A lot of people associate spring cleaning with packing up winter coats and getting rid of things in the house. It’s true, you can declutter messes that accumulated over winter, deep clean the nooks and crannies of the home, or even prepare your yard for warm weather activities. While spring cleaning can improve the overall look of your home, it can also help your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. In this article, we detail how spring cleaning can benefit the mind and body. 

Tips For Spring Cleaning

A lot of people have the goal of cleaning the entire house, top to bottom, back to front, side to side, and back again. The last thing you want to do is overwhelm yourself by attempting to clean the entire house in one day. Instead, start small in one room or area. Perhaps you reorganize your closet and then slowly transition to cleaning windows and shelves in that room. When you go room by room, you will have reorganized and decluttered an entire area before you even realize it. 

Do not tackle the project solo, as that is another way to overwhelm yourself. Involve others, be a family member, friend, or roommate. It is much easier to go after a big task, such as spring cleaning, when you have a little help. Lastly, set a timer because you do not need to dedicate days to the laborious task of cleaning. Dedicate yourself to an hour of cleaning without distractions, including texting or social media, and see how much you accomplish. Take a break and then resume cleaning later. 

Eases Mental And Emotional Stress

The idea of spring cleaning can be stressful in and of itself. Getting it done, however, can be the key to unlocking ultimate relaxation. That is especially true for decluttering, which is a key component of any cleaning session. Mental health experts state that clutter keeps the nervous system on edge. It isn’t just a mess; rather, it is a series of micro-reminders of everything that you have yet to complete. That sensory and cognitive overload can make it hard to relax, but decluttering can reduce those incoming stress signals. That ultimately regulates your mind and body and helps you begin again with ease. 

Reduces Indoor Allergens

A lot of people have seasonal allergies that flare up during spring, especially for those with pollen sensitivities. Pollen can sneak into the house via clothes, shoes, and open windows. That only worsens itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, and other issues related to pollen allergies. Additionally, many people close windows for cold winter weather, which contributes to the accumulation of dust mites, pet dander, mold, mildew, fireplace residue, and more. For these reasons, spring cleaning can work in your favor. By reducing indoor allergens, you can help minimize your exposure, which can help you avoid unwanted respiratory symptoms. 

Increases Physical Activity

Is spring cleaning the same as doing a high-intensity workout? Not quite, but cleaning (during any time of year) can count toward your daily goal of moderate-intensity physical activity. Examples of cleaning that meet that requirement include vacuuming, mopping floors, dusting, wiping down surfaces, or cleaning windows. In order to keep up with a certain level of activity, consider playing music with a good beat to motivate you. Involving family members can also make it a supportive team effort, making the process more enjoyable and rewarding. 

Promotes Better Sleep

By reducing the presence of allergens, you can reduce allergy symptoms, such as congestion or coughing, that can interfere with sleep. The physical activity of cleaning also helps regulate cortisol and gets rid of built-up anxious energy that can keep you up at night. As mentioned earlier in the article, the stress-relieving benefits of spring cleaning may also contribute to better sleep. When your space is not cluttered, the brain can relax. A chaotic environment can make the brain stay on alert mode, whereas a clean, tidy space can lead to a calm nervous system, which lowers cortisol and promotes more restful sleep. 

Improves Indoor Air Quality

When it is time to clean the house, make sure to open your windows before, during, and after cleaning. Use fans to help circulate air to remove fumes from cleaning products. You can also opt for a long list of non-toxic DIY cleaning products, which you can find on our website or online. Spring cleaning can decrease dust and pollutants, which improves indoor air quality. Enhance your spring cleaning efforts by using an air purifier with a HEPA air filter when you clean. That will aid your efforts to remove indoor and outdoor allergens from the home.

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No matter the weather, be it frigid or excruciatingly hot, staying active is one of the best things you can do for your health. Not only does it support brain, heart, and mental health, but it also helps reduce the risk of chronic illness. Some research indicates that people are more likely to adopt sedentary behaviors in colder weather. Don’t become part of the statistic; rather, challenge the norm and brave colder temperatures. 

You do not have to go out and trudge through the snow or cold rain in shorts and a T-shirt. There are easier ways to remain active in colder weather. We detail how to best go about doing that in this article. 

Why Stay Active During Cold Weather?

