Winter Wellness: How to Feel Your Best This Season

Winter in South Africa means chilly mornings, early sunsets, and the urge to hibernate with a blanket and a cup of tea. While that sounds cozy, it’s also the time when our bodies and minds need a little extra TLC.

Here’s a friendly guide to staying healthy, happy, and balanced this winter—body, mind, and soul.

🌿 Look After Your Body

🥗 Eat to Stay Strong

Cold weather can make us crave comfort food—but you can still eat well and feel nourished. Try adding:

• Citrus fruits for vitamin C (hello, naartjies and oranges!)
• Garlic and ginger for natural immune support
• Sweet potatoes, spinach, and carrots for extra nutrients and warmth

Drink plenty of water—even if you don’t feel thirsty—and enjoy warm drinks like rooibos tea or hot lemon water.

💪 Keep Moving (Gently)

It’s tempting to skip workouts when it’s freezing, but movement keeps you warm and boosts your mood.

• Try indoor yoga, stretching, or dancing to your favourite playlist
• Take a midday walk when the sun is out—you’ll get some vitamin D, too!

😴 Get That Rest

Winter is nature’s way of telling us to slow down. Listen to your body:

• Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep
• Create a cozy sleep space with soft blankets and calming scents like lavender

🧠 Take Care of Your Mind

☀️ Find Little Joys in the Day

Shorter days can sometimes bring the blues. To keep your spirits high:

• Sit in the sunshine for at least 15 minutes a day
• Light a candle or use a lamp in the mornings to brighten your space
• Make time for fun things like reading, journaling, or binging that latest series

❤️ Stay Connected

It’s easy to curl up and disappear in winter—but don’t forget your people!

• Call a friend
• Plan a movie night, game night, or cosy dinner
• Even a WhatsApp voice note can lift your mood

💡 Bonus: Simple Winter Self-Care Ideas

• Soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts and essential oils
• Brew a big pot of homemade soup
• Switch off your devices early and unwind with a book or music
• Make a winter vision board or list your dreams for the year ahead

No matter how cold it gets, winter can be a time of comfort, calm, and deep renewal. So layer up, light a candle, and take this season one cozy moment at a time.