We’ve compiled a list of 5 Winter Wellness Tips to make getting through the winter a bit easier. In the midst of Winter it is important to eat healthy, ensure you get exercise and sleep a bit longer. Your immune system has a lot to deal with during the winter months. Not only do people tend to be more susceptible to illness at this time of year, the lack of sunshine can also have an effect on your mood and mental health. We hope you find some inspiration here.
Go on Winter Walks
If the gym seems like too much of a strain there’s plenty of free exercise paths around Galway. Try Barna Woods.
A walk on the beach in Salthill can help to reduce stress, or even a beautiful walk along Mutton Island to the lighthouse just by the Claddagh can be really therapeutic. Closer to home is Terryland Forest Park.
Up your vitamin intake
Whilst getting the proper nutrients in your system is important year-round, the body experiences more stresses during the winter, making it even more susceptible to cold, flu and other health problems. For students, who may not always get the right nutrition, taking vitamins in the winter becomes even more essential. Here are some cold weather vitamins to add to your daily routine.
Stock up on supplies from Evergreen health store which is about a 15-minute walk from Swuite Student Accommodation. We recommend Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Omega 3, Magnesium & Zinc. For a Healthy gut – try kombucha or kimchi these will give you an extra boost for your immune system and keep you in tip top shape.
Wellness tip:
Did you know: Dehydration in winter leads to a cold or flu. Fill a thermos with hot water in the morning. Add a slice of lemon, or a few pinches of cumin. Refill 2-3 times a day.
NRG Fitness
Did you know there’s a fantastic gym with sauna and pool just around the corner from Swuite’s accommodation on the Bohermore road. Just mention Swuite and you will get a discount off your membership fee. There’s lots of classes to try out from Body Pump to Zumba.
Wellness tip: Be patient – It takes 4 weeks for you to notice your body changing, 8 weeks for your friends to notice, and 12 weeks for the rest of the world to notice.
Eat Healthy Food.
“Let food be thy medicine & medicine be thy food” Hippocrates
Food is a pretty powerful resource for winter wellness. By tweaking your diet, you can actually help to counter many of the negative impacts winter has on your body. Try loading up on more fresh fruit and vegetables at this time of year.
Why not try Veganuary and a delicious meal at The Lighthouse on 8 Abbeygate St Upper. If the weather is inclement, don’t worry we have a solution; why not order from the confines of your room in Swuite. We recommend Freshii as a treat. Spoil yourself with a nutritious meal.
Wellness tip: Why take part in Veganuary? If going Vegan seems too much to take on it might be worthwhile considering going vegan/vegetarian once a week. Try Meat Free Mondays as the healthiest start to the year.
Yoga / Meditation
The benefits of yoga can be felt almost straight away. You will notice increased energy levels, a restoration of calmness to your body, reduces stress & anxiety, improves sleep, this is also great for students during exam time. Adriene Mishler offers free classes on YouTube. She currently runs a daily Yoga session for the month of January.
Mediation compliments your yoga practise even taking ten minutes each day will reap the rewards. Morning or night may be the best time as you ease yourself into a daily habit.
Wellness tip: We recommend an App called Insight Timer lots of free meditations to choose from. I highly recommend Yoga Nidra by Jennifer Percy for beginners.
Be nice to yourself this Winter. If you would be interested in a Yoga evening in Swuite please ask at the front desk and we would be happy to trial this with you.
