Changing with the Seasons: Winterize Your Daily Routines🧸
Embrace the seasons, by changing with them. Something we don’t often consider is how we must allow for change to happen, to move with the seasons and the way this world was intended to be in nature.
We can look to so many things in nature, our environments and old traditions to winterize our daily routines to keep us healthy, energized and consistent.
Here are 6 Ways to Winterize Your Daily Routine:
Adjust your movement plans based on the sun
Build your habits around the early prayer times
Lean into the winter harvest foods for elevated health & nutrition
Plan to make up any missed fasts during this time
Nourish your skin & body
Embrace the slow, inner reflections & peaceful moments
Adjust your movement plans based on the sun:
If you’re used to your workouts and walks being the best way to wrap up your days, try considering flipping your schedule. Try starting your day with a walk or workout in the morning, and keep your evenings reserved for recharging and using the evenings to practice at-home movement, self-care, family time and early turndown. Especially in the winter, our bodies need more rest and recharge as the climate takes a harsher tole on our bodies.
Build your habits around the early prayer times:
This is constant advice, but try to build out your work schedule with the early, and quick turnaround of prayer times. This is the time to rebuild your habits and get back on track with the ease of prayer during the winter. Waking up at fajr, praying duhr at lunch, asr before the end of your workday, and maghrib and Isha shortly after work has never been so convenient. Let’s rebuild this muscle while we have this beautiful grace period to do so.
Lean into the winter harvest foods for elevated health & nutrition:
Citrus Delights - Vitamin C-Rich Fruits
Although citrus fruits are commonly associated with summer, they reach their peak season during winter, making them a valuable source of immune-boosting vitamin C when it's most needed. Oranges, grapefruits, clementines, and mandarins not only offer a refreshing taste but also bring a burst of sweetness to counter the winter chill. Beyond vitamin C, these fruits provide an abundance of antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals. Consider incorporating them into your morning routine by adding slices to your breakfast or juicing them for a fresh, invigorating start to your day. Additionally, citrus fruits can transform into delightful desserts and snacks, adding a touch of brightness to the winter season.
Nourishing Soups and Stews - Cozy Bowls of Goodness
Winter and hearty soups and stews go hand in hand, providing warmth and comfort during the cold months. Crafting these dishes with a mix of seasonal vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can elevate a simple meal into a nutritional powerhouse. Think about preparing a nutrient-rich vegetable soup with a base of broth, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and other winter vegetables. Adding beans or lentils not only boosts the protein content but also contributes to a sense of fullness. Embrace whole grains like quinoa, barley, or brown rice to enhance the nutritional value of your soups and stews. Moreover, herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, turmeric, and ginger not only enhance flavour but also offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Homemade soups and stews are an excellent way to incorporate a variety of healthy winter foods into your diet while keeping you warm and satisfied.
The Winter Garden: Root Vegetables and Greens
Winter introduces a unique array of vegetables thriving in cooler temperatures, providing diverse flavours and textures for our winter meals. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, turnips, and sweet potatoes are not just delicious but also packed with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants. Roasting these vegetables enhances their natural sweetness, creating a comforting side dish.
Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are also winter champions, loaded with vitamins A and K, as well as iron and calcium. Integrate them into salads, soups, or stir-fries to add a nutritious punch to your winter diet. Experiment with robust winter salads combining roasted root vegetables with fresh greens, nuts, and a zesty vinaigrette for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Hydration Matters - Warming Beverages for Winter Well-being
Maintaining hydration is essential for overall health, even when the colder months may dampen our thirst. While warm beverages are a winter staple, choosing options that contribute to well-being is crucial. Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger not only provide warmth but also offer various health benefits. Chamomile promotes relaxation and improves sleep, while ginger boasts anti-inflammatory properties and aids digestion. Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or stevia to enhance flavor without adding excessive calories. Warm water infused with slices of lemon, orange, or a hint of mint serves as an excellent alternative to sugary beverages. Hydration plays a key role in supporting the body's immune system, and selecting warm, nourishing drinks can contribute to overall winter wellness.
Plan to make up any missed fasts during this time
This time is a blessing at its core! Use the winter months to make up fasts that you’ve missed from the previous Ramadan. This will build a beautiful muscle of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays and give you that extra connectedness to your spirituality, especially when the world feels dark and cold. I know it always makes me feel a lot closer to my faith.
Nourish your skin & body
The cold months have a harsh effect on our skin, hair, nails and overall energy levels. Be sure to take nourishing baths, moisturize, exfoliate and keep your routines, no matter how cold and cuddly you feel! Using an exfoliating glove, a coffee scrub, and oils on your skin is a non-negotiable this season. Don’t forget your hair-oiling Sundays and daily skincare routines. This is the time to practice gratitude and blessings for your skin. God blessed you with beauty and grace. Try incorporating saying “alhamdulillah” while massaging your face with oils, gua sha or any of your routines and try to believe in what you’re saying.
Embrace the slow, inner reflections & peaceful moments
The short days, and long nights of cold and darkness really make us feel closer to our core, the purpose of life and how fleeting this world can feel. Embrace the slowness, love deeply, and spend time with loved ones while you can. Be introspective, read, write and make art. This is the time to be indoors and embrace all of its essence. This season is representative of how quickly life can go and how we must keep love & faith at the core of our day to day.