Winter Proof Your Wellness - Wholesome Habits to Thrive During the Cooler Months

As the weather cools down here in Australia, maintaining your health and wellness habits can feel a lot more challenging than they normally do. It can be incredibly tempting to snooze that alarm and stay in your nice, warm bed instead of getting up and heading out for your usual workout! But rather than retreating into hibernation mode, this season offers a unique opportunity to nurture your wellbeing in deeper, more intentional ways. Winter can be a great time to slow down and switch up our routines and by making some small changes to our exercise, morning routines and food choices, we can learn to thrive during the colder months. 

Historically, winter has been considered a time of rest, reflection and restoration. In many traditional cultures, the colder months were marked by a natural slowing down - days were shorter and people spent more time indoors, conserving energy and turning inward. However, in our fast-paced modern world, we often resist this natural slowing down, pushing through with the same intensity year round. By honouring winter's cozy energy and giving ourselves (and our lifestyles) permission to slow down, we can reduce stress, support our nervous system and create space for more intentional health. 

Exercise 

As the temperature drops and it becomes darker in the mornings, getting out of bed to exercise is often the last thing we feel like doing! However, keeping active throughout winter offers unique health benefits, such as improving immunity during cold and flu season, reducing the risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and supporting vitamin D levels (when there is sufficient sunlight). By aligning our movement with the slower, more restorative energy of the season, we can adapt our exercise routine in a way that not only maintains physical health but also honours the body’s natural rhythms. 

Some ways we can keep active, whilst also honouring this slower season include: 

• Working out at home – pilates, yoga, and bodyweight strength sessions can be easily done from the comfort (and warmth) of your own home, often with little to no equipment. While these might feel gentler than your usual gym session or outdoor run, that’s perfectly okay - our bodies naturally crave a slower pace during the colder months and moving in a way that aligns with that rhythm can be incredibly supportive. 
• Shift your workout timing – dark, chilly mornings don’t exactly inspire motivation for a pre-dawn workout! Instead, try shifting your movement to later in the day. A lunchtime walk in the sunshine not only feels more inviting but also supports your circadian rhythm and boosts vitamin D levels - both of which can help improve mood and energy levels. 
• Lower the intensity - Winter has long been a season for rest and reflection and it's normal to feel less energetic than in summer. Rather than pushing through, honour what your body is telling you. Swapping high-intensity workouts for mindful movement like yoga or pilates allows you to stay active while also giving your body the rest it may need.

Morning Routines 

Winter’s darker mornings offer the perfect opportunity to slow down and bring more intention to our daily routines. Traditionally seen as a season of rest, winter invites us to embrace a gentler rhythm - one that prioritises balance, restoration, and self care. By incorporating simple, nurturing habits into our mornings, we can align with this seasonal energy and support our overall health and well-being. 

Your winter morning routine might look a little different from what you’re used to in the warmer months - and that’s completely okay! This season is all about slowing down, tuning in and embracing rest. To help cultivate that energy, consider these gentle morning rituals: 

• Wake up slowly – if your schedule allows, give yourself the gift of a slow, unrushed start. Instead of jolting awake to a blaring alarm, try switching to a softer tone or sunrise-style light to ease into the day. If weekdays are too structured for this, consider allowing extra time to rest in bed on the weekends - it’s a simple way to recharge and honour your body’s needs. 
• Begin with a warm, nourishing drink – there’s nothing quite like starting your day with a comforting warm beverage during winter. It helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, and creates a sense of calm and wellbeing. Try sipping on one of Nu Harvest’s delicious Strawberry or Vanilla Matcha Latte blends for a nourishing boost! 
• Incorporate meditation or journaling – just a few quiet minutes of meditation or journaling can shift your mindset and set a grounded, intentional tone for the day ahead. These simple practices invite clarity, presence and peace - something especially valuable during the darker, more introspective months. 

Food Choices 

As the weather cools, it’s natural to find ourselves reaching for warm, hearty, home-cooked meals. In cooler climates, we require more energy to maintain body temperature, which is why rich, warming meals feel so satisfying. Rather than resisting these cravings, winter is the perfect time to embrace them! Warm foods not only help ignite the digestive fire - making nutrients easier to absorb - but also support immune function, maintain body temperature and offer a deep sense of nourishment during the colder months. 

Some ways we can incorporate more warming foods into our diet include: 

• Nourishing soups and stews – hearty, collagen-rich soups and stews are the ultimate winter comfort food - and for good reason! They help support immune health, improve gut function and promote joint health, all while delivering a soothing dose of warmth.
• Swap your morning smoothie for protein oats - a bowl of porridge on a winter’s morning provides sustained, long-lasting energy as well as warmth. Try adding a scoop of Nu Harvest’s Thrive Plant Protein for an additional protein boost!
• Incorporate warming spices – spices like ginger, cinnamon and turmeric not only enhance flavour, but also offer powerful anti-inflammatory benefits and help generate internal warmth. Add them to your meals and drinks.

Winter may naturally invite us to slow down, but it doesn't mean our wellbeing should take a break. In fact, it’s the perfect time to tune in more deeply to our bodies and minds. By adjusting our movement, creating calming morning rituals and nourishing ourselves with warming foods, we can build resilience, boost immunity and stay grounded despite the seasonal shift. Winter-proofing your wellness isn’t about doing more - it’s about doing what’s right for this season of rest, reflection and renewal!

Ready to winter-proof your wellness NH Co? Use my code GEORGIEGRIGG to enjoy 15% off any product on the Nu Harvest website. Enjoy!