We get it: Winter can make you want to hide out and throw in the towel til spring. It gets darker much sooner in the day, not to mention the shivering cold weather and stress of the holiday season. But, with a few helpful tips, you can find ways to conquer each day and lean into the calm winter relaxation you’re seeking.
Avoid the Urge to Isolate
The winter months can be downright hectic with the holidays. But they are also a time for relaxation and rejuvenation, a chance to reset for the new year ahead. That said, you don’t want to hibernate completely, which brings us to our first tip: Stay connected. Research shows that social support is revitalizing in itself: It helps us better manage stress and supports our mental health. It also shows that social connections help us commit to other healthy behaviors, such as exercise.1 If your resolutions include being more active or less stressed, staying connected can be key to meeting your goals. Prioritize Self-Care Of course, the flip side of social support is self-care, which may demand a “Goldilocks” approach that features just the right amount of communal activity and alone time.
Self-care is highly individualized, but for many, it can mean connecting with nature. Just because the weather gets colder and the days become shorter, you don’t have to give up getting outside completely. Nor do you have to make your time outdoors strenuous hikes while you’re trying to slow down. Research has found that people who consistently connect with nature are happier and have higher levels of self-reported personal growth and a sense of purpose.2 And easy walks, hot cocoa in the park, and ice skating at the local rink all count.
From a dietary standpoint, you may also want to consider sipping on some warm tea or enjoying yummy herb-filled soups and stews for both comfort and nutrition.
Make time for warm baths, face masks, and any and all self-care activities that bring you a sense of calm and ease.
Why Supplementing With Magnesium Makes Sense
You may want to consider drinking Calming Magnesium Glycinate Powder (which also comes in blueberry and lemon lime flavors) for powerful relaxation support this winter.*
If you’re seeking extra support in trying times, our Mood Magnesium Powder combines soothing magnesium glycinate with L-theanine to help promote a sense of calm and positive mood and provide support for occasional stress.* If you find your mood is affected during the winter, studies make it clear: You’re not alone.3
Keep Calm and Carry On
This winter, keep in mind that hibernation is for bears not humans. Be social but also practice good self-care like protecting alone time, curling up with a good book, meditating, or any other activity that helps you relax and unwind.
For more tips on nutrition, mindful wellness practices, and how to build a bedrock of wellness that lasts, follow us on Instagram at @kalvitamins!
References
- Shanker R. Loneliness, social isolation, and its effects on physical and mental health. Missouri Medicine. 2023;120(2):106-108. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10121112/
- Pritchard A, Richardson M, Sheffield D, McEwan K. The relationship between nature connectedness and eudaimonic well-being: a meta-analysis. Journal of Happiness Studies. 2019;21:1145-1167. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-019-00118-6
- Moabedi M, Aliakbari M, Erfanian S, Milajerdi A. Magnesium supplementation affects depression in adults with depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2023;14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10783196/