Sedentary activity is associated with several changes in important bodily functions. If you are sedentary, you are likely to have less energy, increased fat mass, higher blood pressure, decreased immune function, and reduced bone density. If you are unsure how to stay active in cold weather, ask a healthcare professional, or even the Internet, for tips. There are many programs tailored to your needs and fitness level. 

Wear Proper Layers

In order to enjoy your cold weather exercise routine, you have to layer properly, especially if you are venturing outdoors. It is the most effective for staying warm and dry, and it also helps to regulate your body temperature. You can also choose to change layers between warming up and your exercise routine to prevent sweat from accumulating. The three main layers to consider are:

• The base layer, which is the layer closest to the skin. Ideally, choose breathable, moisture-wicking clothing to help eliminate moisture while also providing some insulation. 
• The mid-layer goes over your base layer to help trap the heat. You have the option to choose the type of material and how thick this layer is, and the best choice for you depends on the weather and level of exercise intensity. 
• The outer layer goes over your mid-layer and should protect you from rain, wind, and snow. This is usually a Gore-Tex or waterproof shell. 

Always Warm Up

The cold temperatures can trigger physiological functions that impact energy, flexibility, and muscle function. Blood vessels constrict when they are cold and the body’s metabolic rate increases in order to help it retain as much heat as possible. Joints, tendons, and muscles have a tendency to be stiff in colder weather as well. Warm up for at least five to 10 minutes before you engage in any sort of dynamic exercise. Warming up also helps reduce the risk of injury and naturally increases blood flow to help the body retain heat. 

Be Prepared

Venturing outside to engage in exercise means that you have to be prepared and alert at all times. Check the forecast for precipitation and wind chill and always pack an extra layer to be safe. Let others know where you are going if the weather is not great. Carry a phone that is fully charged, especially if you go into the mountains to ski, snowboard, or hike. Finally, make sure you bring the necessary equipment, such as crampons or non-skid shoes. 

Stay Hydrated And Eat Enough

The body has to use more energy to regulate its temperature when exposed to colder temperatures. That means that you burn more calories and use more water. For this reason, eat a balanced meal that is rich in carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein at least one to two hours before exercising in cold weather. Lower temperatures also reduce your perception of thirst, so you will be less inclined to drink water. Cold air also causes excessive water loss, which increases the risk of dehydration. Make sure to fill up your water bottle with warm water to prevent it from getting cold. Consider bringing an insulated bottle of warm tea as well. 

Activities To Try In Cold Weather

There are so many cold weather activities that help support your fitness goals. Depending on where you live, the activities can vary, but some examples of outdoor activities are:

• Cycling
• Cross-country skiing
• Walking, jogging, or hiking
• Shoveling snow (it is most definitely a workout)
• Alpine skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Raking leaves

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The skin can take a beating during the winter, and many people experience excessive dryness as a result. Crisp wind, dry and cold air, and heat from furnaces create an unfriendly environment for the skin. You may notice flakier, drier skin that’s prone to itchiness as the temperatures drop. And it seems that all the lotion in the world can’t get rid of the dryness!

Just like any other system or organ in the body, the skin requires nutrients that help it grow and repair on a cellular level. When you eat the right foods or focus on the right nutrients, you can help rebuild the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF). This is a protective barrier that seals in moisture and protects the skin from environmental damage. It’s also beneficial to focus on water-rich foods that help hydrate the skin from within. 

We aren’t saying that your skin care routine is ineffective or outdated; rather, it may simply need a little enhancement. For example, using a moisturizer may prevent transepidermal water loss, but this won’t matter if the skin’s moisture barrier is weak. Attack the problem from all angles and your skin will be hydrated, moisturized, and supple before you know it. Continue reading to learn about the nutrients that will help hydrate the skin during the winter. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Many dermatologists recommend people to eat avocado, chia seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish if they want glowing skin. The reason for this is because these foods contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help to improve the skin’s hydration. Omega-3s are an integral component of the skin’s lipid content, and they work to improve the barrier function. If the barrier is working properly, the skin retains more moisture and helps to keep irritants out. Additionally, omega-3s may support the skin by way of hydration and antioxidant photoprotection. 

