Lately we’ve had some frigid weather here in NYC. And although I look forward to some fluffy white snow days and ice skating adventures whilst sipping a big cup of hot cocoa, I have a confession to make:
I am not a cold weather person.
As much as I wish I could be the gal who rejoices when winter is here, who is unfazed by the grey skies and barren trees (maybe even finds delight in them!), and who joyously piles on the layers of insulation before facing the frost, it’s just not me.
I like the sun. I adore bright blue skies. And I especially like being able to walk around outside unencumbered, instead of bundled up head to toe like an eskimo.
My main issue with cold weather though, is all the unsettled feelings it tends to stir up. I am usually a pretty calm person for the most part but throw me out in some stormy, bone-chilling weather for a bit and all that peace-of-mind seems to vanish into the winds. I feel unsettled, anxious, ungrounded. Not to mention the dry, chapped skin, leaky nose and wind-raged hair that I’m sure contribute to my general feelings of unease.
All that being said, over the years I’ve discovered some ways to both guard and soothe myself from winter’s chill, so that I am largely (mostly) unaffected. If you have trouble tolerating the cold, perhaps these tips will help. Here is what works for me-
My Top Favourite Ways to Promote Calm Amidst the Cold:
1. WARM + MOIST + GROUNDING FOODS
Think warm root veggies like squash, pumpkin, beets & sweet potato, and hearty stews. The number one thing that has increased my tolerance to the cold is an increase of these foods in my diet and a decrease in raw, cold & lighter foods (salads, raw veggies, crackers). That’s not to say that you can never eat a salad in winter. I still do this sometimes but usually in the afternoon when my body is the warmest. I am also always careful to include root veggies and avocado in my salads. This provides grounding, warmth and balance to an otherwise light & airy dish.
2. WARM OIL MASSAGE
Oh my, this is such a treat! There is almost nothing better than allowing your wind-burned skin to luxuriate in warm oil. It penetrates to your core, enveloping you in the most wonderful, cozy sensations. Occasionally I will use hemp oil for the omega 3 benefits but sesame oil is my favourite go-to for soothing a stressed-out state of mind. I recommend doing this once a week in the winter, before going to bed – I always sleep so well afterwards and wake up feeling serene and beautiful. Need I also mention the baby-soft skin you score afterwards?
Here’s how to do it: Warm up a small amount of unrefined sesame oil on the stovetop. When it is warm (but not boiling) remove from heat and transfer to a small dish. You will probably want to be in the bathroom and standing on a towel because this can get a bit messy. Start massaging the warm oil into your skin, making sure to cover yourself head to toe (bottom of the feet & behind the ears are especially good calming spots). Let the oil sit on your skin for about 20-30 minutes, then rinse off in the shower. Don’t worry about scrubbing – just a gentle rinse to remove the excess oil is ideal. Throw on a comfy pair of pjs and prepare to feel peaceful, warm, and glowy.
3. HEALTHY FATS AND OILS
Eating good quality fats (coconut oil, avocado, olive oil) can help your body retain warmth. What does this mean for you? It means don’t be afraid to incorporate avocado into your meals, saute your veggies in coconut oil, eat your sweet potatoes with butter (or a dollop of cream!) And if you’re worried about gaining weight, rest assured – eating these healthy fats does not actually make you gain fat. (more on that later though, as I think this deserves a whole separate blog post!)
4. HEAVY WINTER GEAR
This one almost goes without saying but I’m including it because for years I didn’t dress appropriately for winter. I didn’t own a hat or waterproof boots or thermals. The coat I owned wasn’t built to insulate against heavy duty weather. Needless to say, I felt miserable a lot of the time! Now that I’m stocked up with all the essentials, I feel more equipped to handle freezing temps when they show up.
Also worth mentioning is this hooded robe that I recently purchased, which I have to say is THE coziest, comfiest, fluffiest, oversized blankety bundle of goodness I have ever owned. I put it on when I get home and instantly sink into a more relaxed state of mind. Perfect for lounging, perfect for wrapping up in, this robe is getting me through the winter!
5. QUIET TIME TO YOURSELF
Winter tends to turn me into a big homebody. I stay in and read more books, cook more at home, watch more movies, sort through that pile of clothes that somehow accumulated in the corner (oops!), just because it’s so damn cold and dark out there! You know what, though? There’s nothing wrong with doing any of these things. In fact, passive free time like this replenishes you and is great protection against the cold. Build up your center and clear your mind so that when you brave the storm, you come at it from a place of calm instead of a place of frenetic energy.
Do you enjoy the cold? Do you have any other tips to add that work for you? I’d love to know!
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