How to Stay Energized this Winter

It's that time of year again - when shorter days, cold weather, and perpetually grey skies can leave us feeling sluggish and glum. Want to beat the winter blues? Read our advice for staying happy, healthy, and energized post-pumpkin spice and pre-holiday season.

Healthy Daytime Habits

The winter months can be draining, but there’s a better way to cope than by simply powering through. Here are some healthy daytime habits to help boost your energy during the day, no matter how dark and chilly it may be. 

• Shed a Little Light

When waking up before the sun, exposing yourself to natural light (no matter how little!) can rejuvenate your morning. This is super helpful in regulating your circadian rhythm and elevating your serotonin levels. If you’re looking for extra light, try using a wake up light or a candle to bring a warm glow to the dark morning.

It’s important to soak up sunlight during the day, especially for those who finish work after the sun goes down. Try taking a brief stroll or enjoying an outdoor lunch. This will help reinforce your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and improve your overall wellbeing.

• Fuel Your Body

What you put in your body is key to regulating your mood and energy levels. Try to eat a rich and balanced breakfast with protein, fiber, and healthy fats for long-term, sustained energy. And avoid guaranteed crash-causers like sugar and other refined carbs.

Though it’s tempting to fill your water bottle with coffee these days, it’s essential to stay hydrated and avoid too much caffeine. If cold water is hard for you to swallow, try drinking herbal teas or hot water with lemon to stay hydrated. You may not buzz the same way, but your body will thank you for it!

• Avoid Total Hibernation

While you may want to curl up and cocoon all winter, it’s important to get outside and exercise. And you don’t need to be a total ski bum or snowshoeing fanatic! Even a 20 minute walk will boost your blood flow and endorphin levels. Added bonus - exercise also helps your immune system fend off seasonal bugs.

Getting Ready for Bed

Deep, consistent sleep is essential to recharge, and the right bedtime routine can help unlock the restorative rest you need. Everyone’s bedtime routine is personal and unique, but no matter your process, here is some helpful guidance:

• Follow a Routine

Creating and following a relaxing nighttime routine helps signal to your body and mind that it’s time to shift into sleep mode. When you consistently follow the same routine every night, you can train your brain to release melatonin when you need it to.

• Calm Your Mind

Closing all the open tabs in your mind to get ready for rest is a difficult yet essential part of any bedtime routine. A solid first step is turning off your phone 30-60 minutes before sleeping. This is important, because blue light can disrupt melatonin production and quality sleep. Then, try to calm the senses and create a soothing ambiance of dim, warm light, calming music, and even soothing smells like lavender.

Now it’s time to wind all the way down. Pick an activity that helps you relax, keeping mindfulness in mind. Whether you choose journaling, reading, meditation, or something else, a calming activity can help you slow down and ease you into a sleepy state.

Even your nightly skin routine can be a calming ritual that reduces stress and gets you ready for bed. Indulge in your self-care with nighttime beauty accessories like a silk hair wrap or silk exfoliating face cloths.

Building Your Ideal Winter Bed

Choosing the right bedding for you is always key to a good night’s sleep, and wintertime can be a chance to add extra layers of warmth and coziness. While indoor winter temperatures are ideal for sleep (15-20°C), cool sleepers may need some help staying toasty.

The foundation of any comfy sleep space is a quality duvet. The right duvet will help regulate your temperature without feeling too heavy - keeping you comfy cozy all night. Quality duvets are blissfully breathable and moisture-wicking for fresh and healthy winter sleep. They are also thoughtfully designed to provide different levels of insulation, depending on their construction - choose from extra warmth, light warmth or year-round comfort - depending on your personal needs for an ideal sleep.

Once your duvet is on point, you may want to layer up for extra coziness. Your ideal blanket, whether heated, cooling, weighted, or simply soft and plush, adds texture to your bed and helps you adjust your temperature at night. Or bring added warmth with a new cotton quilt set - designed for breathability and stylish comfort. Cool sleepers may want to turn up the heat even more with a hot water bottle or heated throw.

While duvets and blankets are key to cozy winter comfort, the surface beneath you matters too. That’s right - it’s time to talk about sheets! For a sustainable, breathable sheeting solution that soothes sensitive winter skin, try a gentle Bamboo Charcoal or Eucalyptus TENCEL™ Lyocell sheet set. For hot sleepers, check out our supremely cooling, silky smooth Beechwood TENCEL™ Modal Sheets, or bring on a touch of texture with soft and durable hemp sheets. Dreaming of extra cozy winter warmth? Then get soft and snug with our insulating organic cotton flannel sheet sets, featuring festive holiday designs!

No matter your sleep style, the right bedding can help you get the rest you need to stay refreshed.

Staying energized in wintertime can be a challenge, but we hope that with these tips you’ll feel warm and bright all season long.

Want to learn more about all things sleep? Check out our Pillow Talk Blog or chat with our sleep experts at any of our 70+ locations across Canada.