5 Ways to Adjust Your Morning Routine for the Cold Season

Winter has arrived. As our bodies start to slow down and adjust to the dark mornings and shorter days it can be hard to maintain those healthy habits we created through summer.

Here are my top five tips to maintain a healthy home and body (our second forever home) through the colder months.

1. Be kind to yourself

Humans are diurnal animals (we are active during the day). The shorter days are our chance to recharge energy stores, connect to our space and take part in homely quieter activities that often take a back seat in summer. Give yourself permission to unwind; take a Sunday to cook, get crafty and enjoy the hyggeness of your home. Before you know it, Spring Racing season will be knocking at the door and it will be BBQs every weekend. Take this time to rest.

2. Wake up early

I know it’s dark and the doona is EXTRA toasty at 6am, but I promise that extra hour to set your intentions, take a walk or read a book before the kids get up will be worth it. Using the early morning light will not only set you up for the day ahead, but it will also ensure you are equally as productive now as you are in the summer months (extra important when you are a business owner, primary carer or work for commission).

3. Drink warm water

With hot showers and central heating quickly drying out our skin, hydration is equally as important through the cooler months as it is on the sunkissed beach days. But we are in luck; sipping on warm water is not only a great way to stay hydrated, it’s wonderful for our digestion. As the water moves through our stomach and intestines, digestive organs are better hydrated and easily able to eliminate waste (eww…and WIN!!). Add a slice of lemon if you want to be extra fancy (and extra healthy).

Add a slice of lemon to your morning

4. Adjust your exercise routine

It can be hard to maintain a fitness regime when there is next to no daylight hours outside of 9-5, and often when it is light it is raining (typical). However, some body movement is a whole lot better than none. Try switching out your normal program to match the winter climate.

Morning Exercisers

Try training at lunchtime, no sleep-in excuses there! Or why not cut midweek sessions down to 20 mins and dedicate time to longer weekend sessions, that way you commit the same number of hours to your fitness as you do in summer, you just don’t have to do it in the dark!

Cardio Only Types

Running, walking and riding in the rain is fun, but not every day. Join a gym and hit a spin class. All the cardio and a whole lot of fun – you never know you might just love it.

Not So Active Peeps

Incidental exercise is your best friend this winter. Get off a stop early on your way home from work, opt for stairs over the escalator or park just that little bit further away from the supermarket. Small changes will create big rewards.

Yoga, Pilates and Barre Lovers

Sorry lovely, you have no excuse. These endorphins pumping, body-loving classes are heaven for the body and mind all year round. Keep up that membership, your body will love you for it.

5. Love your home

Unless you are jet setting off to Europe or setting yourself up in Bali this winter you are guaranteed to spend a lot of time at home. And there is no better way to maintain positive happy energy through winter than to love the space you live in. If you have been putting off decluttering , redecorating a room or fixing that broken tap, do it now. Your home is your sanctuary , your number one place to nurture, support and inspire you this winter.

Your home is your number one place to nurture, support and inspire you this winter.

More…boost your happiness levels over winter and follow Sally’s winter wardrobe Appreciation August.