Top 9 Method Winter Wellness picks

Each winter I try to make this dark season a bit more enjoyable than the years prior. Amidst a pandemic, this  year I intentionally upped my winter wellness game and, holy cow, has it made a difference.  So, I figured I'd share some of the tried + true holistic products* + practices that have been helpful for me this season.  Enjoy!

*None of these are paid advertisements. I'm just sharing links as a consumer out of true love + respect for the products + makers.
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​1. Beeswax Candles (classic hygge essential, amiright?)
My ritual is to light a few candles at the end of a long day to restore in true winter hygge fashion. I have loved the 100% pure Minnesotan beeswax candles from Slow Burn, hand poured out of the owner, Sara's, home in St Paul, MN.  I'm also planning to buy one of every geometric candle design (and stock) by local artist Torey Erin, the candlemaker @_w_a_x_i_n_g_.

2. Outdoor Gear (+ XC Skis!)
I made the leap and invested in some cross country ski gear this year for the first time in my LIFE and it has been doing wonders for my seasonal mood + creativity.  I generally have my best creative ideas on longer walks, runs or bike rides and xc skiing is making space for my creative juices to flow in the winter months.  I am also getting the benefits of ecotherapy as xc skiing allows more time in nature, directly appreciating the resilience of wildlife in winter months. 

3. Weighted Relief Pillow
These are new from Ethel Studios, so I just ordered mine. The zero-waste weighted Relief Pillows, "combine colorful patchwork with a comforting malleable structure to help form around your body where you need grounding and relief...Heat your pillow in the microwave to add warmth, or place your pillow in the refrigerator or freezer for a cooling effect." Ethel Studios' recommended uses for the pillows include as "a heating pad for anxious tummies" and "a hot or cold compress for tired muscles" among other creative uses.  Sign me up!

4. Dream Journaling
I have been keeping a log of my dreams as a way to tap into my creative unconscious this winter.  Seriously!  There is a lot that our unconscious is working through as we sleep and much of this decoding can be done on our own... but we need to pay close attention to the content and themes of our dreams. I prefer to use pen and journal to log my dreams, but a journaling app could suffice if that better suits your preferences. 

5. Beeswax Lip Balm
With a focus on creating a simple and pure product, Portland duo Brad + Anika combine urban beekeeping and organic, locally sourced ingredients to create Portland Bee Balm. They even wrap the balms in real wood instead of processed paper.  I have all 4 of the main flavors and love them all in this cold + dry winter climate. 

6. Organic Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is a go-to for me throughout the year, but I rely on essential oils even more in the winter while I can't access the aromas of nature as readily on hikes. I love the quality + mission of Pranarom that includes sustainable harvesting methods and organic plants. My Wellness Blend Picks:  Sleep Aid + Mental Clarity.

 7. Circadian Optics SAD Lamp
​Light therapy involves using a special light box or lamp that produces similar effects to natural light, triggering chemicals in your brain that help regulate your mood. I recommend (and use!) the Circadian Optics Lumos 2.0 for it's UV-free brightness (10K Lux) and adjustability.  Start with 10-20 minutes per day of basking for winter mood improvement!

8. Warm Beverages
As many of my clients know, coffee is my morning (and afternoon) treat.  During winter months, sipping a warm beverage at certain times of the day can create meaningful ritual to start/end the work day, replace alcohol, or ignite sleepiness at the end of a long day.  Being mindful of yourself (and your relationship with caffeine), find a warm beverage that can a sense of inner calm, warmth and wellbeing this winter.  Can't wait to check out The Get Down Coffee, Co. this spring! You in?

9. Alarm clock
Benefit your ZZZs by keeping your phone out of your room and using an old school alarm clock.  Any alarm clock will do, but I recommend a style that emulates a sunrise for these winter months.