As the seasons change, so do our lives. We experience warmer weather, longer days, and more sunlight. It’s natural for us to want to get caught up in the seasonal changes and feel less tired and more optimistic in the new year. But while we enjoy those new feelings of awe and optimism with a heavy heart that comes with remembering all we lost throughout the year, our bodies may tell us something different from what we’re feeling on the outside.
Here is how to support these seasonal changes naturally.
1. Break up your meals throughout the day.
The change in seasons often causes a shift in our eating patterns. More people are inclined to skip meals, eat at unusual times, or pile on the snacks. Although it might seem as though you’re saving on time, eating too little or too much can adversely affect your sleep habits, energy levels, and overall health.
2. Stop drinking caffeine, mainly afternoon.
Caffeine interferes with our natural sleep patterns and can cause insomnia and restlessness in the winter months. It’s also known that excessive amounts of caffeine can raise your cortisol levels, which means you are more at risk of feeling run down during the cold months.
3. Reach for warmer foods and beverages.
Decreased temperatures can cause your body to crave warmer foods and beverages, especially soups, stews, and various hot teas. These foods can help bring your body back into a more stable state by maintaining your core temperature.
4. Work on stretching daily and building muscle mass that will help fight off the winter blues.
Your muscles work as a kind of heat regulator in your body because they expand with heat when you’re warmed up and contract in response to cold temperatures to keep you warm. This means they’ll work much more efficiently when they are well-toned with muscle groups that are strong enough to handle the increased workload during the winter months.
Staying healthy during the winter months is a challenge. It can be hard to get up in the morning and even harder to stay alert during the day, but you can make sure your body stays fit, warm, and healthy throughout the winter months with a bit of planning.
