5 Ways to Feel your Best this Winter

Winter has finally arrived with sub-zero temperatures and a fresh blanket of snow on the ground. We are all spending more time at home, in our backyards and neighbourhoods. And, we have slowly adapted to keeping our daily routines close to home. Since your favourite local spas, gyms & fitness studios are closed, we are offering you five simple ways to help you feel your best this Winter season! 

1. Embrace friluftsliv - Norwegian "open-air-living”

Norwegians have learned to thrive during their long winters by embracing the outdoors as much as possible through "friluftsliv" — a concept that translates to "open-air-living". It's similar to the Danish hygge, but where hygge is about finding comfort indoors, friluftsliv is about finding it outdoors. In Ottawa, we have a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from the can allow you to enjoy nature, raise your heart rate and get some invigorating fresh air at the same time. 

Dust off your cross country skis and head to one of our local NCC Greenbelt trails or the SJAM Winter Trail. Did you know that Ottawa has over 150 km of cross country ski trails that meander through forests, valleys, and along The Ottawa River? These are all free and groomed by volunteers. Snowshoeing is also a fun and easy way to enjoy some fresh air and can be done almost anywhere in the city or country. Or, lace up a pair of ice skates at your neighbourhood skating rink, the River Oak Trail, or The Rideau Canal. We are definitely spoiled for choice in the Nation’s Capital!  

2. Draw a warm salt bath

Winter evenings are the perfect time to unwind with a warm, sea or Epsom salt bath. We love a nourishing salt and aromatherapy bath, and all of the benefits that come along with it. Did you know that warm baths can decrease stress, balance your mood, promote relaxation and soothe sore muscles? This Winter, light a few candles and soak your cares away with one of our wildcrafted bath soaks. We recommend our Boreal Bath Soak, the fresh scent of evergreens and sweet orange Is both grounding & bright, and it will make you feel like you are in the peaceful, lush Canadian boreal forest. Leaving your body restored and renewed!

3. Use a dry brush to revive your body & skin

Cold temperatures and dry indoor air can leave your skin feeling dehydrated and parched. Dry brushing your body a few times a week can revitalize your dry skin, by removing dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Dry brushing also helps to improve your overall wellbeing by stimulating blood circulation, promoting lymphatic drainage, and boosting overall energy! Try our REVIVE Dry Brush once and it will easily become part of your weekly wellness routine.

4. Boost your mood with citrus aromatherapy

Do the short days and longer nights, not to mention pandemic fatigue, have you dragging your feet? Boost your mood and revive your sense with some citrus aromatherapy. The fresh and uplifting scent of citruses comes from d-limonene - a chemical component that helps our nervous system relax and de-stress, naturally. We love the BOOST Essential Oil Blend by Vitruvi, with a delicate combo of bergamot, grapefruit, juniper, and lime. Simply add 10-15 drops to your diffuser for a zesty, uplifting pick me up.

5. Make a “Pinterest worthy” adaptogen latte

With many of us working from home, our daily trips to our favourite coffee shop may be few and far between this season. If you are missing your frothy latte fix, why not get creative, and make your own latte at home? Keeping with your wellness goals, try swapping out your caffeine for some adaptogen herbs, like ashwagandha or reishi mushrooms. Adaptogens promote balance in many of your body's systems and can help to calm your nervous system, ease stress and boost your immune system. We recommend this Adaptogen Chai Latte recipe by Ascension Kitchen.