10 Ways to Nourish Yourself During Cold Winter Months

I’m not a huge fan of winter. Darkness and cold aren’t my favorites, but I do value this season for a time of rest and restoration and a perfect time to focus on nourishment for body and soul.

Additionally, I lost my sweet 17-year-old pup on New Years Eve, and I’m feeling the need to focus more on gently caring for myself. I thought I’d share a few ways I’m going to nourish myself this winter, and I invite you to join me in any that sound nourishing and supportive for your body.

1. Drink less coffee. Over the holidays, I ramped up my coffee intake, and I know I feel better when I have less. So I’m going to slowly decrease while increasing herbal teas and other warming beverages.

2. Drink less alcohol. Same as with coffee, alcohol consumption increased over the holidays and I know I sleep better when I have less.

3. Eat soup! With the cold weather, I’ve really been craving warm, creamy soups and stews so I’m going to make all my favorites and try a few new ones as well.

4. Increase the foods I know make me feel my best and reduce the ones I know don’t. It’s taken me years to get clear with this, and it can take some time and experimenting to figure it out. If you’re interested and if you’d like some support with this, book a health coaching session! Everyone is unique, and what feels best for your body changes with the seasons and seasons of your life.

5. Rest and nap as much as my body is craving. I’ve started the new year feeling tired, and I’m going to listen to that and rest and sleep!

6. Regular massage! I really benefit from massage and bodywork, but I let that slip because of Covid and I really miss it. Thankfully, an amazing massage therapist works in my building, which makes it even easier to schedule into my weeks. There’s many great massage therapists in Charlottesville, but if you’re looking for one, Melissa is wonderful and I’m including her website and scheduling information here.

7. Move consistently! Walking the dog helps! As does teaching mat Pilates class twice a week. I’m going to add in regular reformer workouts this winter. Want to join me for regular mat classes? Sign up here. Reformer sessions are also available to book in my very small and as Covid safe as possible studio!

8. Read! I love to read, and I’m going to spend more time reading books purely for pleasure this winter. Please feel free to pass along your favorites!

9. Work with a somatic practitioner biweekly. This has been the absolute BEST thing that I’ve done for myself the last few years, and I can’t recommend learning about and supporting your nervous system enough. I practice what I preach and care for myself in this way regularly. If you’re interested you can learn more here.

10. Be kind to myself and know that more actionable goals will be easier to implement in the spring!