While COVID-19 fatigue combined with the cold weather may seem to make this season more challenging, there’s hope. There are plenty of ways to cultivate joy in your everyday life and prioritize your physical & mental health. Here are just a few tips!

Stay active no matter the weather outside. Winter may be the easiest time of year to blow off a workout: it’s too cold, it’s too dark, I just don’t feel like it — the list of excuses goes on and on. Ignore them! Your body needs the boost exercise delivers to the immune system and releases endorphins to stimulate the brain. Keep in mind every little bit of activity counts. Low-intensity activities, like yoga or walking outside, can boost your body’s metabolism, which is helpful this time of year when you’re in a “nesting” mode and spending lazy days inside filling up on comfort foods.

You can still eat fresh! The winter months are a good time for root vegetables — think beets, potatoes, and rutabagas — as well as citrus fruits, such as blood oranges, white grapefruit, and autumn honey tangerines. Root vegetables are high in potassium, while citrus fruits offer fiber and vitamin C to help boost immunity.

Take care of the skin you are in! Treat your skin to a humidifier. It's like a greenhouse - for your skin. You can also leave it on while you sleep, which can be helpful if you've come down with a winter cold or have sinus issues. Don't skip the sunscreen during winter months. Harmful UV rays still beat down in cold weather and can reach through clouds.



Stay on a healthy sleep/wake routine. By keeping your bedtime and wake-up time consistent, you’ll train your circadian rhythm and eventually your body will naturally stick to that schedule, meaning you’ll be more ready to fall asleep when it’s time, and wake up feeling more energized. This is especially crucial in the winter months when your body wants to spend more time in bed.

Stay in touch. In the time of COVID-19, social interaction is tough, however, still very important for a healthy mind (and heart!).

Stay safe, but stay in touch with those you love.