Self-care can be more challenging during the winter months. We may be feeling deeply fatigued, lacking in energy and enthusiasm. A soothing massage, a session of osteopathy or some nutritional support might help you to feel better. We too often ignore signals from our body telling us that we are hungry, or tired, or in pain, because we HAVE to keep going. Maybe we don’t have to. Maybe we can take some time to rest and “create a clearing in the dense forest of our life.”
Nurturing yourself can mean going to bed earlier, cuddling the cat, doing something creative, doing something that brings you joy, eating well, avoiding the news, listening to a guided meditation. Not feeling obliged to make plans and resolutions! Keep hydrated with warm herbal teas and nourishing soups. Try this easy Armenian Lentil & Apricot Soup recipe, for a comforting and nutritious winter meal:
Armenian Soup
1 litre vegetable stock
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 large potato, peeled & diced 2cm2
60g red lentils
Juice of 1 lemon
60g dried apricots, roughly chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp harissa paste (to taste)
Handful of dried fenugreek leaves (also called Kasuri Methi)
Salt & pepper (to taste)
Add all ingredients to a pan and simmer for 30 mins. Cool a little and blend. Serves 4.
Movement is also key to our mental and physical health. At this time of year, just 15 minutes of simple restorative movement every morning will set you up for a good day. It’s a little slice of ‘me time’ that energises your body and mind to overcome wintry lethargy, maintain joint mobility and promote circulation. It doesn’t have to involve weights or any special equipment – a brisk walk or some yoga or Pilates exercises will loosen those stiff joints and keep tired or tense muscles active. If you’re not sure what to do, ask your osteopath for exercises tailored to your particular needs and issues.
Variety is the spice of life, they say, and these words of wisdom can inspire us in our daily lives. Take a different route for your walk home, try some new recipes or learn how to create Asian or Middle Eastern flavours if you usually use Mediterranean, try a new activity or hobby, read a different genre – swap crime for fantasy, or thrillers for historical fiction.
“Winter is the time for comfort,
for good food and warmth,
for the touch of a friendly hand,
and for a talk beside the fire:
it is the time for home.”
— Edith Sitwell