Vitamin A

During the fall and winter months, it’s very easy to get your daily dose of vitamin A. Many seasonal produce items are naturally rich in this nutrient. Winter squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, or even collard greens and kale are excellent sources of vitamin A. Not only does vitamin A help to maintain skin elasticity, but it also works to fight inflammation, which can contribute to dry skin during the winter. 

Antioxidants

You can include vitamins A, C, E, and other phytonutrients in this category. Antioxidants work to combat free radicals, which can impair the skin’s barrier function and increase the risk of transepidermal water loss. Eating a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables can provide you with enough antioxidants to keep the skin hydrated. Astaxanthin, a unique phytonutrient, helps to improve skin elasticity and moisture levels. It may also protect the skin’s collagen layer. Other antioxidants may work to protect the skin from UVB rays and make positive changes to skin microbiome. 

Water-Rich Foods

In addition to drinking water every day, it can help to consume foods with high water content. Roughly 20% of the body’s water intake comes from diet, specifically fruits and vegetables. These foods also offer beneficial antioxidants and nutrients that help protect the skin barrier. Water helps to transport nutrients to your cells, while simultaneously getting rid of toxins. Keeping cells plump and healthy also discourages dry or dehydrated skin. Watermelon, cantaloupe, celery, lettuce, cucumber, radishes, and tomatoes are excellent water-rich produce items. 

Vitamin D

According to dermatologists, it’s easy for the skin to dry out if you are deficient in vitamin D, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin D actually triggers receptors that help promote the formation of the skin barrier. Food items provide a low amount of vitamin D, so a supplement may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to determine the correct dosage for your body. As a general note, it’s often better to take a smaller dose every day, as opposed to a larger dose once a week. 

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There are most likely thousands of chia pudding recipes on the internet. You can use all sorts of non-dairy milks, or regular milk, and incorporate everything from mashed bananas to candied walnuts and beyond. We have so many chia pudding recipes in our recipe section, but we wanted to post one that highlights some great winter produce: citrus fruit. Citrus varieties are in peak season from December to March, offering peak flavor and sweetness. They provide lots of vitamin C and their classically refreshing flavors offer a bright boost to the hearty winter diet.

The most striking citrus fruit in this recipe is the blood orange, which unlike other citrus varieties, is only available during the winter months. They have a brilliant tie-dye flesh, with the intensity of the red inside varying tremendously with the variety, growing season, and other factors. The flavor is slightly tart with a juicy sweetness. We counteract the natural sweetness of blood oranges with some tart pink grapefruits. You have the option to include more citrus fruits if you so desire, but we limited it to grapefruit and blood oranges.

Ultimately, the chia pudding itself is separate from the winter citrus fruits. The blood orange grapefruit combo is more of a topping, as the pieces are tossed with grade A maple syrup, alcohol-free vanilla extract, and cinnamon. You can obviously mix this into the chia pudding with every bite you take, but you do not fold the citrus fruits into the chia pudding as it sets. Simply add the fruit compote on top of the pudding when ready to eat.

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During the winter months, you tend to spend more time indoors. The drier indoor air can increase the likelihood of catching a cold, especially if an infected person is in the home. Colds happen this time of year, but there are several things you can do to help keep you and your family as healthy as possible. This article highlights five crucial tips to keep your home clean and germ-free throughout the winter. 

Manage Humidity Levels

If you have the heat on, the air is automatically drier. The humidity level in the home may also affect your risk of contracting a virus. In fact, a 2021 study found that moderate humidity levels between 40-60% may reduce the risk of viral transmission and make certain viruses less likely to survive in the air. Very dry indoor conditions may also worsen allergy symptoms, while excessive humidity can promote other allergens, such as mold. The goal is to find that sweet spot, which tends to be below 60% humidity. Typically, a thermostat can detect a home’s humidity level. And if your home’s humidity level drops below 30%, you may want to invest in a humidifier when colder weather arrives. 

Revamp Your Entryway

Do you have a shelf with a bowl of miscellaneous things right by the front door? Perhaps you have a small desk with a drawer of random mail, keys, and other things. Maybe your children toss their jackets and shoes wherever they want. Don’t clutter your entryway, as that is a germ trap. Consider the following tips to help declutter and clean your entryway:

• Create a designated spot for outdoor footwear, such as a shoe rack, and coats/jackets, such as a coat rack. 
• Remove your shoes when you enter the home. That helps prevent dirt and anything else from entering the home.
• Install a light fixture (even if it is a small lamp) to ensure proper lighting in the entryway. Making it well-lit will make it easier to spot dirty surfaces. 
• Organize your cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant spray and wipes, especially in the entryway. You can keep them on a shelf or in a nearby closet or basket. 

