How to embrace the winter months

The winter months can have an impact on our wellbeing; decreased sunlight, darker evenings and more time spent indoors can take its toll, and mean that for many of us, winter is something we might not look forward to. In this blog, we’re taking a look at how you can make the most of the winter months, from making your home cosy to enjoying a countryside walk and eating comforting, nourishing food.

Embrace Hygge

Hygge (which is actually pronounced Hue-gah), is a Danish word and concept which essentially encapsulates being cosy, togetherness, comfort, and finding happiness in the little things. Hygge is all about finding happiness in the little joyous moments which life sometimes presents us: whether it’s curling up with a good book, lighting a candle, sitting in front of a roaring fire, or wearing your favourite cosy knitwear. It also represents togetherness, and the warming feeling which comes from reconnecting with loved ones and enjoying a good catch up. To make the most of this feeling during the colder months, make your home as cosy as possible with blankets, candles, lighting a fire (if you have one), curling up with a good book and just enjoying being truly present in the moment.

Enjoy a winter walk

When the weather turns colder, staying indoors in the warm can sometimes seem more appealing than venturing outdoors into the harsh weather, however, this can lead us to become less active during the winter months. To give our mood a much-needed boost, we should try to stretch our legs and get some fresh air every day, even if just for 15 minutes during a lunch break. When you have more time, make it more of an occasion by planning a countryside walk with friends or family, wrap up warm and feel the wellbeing benefits of exploring somewhere new and spending time in nature. You can even add on a pub stop or two!

Feel nourished

If there was ever an excuse to eat more comforting food, then this is the ideal time of year! Think mashed potatoes, delicious vegetable stews, warming soups and hearty pasta dishes. Make sure to include plenty of vegetables to nourish your body and give your immune system a boost, too. We’ll have more recipes from Ragdale’s kitchen coming soon, so stay tuned…

Make a gratitude list

Practicing gratitude can work wonders for your wellbeing, as it can help shift your awareness into a more positive way of thinking, which may in turn help to attract more positivity into your life. To start practicing gratitude, try to think of at least three things you’re grateful for every day, and start to write them down. After a while, you’ll be amazed at how long the list will have become and just how many things you have to be grateful for. It doesn’t need to be anything elaborate – instead, maybe start with simple things and go from there.