Let’s be honest, winter can be a bit of a grind. It’s darker, colder, and often wetter. Our routines shift. The doona becomes more tempting than the gym. Salads are swapped for comfort food. We tend to move less, eat more, and feel a bit sluggish.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
With a few simple shifts, winter can be a time where you thrive, not just survive. Here are some easy hacks to keep your energy high and your body (and mind) humming through the colder months.
☀️ 1. Chase the Light
Winter daylight hours are short, which affects your mood and circadian rhythm. Even a 10-minute walk in the morning light can help regulate your body clock and boost vitamin D levels. Bonus: it helps you sleep better too.
Hack: Get outside within 90 minutes of waking, even if it’s cloudy. Natural light is still far brighter than indoor lighting.
🛏️ 2. Respect Your Sleep
We tend to feel sleepier in winter, and that’s natural. But the key is quality sleep, not just quantity. Try winding down earlier, dimming the lights in the evening, and parking the screens at least 30 minutes before bed.
Hack: Keep your room cool (but not freezing), dark, and screen-free. Your future self will thank you.
🥕 3. Upgrade Your Comfort Food
You don’t need to ditch the hearty meals, just tweak them. Add extra veggies to your stews, swap white carbs for complex ones, and get good quality protein on your plate to support immunity and energy.
Hack: Batch cook nutrient-dense meals like soups or slow-cooked meats and freeze portions. Makes midweek dinners a breeze.
🧘♂️ 4. Move, Even a Little
You don’t have to smash every workout, just move your body regularly. It boosts circulation, warms you up, supports mental health and gives you that post-exercise energy lift.
Hack: Set a non-negotiable minimum dose, e.g. 20 squats while the jug boils, a walk at lunch, or a 10-min mobility flow before bed.
🧠 5. Watch the Winter Blues
Less daylight, more isolation, and disrupted routines can affect your mood. Keep an eye on your mental health. Stay social (even if it’s online), seek out fun, and don’t be afraid to talk if you’re not feeling yourself.
Hack: Create a “winter joy” list, simple things that make you feel good, and schedule them in like appointments.
🫖 6. Hydrate Like It’s Summer
It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re not sweating buckets, but hydration still matters for your energy, focus and immune system.
Hack: Warm drinks count. Try hot water with lemon or herbal teas if plain water’s a hard sell when it’s chilly.
Final Thought:
You don’t need a major health overhaul, just a few intentional tweaks can make a huge difference. Winter doesn’t have to be a write-off. In fact, with the right approach, it can be a season of reset, rest and resilience.
Keen to feel energised all winter long? Let’s chat. Book a complimentary session and I’ll help you find what works best for you.