MO WELLNESS HUB:
A NATUROPATH’S TIPS TO GLIDE THROUGH WINTER
July 31st, 2025
In winter the hours of light get shorter, and keeping warm under some covers with some warm food seems more than a little inviting. This can be different for everyone, but is commonly the time when we may do some form of hibernation and turn to comfort foods. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s all in the way we think and feel about things that can make it either good or bad.
If we think about winter being the time of the year where we focus on our inner health, where we can rest, reflect and nurture our mind and bodies to be fully rejuvenated for the following seasons, then this takes away the guilty feeling of resting in winter. Learning to appreciate the changes of seasons, can have a huge positive impact on our lives.
Some of us can even seasonally become more withdrawn from the outside world and more reflective. This could look like a mental health disorder called ‘seasonal affective disorder’ or SAD for short. It is important to recognise this and understand that the chances are it is just a wave and soon enough it will pass and recognise it as a time for your mind and body to recoup. However, if this starts affecting your everyday mood and behaviour in a negative way for longer periods of time, then it might be a good idea to seek help.
Here are a few suggestions that may be helpful in getting you through the winter season.
GETTING OUT INTO NATURE
Getting out into nature and enjoying the first rays of sunlight are beneficial for brain chemistry, synthesising vitamin D, and not to mention the heat from the sun and the body movement to warm us up. It doesn’t have to be strenuous, just enjoy the fresh, crisp air.
KEEPING HYDRATING
Keeping hydrated over winter is something that many of us tend to overlook, even though it is important all year around. Warm cups of herbal tea or bone broths are a beautiful way to build nourishment and keep warm at the same time.
We require water for many important functions in our bodies and so it is essential that we consume at least 30ml per 1kg body weight which can vary depending on the individual (example: if you weigh 60kg, then 30x60=1800ml which is 1.8L).
Coffee is a diuretic, meaning that it will make you urinate more which may contribute to dehydration.
BUILD YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM UP
Most of us feel like we get sick more often during the colder months, but it doesn’t have to be the case. Building our immune system with vitamin C and nutrient dense foods and drinks doesn’t have to be difficult.
GO TO WINTER FOODS
Citrus fruits are in season during winter, root vegetables like ginger and turmeric are warming and anti-inflammatory and go great in soups and stews. Dark chocolate hot chocolate with a plant-based milk has magnesium has antioxidants and minerals and can aid in better sleep which is when our bodies heal.
HYGIENE
Hygiene is important all year round, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to be more vigilant in guarding yourself against those nasty germs. Being mindful on public transport, in bathrooms, washing hands before and after eating and after covering a cough or a sneeze.
And if you happen to get sick even with all these tips, then you can always come in and we can make up a beautiful herbal mixture that is designed specifically for your needs.
Article by Loganholme Naturopath Nicole Thomas
Nicole is a qualified Naturopath who has a holistic and individualised approach to each of her clients as she works with them to best suit their lifestyle and needs. Each case is like a puzzle to her in which she enjoys putting it all together to solve.
She enjoys analysing blood tests and has a special interest in the individual constitutional energetics of her clients, which she has further expanded her knowledge having completed a certified course.
Nicole believes that this can provide a more succinct and individualised treatment to better support effective outcomes.