I don’t know about you, but this Winter has been decidedly average for me. There are no holidays on my horizon (but thanks Facebook for showing me my friends sipping cocktails in warm locations, I’m not jealous at all!) and sickness has been an on and off constant companion over the past few weeks. Add in some exhausted kids and looming school holidays, and you might feel tempted to pull the doona back over your head and pretend like being a responsible adult isn’t part of your repertoire.

However, there are a few go to tricks that I use to boost my own wellbeing over Winter, so it would be remiss of me not to share them with you as well! Not surprisingly, they all involve taking responsibility for your own self care (because let’s face it, Ryan Gosling is unlikely to knock on your door with a portable massage table anytime soon!)

  • Beautiful Bathtime Whenever I am working with a new client on self care goals, this is one of the first things I prescribe. A regular bath is a quick easy way to boost wellbeing, and combined with some candles, epsom salts, essential oils, a face mask (and even a glass of wine) it really does make you feel renewed and relaxed after a busy day.
  • Wonderful Nature I know it is cold outside, however regularly scheduling time to get outdoors and go for a walk really does feel energising.  Even better is scheduling some time for a weekend bushwalk or a long windswept walk along the beach. When it is colder there are usually less people around as well, so you can really take the time to mindfully enjoy yourself in the great outdoors.
  • Time for Tea Is tea the answer to all problems? Well, maybe not, however a restorative tea break can certainly warm your insides and elevate your mood. The trick is to use your favourite cup (not that old chipped mug) and make it a mindful experience. Take a break, put away your phone, and spend 10 minutes really enjoying your cuppa in a sunny nook or cosy corner.
  • The Magic of Music Music can be used in many different ways to boost wellbeing. Discovering or creating playlists depending on how you want to feel is a great idea (and it’s fun to do!) I have playlists on Spotify that are specifically for relaxation, women’s circles, exercise, dancing, and simply feeling happy! There are so many great music options to help you get into the mood that you desire to create.
  • When all else fails My secret tip for Winter Wellbeing ( I usually only share this with my clients) is to create a personal Self Care Basket for yourself. Spend some time thinking about and then writing down the things that make you feel good, and then putting together a special basket of items (for your use only) is a really lovely way to remind you to take time out for yourself when you need it. For example, you could fill a basket with items such as a scented candle, a favourite book or magazine, your favourite tea bags, chocolates, oracle cards, essential oils, mindful colouring in book, a cosy shawl…you get the idea. That way you have everything you need at hand to take some time out, fill your own cup, and just be.

If you need a bit more accountability than a blog post to start focussing on wellbeing over Winter, then I have created a special Winter Wellbeing Coaching Session that is perfect to help you start feeling better right now (because why wait until it’s Spring to feel good!)

Spend 90 minutes via Skype with me, and together we will create a positive action plan for maximising your self care over Winter without overwhelming your already busy life. Only $200 (that’s a saving of $50 off my usual price) please email me at melissa@melissajeffcott.com to make a booking and make the rest of your Winter a happy and well one!