If you just aren't "feeling it" right now - you are not alone. Here are the things I'm doing right now to get through my most un-favorite month
February = My most "un-favorite" month...my current winter routine
The cold, dreary - east coast weather is here & I am definitely not feeling my usual "spark"...
Combine that with sick kids - shorter days & societal pressures to be "busy and productive" right now - and you have a recipe for depression and anxiety.
So - if you are feeling a little out of sorts I want you to know you are definitely not alone, and I will be sharing some free goodies for you in today's short article.
Keep reading for my winter routine to get through the dreary months...
ONLY ONE MORE DAY TO GET THE NUTRITION DEAL OR BUNDLES:
Just as I did with the Leptin Reset last year, I have decided to revamp & give a total overhaul to my Quantum Nutrition Program this spring.
The course (and bundles that include the course) has been removed from the website & it will be re-released this spring with the new material.
You can grab the course or the bundles at a huge discount through tomorrow night at midnight.
✔️Free Circadian Course If you don't have this already - its a great way to start understanding light in the new year! Click here to grab the Free course
I don't know about you, but before Circadian & Quantum Biology - learning how to eat/live more in tune with seasons, and lean in to seasonality......February used to be my WORST month with seasonal depression, weight gain & anxiety.
So the fact that I just feel a little "blah" right now is major progress, and its the general consensus of many practitioners I've spoken to this week.
I thought I would do something a little different today, and just share some things that have been really nice and supportive of this time of year.
First - if you didn't grab it in January when I offered it the first time, click here to get my Winter Sleep Lesson for free.
Now - if you have watched the lesson already - I hope you know that prioritizing earlier sleep & not fighting the urge to rest more is my rule #1 during winter.
I call winter "melatonin season", and it's natural for your body to want to hibernate and rest more (even if society says you should be busy busy busy right now).
With the return of the light next month, we will start tapping into Vitamin D production and switch gears (so hang in there) - but for now - if your body is asking you to get extra sleep - then listen!
Food - Keep it warm & nourishing
One of the reasons I gravitate toward soups and stews in winter is their comforting warmth and hearty nature. They’re great for packing in protein and veggies, plus they’re hydrating and easy to digest, which is especially beneficial when it’s cold outside. Plus, they’re perfect for batch cooking, making meal prep a breeze on those colder gloomy days.
I love lamb in my stews, and typically throw in some carrots, potatoes (or sweet potatoes) -onion, celery, garlic & bone broth for extra protein and minerals.
I also lean into more wild seafood like wild salmon (as DHA is a semi conductor & crucial when you are indoors more - getting less sunlight & less grounding) - and typically serve with roasted root vegetables.
Evening routine
Warm baths are my favorite in winter, and not only do they provide an amazing source of infrared, but they also give you the benefits of grounding without having to stand outside and freeze 😂.
If you missed my grounding in winter article - click here to read, and if you want to understand how your bathtub allows you to ground indoors - click here to watch this episode with Dr. Laura Koniver all about grounding.
After my bath I use a small amount of castor oil (maybe a tablespoon total) as a lotion on my belly - eyelashes - thyroid - in ears and nose - and do some self massage for lymphatic drainage (it just feels nice) & Sun & Moo lotion (code SarahK for a discount).
I've also really been enjoying the Lifewave patches on my upper back (hello stress 😅) & use the X39 primarily.
I am fairly new to the patches and still learning about them, but enjoyed this podcast that Alec Zeck did on them with the founder of the company.
Oil pulling (something I wasn't expecting to like)
Last thing I've really been enjoying this winter is oil pulling with coconut oil. I will definitely continue it year round as I have noticed my mouth feels way healthier - cleaner & teeth are whiter.
I shared about this in my stories last night over on Instagram, and got so many messages that I thought I would talk about it a little more here.
Oil pulling basically involves swishing oil in your mouth for a period of time (5-20 minutes). Here are some noted benefits:
Reduces Harmful Bacteria: Oil pulling may help reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to improved oral health and a decrease in plaque formation.
Freshens Breath: Swishing oil can help remove bacteria that contribute to bad breath, leaving your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
Promotes Gum Health: Regular oil pulling may help maintain gum health by reducing inflammation and fighting infections, potentially decreasing the risk of gum disease.
Whitens Teeth: Some people report a gradual whitening effect on their teeth with consistent oil pulling, as it may help remove stains and promote oral cleanliness.
May Help Prevent Cavities: By reducing the overall bacterial load in the mouth, oil pulling could help lower the risk of cavities, supporting better dental health.
Supports Detoxification: Proponents claim that oil pulling can aid in detoxifying the body by removing toxins from the mouth and possibly supporting overall systemic health.
Improves Overall Oral Hygiene: As a supplementary practice to brushing and flossing, oil pulling can enhance oral hygiene routines.
May Reduce Inflammation: It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe inflammation in the gums and oral cavity.
Improves Jaw and Facial Muscle Tone: The act of swishing oil may provide mild exercise for the jaw muscles, which can contribute to improved muscle tone.
In my opinion - oil pulling shouldn't replace regular dental hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing (I do these after each oil pulling session).
I find it to be relaxing in the evening - even though Ayurveda says it should typically be done in the morning....I've seen significant benefits by doing this before bed when it better fits my schedule.
Red light therapy
I also do way more red light therapy in the winter & here's why:
Red light therapy offers several benefits that can be particularly advantageous during the winter months due to less outdoor time & less exposure to infrared light overall. Here are some reasons why it's especially beneficial at this time of year (andhere's the panel I use - discount applied):
1. Combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Red light therapy can help counteract the effects of seasonal affective disorder by providing a form of light that may boost mood and energy levels.
2. While red light therapy doesn't directly produce Vitamin D, it can complement your body’s natural processes when you’re getting limited exposure to sunlight via the power of infrared.
3. Improved Skin Health: The cold and dry winter air can take a toll on your skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Red light therapy can promote collagen production, enhance skin hydration, and improve overall skin tone, making it a great addition to your winter skincare routine.
4. Boosting Immune Function: Winter is often associated with an increase in colds and infections. Red light therapy & infrared light can both help enhance immune function by promoting cellular repair and regeneration in the mitochondria, potentially reducing your susceptibility to illness during the colder months.
5. Pain Relief and Recovery: For those dealing with winter sports injuries or muscle soreness from cold-weather activities, red light therapy can aid in reducing inflammation, speeding up recovery, and alleviating pain.
Overall, red light therapy is a great ally during winter, helping to support mood, skin health, immune function, and recovery—all while providing a comforting source of warmth and light during the colder months.
I hope you enjoyed this article on winter routines & found some helpful tips!
