhelming your taste buds. It's also packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that will boost your immunity, so you can stay healthy through the cold season.

Winter skincare tips

The cold and dry air during winter can wreak havoc on your skin. Here are some tips to help you keep your skin healthy and moisturised during the winter season.

Drink plenty of water: Drinking water can help to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Protect your skin: Wear gloves, scarves, and hats to protect your skin from the cold and wind.
Use a humidifier: A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air in your home, which can help to prevent dry skin.
Moisturise: It's important to moisturise your skin daily during the winter season. Look for a moisturiser that's specifically designed for dry skin.

Hot baths

Hot baths in winter can do wonders for your mental health.

The winter months can be brutal, so it’s important to take care of yourself. When you’re feeling stressed out and can’t shake that cold, try a hot bath to help you relax and calm down.

Hot baths have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for stress and anxiety, as well as many other ailments. The warm water helps open up your pores and clean out toxins from your body. It also increases circulation, which can help relieve sore muscles after a long day of shovelling snow or doing hard work.

If you find yourself struggling with depression during the colder months, try taking a hot bath at least once per week. Take some time to unwind with some candles and soothing music before bedtime each night. The warm water will help keep your body temperature regulated throughout the night, so you won’t wake up feeling cold!

If you are looking for a good quality bath soak, The Physic Garden do the most divine blends. For a deeply relaxing and therapeutic bath, we love the rose, passionflower and geranium blend. Perfect to help destress and to aid sleep. Or, to promote the feeling of love and calm, the Glow Soak is an absolute winner. Rose invokes a feeling of love and has been traditionally been used as aphrodisiac. We love rose for its self empowering and self love properties.

Exercise to stay warm and healthy

Exercise is important for staying healthy all year round, but it's especially important during the winter season. Here are some tips for staying active during the colder months.

Try a winter sport: Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating are a fun and challenging way to stay active during the colder months.
Join a gym: Joining a gym is a great way to stay active during the winter season. You can also try out new workouts and meet new people.
Bundle up and go for a walk: Going for a walk is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise. Just make sure to dress appropriately for the weather.
Exercise at home: If you don't want to join a gym, there are plenty of workouts you can do at home. You can try yoga, pilates, or even a dance workout.

Mental health during winter

The winter season can be tough on mental health. Shorter days and colder weather can lead to feelings of sadness and isolation. Here are some tips to help you stay mentally healthy during the winter season.

Stay connected: Make an effort to stay connected with friends and family, even if it's just a quick phone call or text message.
Get outside: Even if it's just for a short walk, getting outside and soaking up some sunshine can do wonders for your mental health.
Practice self care: Take some time for yourself to do the things you enjoy. This can be anything from reading a book to doing a gua sha massage.
Seek help if needed: If you're struggling with your mental health during the winter season, don't hesitate to seek help. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional for support.

Winter safety tips

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and it's important to stay safe during the colder months. Here are some winter safety tips to keep in mind.

Keep walkways clear: Make sure to keep your walkways and driveways clear of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls.
Drive carefully: Rain, snow and ice can make driving conditions dangerous. Make sure to drive slowly and give yourself plenty of time to stop.
Check on elderly neighbours: Older adults may have a harder time staying warm and safe during the winter season. Make sure to check on elderly neighbours and offer to help if needed.

Common winter illnesses and how to prevent them

Winter is known for its abundance of illnesses, from the common cold to the flu. Here are some tips to help you prevent common winter illnesses.

Take a multivitamin if you think you're not getting enough nutrients from food alone.
Wash your hands: Washing your hands regularly can help to prevent the spread of germs.
Stay home if you're sick: If you're feeling under the weather, stay home to prevent spreading germs to others.
Practice good hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching your face.

Final thoughts

Staying well and warm during the winter season takes a little extra effort, but it's well worth it. By dressing appropriately, keeping your home warm, eating nutritious foods, taking care of your skin, staying active, and practicing good mental health habits, you can beat the winter blues and stay healthy all season long. Remember to stay safe, prevent common winter illnesses, and seek help if needed. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to a happy and healthy winter season.