Establish A Disinfecting Routine

There is a difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Here is a quick break down of what each term means:

• Cleaning is the process of scrubbing a surface with soap and water. It helps remove most but not all, dirt and germs from a surface. 
• Sanitizing involves using a sanitizing spray or diluted bleach solution to reduce the germs on a given surface. You clean and sanitize items and surfaces that come in contact with the mouth, such as toys and food-contact surfaces. Always clean a surface before you sanitize it. 
• Disinfecting is the process of using a stronger bleach solution or chemical cleaner to help get almost all germs off a surface or object. It can be beneficial to clean a surface before disinfecting it. 

Before you start sanitizing and disinfecting, identify your home’s most high-touch surfaces. Doorknobs, countertops, appliance handles, and light switches are great places to start. Take extricate cleaning and disinfecting these surfaces. Keeping a list of things you need to clean can help make tasks more manageable, while alleviating the overwhelming feeling that comes with cleaning. 

Wash Bedding Regularly 

The body naturally sheds sweat and skin cells throughout the day and night. All of that gunk can ultimately build up on soft surfaces around the home, such as your sofa, pillows, blankets, and bedsheets. Aim to change and wash your sheets weekly to help prevent the buildup of bacteria-causing dirt and grime. If you have eczema, or another skin condition, you may want to change and wash sheets twice weekly. Maximize your washing efforts by:

• Using hot water when washing sheets and bedding.
• Getting a second or third set of sheets to make swapping them out easier. 
• Using a high-heat dryer setting to dry your sheets, depending on care instructions.

Check And Change HVAC Filters Frequently

If you have a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, you have to regularly change the filters to keep the air in your home clean. The frequency at which you need to change filters depends on their thickness. Typically, the filter will tell you how long it lasts. Thicker filters usually last longer and trap more allergens than thinner filters. Some thermostats will remind you to change your filter based on usage. Don’t have an HVAC system? Consider investing in a portable air purifier to help improve indoor air quality. 

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People who suffer from psoriasis tend to experience more symptoms and flare-ups during fall and winter. In addition to the stress people experience during the holidays, the colder temperatures and reduced daylight hours tend to trigger psoriasis symptoms. In fact, in a survey conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), 4 out of 10 people with psoriasis explained that they experienced more symptoms during the winter.

Psoriasis 101

Psoriasis is a condition that causes irregular immune function and involves a series of different symptoms. It’s best to consult a dermatologist to figure out the necessary steps to manage the condition, but each person deals with it in their own way. Some people only experience minor symptoms, while others develop a series of patches and deal with regular flare-ups. For the most part, though, people with psoriasis can experience a combination of the following symptoms:

• Irritated or sensitive skin
• Inflammation of skin and joints
• Itching, burning, stinging, or painful sensation in affected areas
• Overdevelopment of skin cells (resulting in plaques)
• Joint pain (for people who have psoriatic arthritis)

The colder weather and holiday stress doesn’t mean that you have to suffer through flare-ups and frustrating symptoms. You can help manage symptoms and naturally improve the condition with the following tips. 

Add Moisture To The Air

In addition to the dry air outside, indoor air is often very dry as a result of heating. This can irritate sensitive skin and worsen flaking or itching. According to Mayo Clinic, the humidity in your home should be between 30 and 50 percent. One of the best ways to add more moisture to the air is by using a humidifier. Although it’s an expensive option, it’s best to incorporate a central humidifier to your home’s air-conditioning system. A portable humidifier in the bedroom or living room is the next best option. 

Try Light Therapy

It’s possible to receive a prescription from your health care provider for UV light therapy treatment. This can be beneficial during the winter months because there is less daylight. Exposing the skin to ultraviolet B (UVB) light on a regular basis may be an effective treatment for psoriasis. According to studies, UVB light exists in natural sunlight and it helps to penetrate the skin, slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells. It’s possible that other types of light therapy exist, but they may increase the risk of skin cancer. 

