As the winter months roll in, it’s essential to prioritise self-care rituals that keep you feeling balanced and rejuvenated. Here are some simple fixes we can all do to make looking after ourselves easier during the coldest season.

1. Create a cosy sanctuary by transforming your sleep space.
2. Elevate your wind-down routine with a hot bath or shower.
3. Nourish your body with seasonal foods that soothe the soul.

Transform your sleep space into a cosy wellness retreat that promotes relaxation. Use soft lighting, warm blankets, and calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus to create a tranquil environment. This space should be your retreat from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, where you can unwind and focus on personal wellness and self-care.

“A retreat at the end of busy days and a sanctuary on slow Sunday mornings, our bedrooms are places of solace and comfort. And as the cooler months set in, they become a cosy haven for hunkering down,” says our Creative Director, Danielle Bowers. “As the seasons shift, it’s a beautiful time to adjust your space and routines to feel more grounded. Start by switching up your bed sheets to ones that feel soft, warm, and inviting. Earthy, grounding tones can help create a calm atmosphere and signal to the body that it’s time to slow down."

Read How to Transform Your Bedroom into a Warm Retreat for more inspiration.

A hot shower or bath can be a wellness saviour during the cold winter months. The steam helps to open up your airways, making it easier to breathe, especially during cold and flu season. Additionally, soaking in warm water can relieve muscle tension, allowing you to unwind after a long day. Consider Gracious Minds to enhance the self-care experience, providing both physical and emotional relaxation. Founder, Kathryn Narelle suggests: "Start by finding scents that truly resonate with you — scent is such a powerful tool for relaxation and presence. Explore different essential oils and notice how each one makes you feel. Whether it's grounding sandalwood , uplifting citrus, or calming lavender, discovering what speaks to you personally is key. Next, choose skincare that feels aligned with your values — whether it’s Gracious Minds or another brand, look for products that are natural , healing, and supportive of your wellness."

Read 'Rituals for Wellness with Founder of Gracious Minds' about the inspiration behind her brand, her best wellness secrets, and favourite ways to reset, recharge, and reduce stress.

Winter is a great time to focus on nourishing your body with seasonal foods for optimal self-care. Incorporate root vegetables, hearty grains, and warming spices into your meals. Foods like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon not only enhance flavour but also provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Making a hearty soup or stew can be a comforting way to enjoy these seasonal ingredients while keeping your body warm.

Apply Ayurvedic wellness and wisdom to your daily meal times with tips from East By West chef, Jasmine Hemsley. 

1. Focus on cooked, warming foods.
2. Be mindful of where your ingredients are coming from and try to eat seasonally, where possible.
3. Take time to slowly enjoy and digest your food.

Jasmine says: "As you begin to view things from an Ayurveda perspective, anything and everything becomes possible, for instance, adopting the practice of drinking a warm glass of water every morning. Even if we begin with the simplest daily routine and maintain it, it will be there for you like your best friend, supporting you.  I'd advise everyone to take good care of their digestive system. “You are not what you eat; rather, you are what you digest,” as one of my teachers told me when I first began studying Ayurveda, and it is still the most impactful health quote I have ever heard, experienced, or truly believe."