Fall and winter are seasons when time seems to slow down a bit. We are more likely to spend our free time at home willingly. We are also more likely to seek refuge in solitude and seek rest. So, they are the perfect time to introduce rituals that will balance our bodies and calm our minds.
Would you like to truly relax? Here we will explain our methods to refresh the spirit and body!
1. Go to sleep
When it comes to things that reinvigorate the body and soul, sleep is first on the list. Effective rest affects the functioning of the entire body – from emotional balance to humour and appetite. During sleep, our brain organises information (increasing creativity and making problem-solving skills more efficient) as well as stabilising hormone production, thanks to which we have a better mood and less frequent conflicts. In short, we are happier when we are refreshed! So why not include sleep as one of your rituals? Winter is the perfect time to practise relaxation! Sleep, take naps, lie down, or just relax – whenever you feel the need!
2. Cover yourself
Do you know why we almost automatically hug a loved one when we feel uneasy, and the first step in “escaping the world” is to hide under the covers? Well, covering up has therapeutic value, which has been used by specialists for years! Skin receptors send information to the brain about our specific location at any given place and time, and when our body is covered with something, it sends a signal that we are in a safe place and nothing can harm us. The body can then turn off all “controls” responsible for wakefulness and watching for threats and go into a state of deep relaxation. When using the covering method, the best results are achieved using a sensory blanket, which, due to its heavier insert made of glass microbeads, gently and evenly provides weight over the entire body. Remember, reading a book in the evening under a weighted blanket may result in a series of sweet dreams!
3. Put the phone down
It’s so simple, yet, for many of us, unattainable. If you spend every spare moment scrolling through photos on social media or posting what you are doing – it’s time to stop. Why? Rest is about calming down, not about providing a thousand other stimuli. Flashing photos, video clips, or chats with many people at the same time will increase fatigue and irritation, not reduce it. So, spend at least one hour a day without the phone. Put it in a box, take it to another room – anything to keep it from tempting you with its contents and notification alerts. You’ll see, you’ll come to appreciate the benefits over time.
4. Go for a walk when it’s cold
A walk in the cold? When you can just drink warm tea, wrap yourself in a blanket, and wait for spring to come. While cold-weather walks may seem like a contradiction to relaxing rituals, we assure you that there are several reasons you will benefit from them. One of the most important and frequently repeated, even by doctors, is their effect on increasing immunity. While walking, we oxygenate the body, harden ourselves, and improve our health. Winter air is also devoid of biological allergens, and bacteria and viruses are less active. Besides, just think about how pleasant the sound of the snow crunching under your boots is, and the image of the setting sun reflecting on the white powder. And think about how much better hot tea with warming ginger, cinnamon, and orange will taste after a little exercise!