Avoid Wearing Wool

When it’s cold outside, staying warm is of the utmost importance. Naturally, many people opt for wool clothing items because it keeps the body incredibly warm. Wool is also itchy and it can be especially irritating for people with psoriasis or sensitive skin. If you already have symptoms, wearing wool may only increase their severity. If you absolutely have to wear your favorite wool sweater, it’s best to do so over cotton or silk undergarments that don’t allow itchy fibers to irritate the skin. It’s also best to wear breathable clothing because bundling up and overheating may lead to chafed skin that increases the risk of flare-ups.

Take Shorter Showers And Baths

Standing in a steamy shower or soaking in a hot bath is magical when it’s cold outside. Spending a lot of time in hot water, however, can easily dry out the skin. Taking a shower or bath helps you get clean, but it also strips the skin of its natural oils. You can help minimize flare-ups and prevent symptoms by only taking one shower or bath per day. Keep it short as well, only spending five minutes or so in the shower and no more than 15 minutes in a bath. If you do take a bath, it’s best to use lukewarm water and mix Epsom salt in to increase mineral absorption.

Avoid Trigger Foods

During the fall and winter months, it’s easy to abandon dietary rules and eat whatever’s in sight. Unfortunately, many of these temptations are often trigger foods that increase the risk of flare-ups. Common trigger foods include processed foods, gluten, high-fat dairy products, alcohol, and more. You can click here to learn more about trigger foods. Many indulgent holiday spreads tend to have these foods, so do your best to avoid them because consuming trigger foods during cold weather may result in severe symptoms or extreme irritation.

In addition to the above recommendations, resist the urge to scratch because that can worsen symptoms. The last thing you want is to accidentally open a lesion and develop an infection. 

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Why are colds, flus, and other respiratory illnesses more common in colder months? People tend to stay indoors, which allows viruses to pass more easily from one person to another. The cold, dry air outside and warm indoor air with poor circulation may weaken the body’s resistance to these viruses.

You may strive to create a germ-free household, but this can prove difficult. That’s why health experts recommend that you set up a disinfecting routine. First, though, you have to understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines these terms as follows:

• Cleaning: A process that involves scrubbing a surface with water and soap, which helps remove most, not all, germs and grime from the surface. 
• Sanitizing: A process that uses a diluted bleach solution or sanitizing spray to remove germs from surfaces or objects. Always clean before you sanitize. 
• Disinfecting: A process that uses chemicals or a stronger bleach solution to clear the majority of germs from surfaces or objects. Again, always clean before you disinfect. 

Before you embark on your cleaning journey, identify the most high-touch surfaces in your home. Doorknobs, light switches, countertops, appliance handles, and faucets require frequent cleaning. It’s best to regularly wipe down countertops and other visibly dirty surfaces. 

Wash Linens And Bedding Regularly

Shedding skin cells and sweat is completely natural, whether you are walking around or sleeping. All that grime can build up on soft surfaces in your home, including your pillows, blankets, and bedsheets. Health experts encourage you to change and wash your sheets weekly to prevent bacterial build-up. When you launder your bedding and bed clothes, you can reduce the presence of dust mites or other allergens that can hide in bedding. Get a second or third set of sheets to swap them out more easily. 

Check And Change Your HVAC Filters

If you have a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home, you have to change filters regularly to keep indoor air clean. Some smart thermostats will even remind you to change your filters, which is very helpful. Thicker air filters tend to last longer and trap more allergens or illness-causing particles. Regarding HVAC filters, most companies recommend the following:

• One-inch thick filters: change every 30-60 days. 
• Two-inch thick filters: change every three months.
• Four-inch thick filters: change every six months. 

Manage Humidity Levels

Humidity levels in the home can affect your risk of contracting a virus. According to a study from 2021, moderate humidity levels between 40-60% may reduce the risk of viral transmission. That helps make viruses less likely to survive in the air. Most home thermostats can detect or display indoor humidity levels. If the humidity level drops below 30%, you may want to invest in a humidifier, especially when cold and flu season is around the corner. Additionally, wash your hands and disinfect surfaces more frequently if humidity levels drop.

Declutter Every Night

Some people feel tremendous anxiety if they go to bed without cleaning up their mess. When you wake ups to a tidy room, bathroom, kitchen, and living room, some of that morning stress may not be there. You don’t have to deep clean your house every night, but a minimal cleaning session can go a long way in preparing your mind and body for bed. Put away loose items, wipe down countertops, do all the dishes (or put them in the dishwasher), and don’t leave cosmetics all over the bathroom counter. If all of that seems stressful, consider rounding everything up in a basket and placing that in one spot as a start. 

