Winter is so much more enjoyable if you use the shorter, colder days to boost your mental and physical well being and keep a positive outlook. with self care practises, nourishing foods and medicinal teas to help combat colds and seasonal flus winter can also be the season to recharge and revitalise your soul even when its dark outside and cold.

Start the day with lighting a candle and sipping on some hot water with fresh squeezed lemon and a teaspoonful of local honey.

Winter walks are usually more challenging but the rewards are great! According to recent studies , published in The American Journal of human biology, we burn 34% more calories when we hike out in the cold. the physical exertion and layers of clothes make us warm. we can walk more briskly than in the heat and the cold air is invigorating for us. try to breath mindfully! meaning, pay attention to your breath , this will help relax you. look after your immune healthwith warming winter teas such as rosehip&hibiscus, chamomile c, cinnoman & honey, clove &apple. There are loads on the market. personally I love gingerbread from Shubui. Valerian helps us to sleep. Try also golden milk.(Recipes online.)

Get a good nights sleep by having a warm bath with rosewood, lavender, sandalwood or eucalyptus. turn off the tv screens , tablets or phones an hour before bedtime.

Enjoy filling your slow cookers with nourishing soups and stews. Its all there ready and full of flavour for you arriving home. Use root vegetables, hearty stocks and dried herbs for nutrition and flavour. such as ginger carrot and red pepper soup, beef, sweet potatoe and turnip stew with garlic and bay leaves. Chillis and pumpkins added to stews are also tasty!

Use different types of lighting to lift your soul and home. So lamps at different heights and plenty of candles for warmth.