Winter Wellness Tools

Molly and Lucy from Coastal Wellbeing share how they are using Winter Wellness Tools to stay well this winter.

The winter months can be tough at the best of times. This year we are faced with the additional challenge of how to manage the impact of the cost-of-living crisis. One Wellness Tool we are using to support ourselves is focusing on the things we can do – being intentional about the different ways we can take care of our needs this season.

We are both trying to make winter a cosy experience – embracing the colder days by making our homes inviting and being creative about how we look after ourselves. The change of season brings with it an opportunity to slow down and turn the winter months into a big hug.

Here are a few of the things we are being intentional about:

Molly: I have unpacked my jumpers, dug out my fluffy slippers and found my bed socks. I snuggle up under a blanket to keep warm when reading or watching TV. I enjoy making soups and casseroles and planning different meals using the slow cooker. I make sure to get outside around midday for some much-needed daylight.

 

Lucy: I am going to get out my camping kettle to use on the gas hob to see if that saves me a few pennies – the whistle when it’s boiling reminds of camping and connects me to the summer months. I wear my favourite, big hoodie in the evenings. I have stocked up on candles, they’re cosy and give off a lot of heat. I like getting out in daylight hours for a walk. I also try to see the people I care for when it’s light, where possible.

Wellness Tools are about finding the simple, effective things we can do to look after ourselves. They don’t have to be expensive or time consuming. They can be the little markers of hope in our days, moments of respite from current challenges.

A comforting drink – a hot chocolate or chai latte being our favourites – can go a long way to soothe the soul at this time of year. As can going to bed earlier with a hot water bottle and a good book, or listening to something on the radio. We are all different. A Wellness Tool could be a walk, attending a carers group, talking with friends, watching your favourite TV programme – it’s about connecting with the things that matter to you and support your wellbeing, and remembering that there are always things that we can do, even on the toughest day.

We celebrate 10 years of being Coastal Wellbeing in January 2023, so this mid-winter will be special for us. We’ve been working with carers since the beginning. Thank you to all of you who have been on the WRAP journey with us – we have learned so much from you along the way.

To find out more about Coastal Wellbeing and their WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Planning) courses, contact Molly on 07507 734 370 or molly@coastalwellbeing.co.uk or Lucy on 07598 323 254 or lucy@coastalwellbeing.co.uk. You can also visit their website here.