Revamp Your Entryway

If you walk into your house and don’t remove your shoes, you are tracking dirt and other germs inside. The entryway, be it grand or small, is a place to shed your outside self before fully entering the home. Maybe you toss your jacket somewhere, fling your shoes, and discard your bag aimlessly. A tidy entryway can minimize clutter and help prevent germs from entering the home. Below, you’ll find a few tips to help keep your entryway clean:

• Take off your shoes once you enter your home.
• Use a basket or other receptacle to collect things that don’t belong in the entryway. Empty it regularly.
• Create a designated spot for outdoor footwear, for example, a shoe rack.
• Organize your cleaning supplies, such as disinfectant spray and wipes, and keep them on a nearby shelf near the entryway.
• Install a light to ensure proper lighting in your entryway. This can make it easier to spot dirt or grime when cleaning.

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Just because winter is a little more gloomy, that does not mean you have to eliminate fresh, vibrant salads from your diet. We encourage you to embrace seasonal produce, such as pomegranates, oranges, broccoli, and other items that you can easily incorporate into a slaw, such as this one. Tossed in a balanced citrus vinaigrette dressing, this winter slaw serves as a main course on the raw vegan diet. It can also be a versatile side dish or topping for sandwiches post-cleanse. This slaw is truly a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a variety of textures.

One of the best things about this crunchy winter slaw is that it is easy to prepare, but that doesn’t mean it lacks flavor. Crisp cabbage, juicy pomegranate arils, crunchy broccoli stems, and torn kale leaves come together for an irresistibly refreshing dish. Plus, it is visually stunning! Make sure that you remove the thick kale stems, as they are very bitter and can leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth. If you want to make less work for yourself, get a package of baby kale leaves, which do not have thick stems and have a slightly sweeter taste than regular kale.

Instead of onion, we decided to include shallots, which have a similar flavor to onion, slightly more mild and sweet. The great thing is that shallots do not overpower the other ingredients. The pair beautifully with the sweet and tangy pear and refreshing pomegranate arils. Toss everything in the citrus vinaigrette and your palate is in for a real winter treat.

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December is the month when celebrations, vacations, and lots of eating take place. If you succumb to the power of hot chocolate, candy canes, and pumpkin spice lattes, then your caloric intake dramatically increases. Then New Year’s Eve rolls around and you treat yourself to appetizers and libations. January arrives and the weather is still cold, decreasing the likelihood that you’ll go out and get a gym membership like you said you would.

Even though you may not gain 15 pounds, winter weight gain is a real thing. Shorter days, longer nights, and colder weather trigger the human’s animalistic urge to survive. Winter weather also gives people the desire to enjoy more comfort food in an effort to stay warm. And people continue to enjoy these heavy meals long after the holidays are over. Finally, fat cells are also more sensitive to sunlight, which is something that lacks during the winter. All of these things make gaining weight during winter a lot easier than you could ever imagine. 

You don’t have to let winter control your weight when you are aware of why weight gain happens. Even though the holidays are over, winter still has its ways of tempting you. Continue reading to learn about common ways people gain weight during the winter. 

Changes In Sleep Habits

The lack of sunshine and colder temperatures can negatively affect your sleep habits. When you cannot maintain healthy sleep patterns, you are more prone to overeating and choosing less nutritious foods. According to registered dietitians, the darker days and cold can cause people to hit snooze on alarms more frequently. This can throw off eating times, and may even cause people to skip breakfast because of rushing to leave the house. Skipping breakfast can lead to drive-thru breakfast orders or overeating later in the day. It may even cause higher sugar cravings. 

People Eat More Like Animals

Researchers suggest that humans tend to eat more like animals in colder climates. Colder temperatures activate the internal drive in the same way as it does in animals. This means that the body craves more calories to gain fat in order to promote internal insulation. When you’re cold, the body burns more calories to raise the core temperature, causing people to eat and refuel the tank. There’s nothing wrong with eating more, but choosing nutritious options over unhealthy foods is often the obstacle to overcome. Choose hearty stews with potatoes, legumes, and vegetables and bowls with whole grains and roasted vegetables to fill up with nutrients. 

