The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mich chapter.
While the weather is finally getting to the (dreadful) months of cold and final season is upon us, it is so important to set aside time to practice self-care to keep our minds and bodies healthy. It can be hard with our busy work, school, and social lives to really put in the effort to purposefully make ourselves feel good, yet even the smallest tasks can make all the difference in staying healthy. To make it even easier, I have put together a list of my favorite cold-weather wellness hacks that can help you when you’re sick, prevent you from getting sick, or even just cheer you up on a cold, cloudy day.
- Tea! My favorite quick fix for the soul is a nice warm mug of tea. A personal go to is a post meal lemon-ginger: soothing, warming and great for digestion. For a cozy cup, I recommend a chai or peppermint tea to sip while working or while relaxing. The options are endless! Lemon with honey is especially good for a sore throat or try a caffeinated tea to replace a coffee–find what works for you! A special shout-out to Starbucks ‘medicine ball’ tea, a delicious must-try.
- Baths! Baths, when done right, can be more than just a shower replacement. Set aside some time in your evening routine to indulge yourself in a relaxing soak. Light some candles, put on your favorite music (watching a show or reading a book works too!), and add some salts or bubbles of your liking. Great to unwind after a long day or to soothe those sick day aches!
- Exercise! I think one of the best ways to prevent sickness from setting in is to keep your body moving. There are so many options to move, take time to explore them all! Running, cycling, yoga, walking (don’t be afraid to bundle up and walk outside for fresh air), Pilates, and more can all be great ways to get your blood moving and fight off those germs!
- Journaling! Much of staying healthy in our bodies comes from staying healthy in our minds. Journaling is a great way to take time for yourself to reflect upon your day, things going on in your life, or anything you want. Taking even a couple minutes to reflect for yourself can make all the difference in our busy lives.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure you’re taking time for yourself this winter and keeping your mind and bodies healthy!