For some people, the onset of winter marks the start of a major annual struggle. If you’re starting to get worried, then before the snow flies, prepare yourself for the total body / mind shift the cold season brings.

In most major cities in Canada, winter is essentially a season to just get through. We’re out here dealing with filthy, wet buses and streets, frosty temperatures, and a significantly lower public morale. In the cold months, daily life starts to feel a little more like a chore. And this can be challenging. For some people, the onset of winter marks the start of a major annual struggle. If you’re starting to get worried, then before the snow flies, prepare yourself for the total body / mind shift the cold season brings. Protect yourself before winter wrecks you. Here are some ways.

Get on the right vitamins. It seems like a small, or maybe obvious move, but taking the right vitamins daily can make a difference in this department. Magnesium, Vitamin B1, B6, B12 and folic have been proven to help reduce symptoms of depression. If you don’t have them now, stock your bathroom cabinets.

Move your bod. Regular movement is key for keeping your mood up. Whatever your go-to workout – yoga, gym, classes, make it a priority and don’t let it slip off your radar this winter. It’ll help ease tension in our body, relieve stress, make for a better sleep, and release some endorphins for an instant boost.

Get into the habit of meditating. Getting into a regular meditation practice can help the brain better manage stress that can trigger depression. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, getting into the routine can help make your winter a little brighter. And, whether you have been meditating for a long time, or just starting out, adding weed into your ritual can create a profound practice. BUT: if you need some community support, and like the idea of getting out of your house to do it, then check out a meditation studio in the city like The Quiet Company (511 King St. W), or Hoame (411 Adelaide St.) which has meditation classes (in light and dark rooms), an infared sauna and salt cave.

Hydrate, eat food, not too much, mostly plants. For a lot of us, it’s easy to forget that the way we feel in our physical bodies is a big part of how we feel in our brains. Don’t let your diet or a lack of hydration be the thing that wrecks your mood all winter! You don’t have to be perfect, just don’t treat your bod like a trash bin. Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.

Budget for Ubers. There will be days when you really want to spare yourself the waiting in the cold for the bus. Make sure you can. Start an Uber fund for your coldest, darkest hours.

Arm yourself with aromatherapy. The power of scent is not to be underestimated. Scents of lavender, bergamot, and sandalwood have proven to help improve depressive symptoms. Get on the aroma diffuser bandwagon and elevate your experience of being at home. Also check out a few of our favourite scents for health and vitality.

Get extra about baths. A luxurious bath is definitely not the be-all when it comes to self-care, of course, but one can be a nice treat on a cold winter night when you need a boost. If you tend to love a DIY spa situation, stock up on ALL THE THINGS before winter hits so you can treat yourself to a next-level bath when you’re craving some hydrotherapy. Herbs, crystals, oils, scrubs, etc. Winter is the season to go all out.

Find your favourite mood-boosting strains. Understanding the effects of Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid cannabis strains can help you curate your experience and medicinal benefits – which can include relief from stress, anxiety, and low moods. If you’re new to this journey, check out a few of our favourite strains for a daytime mood-boost or evening wind-down.

Categories: WELLNESS