Dehydration

You’d think that summer is the most common season to experience dehydration, but hydration issues still occur during the colder months. When the temperature drops, people don sweaters, scarves, beanies, gloves, and more. These clothing items cause people to sweat, just as outdoor heat causes people to sweat during summer. When the body is in a state of dehydration, it’s common to reach for additional calories to consume. It’s understandable that you don’t always want to drink cold water, so consider drinking herbal, caffeine-free teas to help promote hydration during winter.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Shorter days and lack of sunshine can have a significant affect on your mood. Sometimes, it takes moving to a place that experiences more sunshine and warmer weather to realize that they help lift your spirits. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression caused by seasonal change. As is typical with mood disorders, SAD can cause poor diet quality that ultimately leads to weight gain. Although exercise can help boost mood and counteract weight gain, a dietary change is often necessary. 

People Don’t Exercise As Much

Naturally, the winter cold doesn’t entice people to exercise outside, although there are some people who run no matter the conditions. Failure to spend time in the sun and outside can lead to the previously mentioned SAD. Lack of exercise also contributes to weight gain during the winter. Some people postpone exercise in December and vow to resume their workout regimen in the New Year. This doesn’t always come to fruition, and people remain in an exercise lull until warmer weather arrives. With so many exercise apps and online workout videos, it’s easier than ever to workout whenever and wherever. Don’t let the weather dictate when you work out!

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Although Christmas trees are no longer aglow and decorated in your house, you can still make use of fresh pine needles from wild pine trees. Incorporate these aromatic needles into your very own sugar scrub. You want to know the best part? Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also requires just three ingredients! No need for double boilers or infusion methods. Just whip up a batch of this stuff and your skin will thank you.

If winter has left your skin dry and scaly, a sugar scrub may be the best way to pamper your skin. Not only does a sugar scrub help exfoliate the skin, but it also provides it with moisture, due to the presence of coconut oil. As a quick note, if coconut oil does not agree with your skin, you can replace it with jojoba oil or sweet almond oil, as those are great carrier oils for all skin types. 

Why Use Pine Needles?

Pine needles happen to be one of the most widely used herbs in the world. For example, Traditional Chinese Medicine has used them for thousands of years, as they are an excellent source of vitamin C. They have been incorporated into various herbal remedies for stomachaches, inflammation, headaches, arthritis, and more. Regarding inflammation, pine needles are often used because of their antioxidant and flavonoid content. The flavonoids in pine needles act as powerful antioxidants that protect the body from free radical damage. They also help prevent blood clots, aid with cholesterol reduction, and fight off some cancer cells. 

The antioxidants in pine needles also exhibit antimicrobial effects, which work to fight redness or infections on the skin. Chinese medicine used pine needle oil to help keep wounds clean while they healed. Additionally, pine needles have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, which may help reduce redness or swelling. In fact, some research says that pine needle tea helps reduce arthritic symptoms by aiding inflammation reduction in the body. 

In addition to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, pine needles are also rich in vitamin K. While vitamin K is necessary for optimal bone health, it also helps the body produce collagen, which keeps the skin smooth and elastic. The presence of vitamin C in pine needles also provides an added boost for collagen production. Finally, pine needles are particularly rich in both vitamin A and B1, which are necessary for cell growth. 

A Quick Note Of Caution

If you have sensitive skin, or you are prone to eczema, use discretion when experimenting with new ingredients on the skin. Always do a patch test, which involves using a small amount of the product on an area that can stay undisturbed if you experience a breakout. Dry skin is one thing that can inflame eczema. The application of oil-based exfoliants, such as this sugar scrub, may help with long-term hydration. Make sure that you avoid washing right away, or else you will strip the skin of any oil that the skin has not yet absorbed. 

DIY Winter Pine Sugar Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2.5 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh pine needles, chopped

Instructions:

• Begin by pouring the sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Make sure it is free of clumps. 
• Pour room temperature coconut oil into the sugar and mix until completely combined. 
• Add the chopped pine needles and continue to stir until fully incorporated. 
• Transfer the mixture to a glass jar and screw on the top, making sure to store in a cool, dark place. 
• When ready to use, massage about a teaspoon-sized amount and massage into the skin. Leave on for about 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

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