7 Reasons Why Winter is Good for your Wellbeing

I have always loved cold weather. I think it goes back to being a little girl growing up in Port Augusta, with sweltering summers. I would hang out for the cold changes. We had one old air conditioner in my parent’s room. My clever dad would engineer tunnels with cardboard running down the short hallway of our teacher’s housing duplex, to try and direct cold air to our bedrooms. While it was an early form of ducted air conditioning, it didn’t really cut the mustard for me. I came up with my own strategy – grab a mattress and a sheet once said parents are snoring, creep into their room, place it underneath the air conditioner, and sleep! Suffice to say my usual sensitivity to any noise which prevents me sleeping, is strangely reversed when it comes to the hum of an air conditioner, which I find oddly soothing.

We also had lots of family holidays in cold places. I have many memories tied up with snowy hikes and breezy mountain tops and rainforests in drizzle. I also think some of us just love feeling heat and others prefer to have a crisp cool air on our skin. I am definitely the latter. But I firmly believe that we must embrace every day, whether or not we love the particular weather. There is something to be gained and something to be lost in living every day, all credit to Joni Mitchell.

So whether you are a winter lover like me or not, here are 7 reasons why winter is good for your wellbeing

1) Warming yourself by the fire

What is not to love about having freezing cold toes, hands or bum, and standing in front of a fire, particularly one with radiant heat? It is just like sinking into a bed of happiness and fills you up with good feelings.

2) Winter Fashion

I don’t know about you but I adore jeans, long jackets, short jackets, cardis, layering, capes, long boots, short boots, and all the fashion of the season. I would take that over sleeveless tops and short skirts any day! There is plenty to be found in op shops, so get out and buy second hand first.

3) Winter Food

Now there is so much to love about summer food – but then – SOUP! I just love soup and with my dietary restrictions it is an all-year round dinner for me, out of necessity. But it is great value and a healthy meal for the whole family. Also, slow cooker meals – prepare in the morning, leave all day and voila! Plus lots of hot drinks, and snuggly toast with butter by that fire.

4) The light

Light is very important to me and there is something about late autumn and winter light that is exquisite. The sky can be cloudy and grey, with stray coloured autumn leaves still hanging on branches, glowing against it. When the sun sneaks out from under the clouds, it can glow golden. Magic. The late afternoon light is particularly gorgeous. Try getting outside around 4 pm and just soak it in, you will feel wonderful.

5) Snuggling

In winter you get to snuggle – people, pets and your favourite rugs. You can add all manner of textural, warm and delicious throws, to your decorating scheme. Add them to your favourite chairs and your bed, so you can wrap them around you or over your knees while you sit in the evenings or read a book on the weekend.

6) The Sea

The sea in winter turns all magnificent and wild and tumbly. And better still there are less people there! It may not be all about the swimming, but it is certainly all about the scent, sound and the feel, of being at the sea. A visit to the beach on a wild wintery day will invigorate you for days.

7) Whales

Whales are one of my favourite animals. Do you have a favourite? I just adore them and we once drove across the Nullarbor and back in 17 days, in a camper, with 2 of our 3 children. I was going to a conference in Perth, but for me, it was all about the fact we could stop in both directions at the Head of the Bight to see the whales and their babies. One of the best experiences of my life. There are spots all over Australia to view them.

So there are 7 reasons for the season of winter. And if you just hate it all the way through, the best thing I can say is that spring is just around the corner.

What is your favourite time of year and why?
Helen
xx
 **update from a post in 2016