“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for a home.” — Edith Sitwell
Winters in Canada are freezing and long. I don’t like the cold temperatures in winter but with the right things to bring comfort. the season becomes a space to nurture our inner light. And I love the cozy warmth indoors. Here are my tips to bring comfort to the cold days ahead.
1, Receive the light on Winter Solstice
Winter Solstice which is the first official day of the winter season falls right around the Festival of Lights of Christmas and Hannukah, Together they are the expression of the power of light. It is also the shortest day and the longest night of the year. From here onwards the days get longer. Winter Solstice is a day to pause, exhale and breathe in the light.
It is day to pray, journal, meditate and invite stillness in the midst of holiday celebrations. It is a great day to set your intentions for the winter season.
2. Embrace the season
Make a list of the things you do not enjoy about winter and the things that you do. Take time to bring in more of the things that you like. As we all spend more time indoors, here are some ways to up the comfort factor. Put some care in the items you chose for yourself.
- Throw blankets around the home that provide warmth and cozyness
- Plush slippers
- Books that warm your heart
- Music that brightens your moods
- A beautiful coat, shawl, gloves and boots to keep you warm outdoors
3. Winterize your pantry
Comfort foods usually point to foods that are not ideal for our wellbeing. But you can change that. Stock your pantry with comfort foods that nourish your mind and body and help you stay well.
- Aromatic herbs like rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme. They add a delicious taste and support the immune system
- Root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, celeriac, rutabaga, radish, garlic, ginger, turmeric, carrots, fennel, parsnips. They can be roasted, prepared as a stew or soup and provide the hearty dishes that keep us nourished in winter
- Warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cayenne and black pepper
- Ningxia Red – a nutrient dense juice that support wellness during the cold season
4. Carry warmth with you
Carry a insulated travel flask such as this stylish one by Contigo. Filling it with broth or a warming tea like ginger or a chai will go a long way in providing comfort, hydration and nourishment when on the go. The content will stay warm for upto 7 hours.
5. Bring nature home
As we spend more time indoors in winter, we get disconnected from nature. One way of bringing home nature’s uplifting and healing vibes in winter is through essential oils. There are so many different single oils and blends that can be diffused, applied, added to a bath or foot bath and even to our food. They add a beautiful richness to the season and help the immune system too. The easiest way to use them is putting a drop or two on the palm of the hands, rubbing the palms together and inhaling the aroma. It is instant bliss. The ones below are particularly suited to winter.
- Frankincense – Used since ancient times for spiritual purposes. It has a rich, earthy scent that beautifully supports respiratory wellness in winter
- Thieves – Inspired by a recipe from the 15th century by thieves who used it to stay well
- Lemon and Orange – Uplifting and refreshing
- RC – Helps with breathing better
- Raven – Soothing for chest and throat
Winter is a time of slowing down and finding your way home.
