 Winter often brings challenges for staying motivated, but I’ve found that maintaining my wellness routine helps me feel both energised and balanced. Over time, I’ve developed strategies to stay active, eat well, and nurture my mental health during the colder months.
One of the pillars of my winter wellness is my seven-day workout routine. I have six active days and one rest day, which is always Sunday. My workouts are full-body focused, broken into three distinct routines that I rotate throughout the week. Mondays and Thursdays are the same, Tuesdays and Fridays follow a different pattern, and Wednesdays and Saturdays offer yet another variation. This approach keeps things fresh while ensuring all muscle groups are engaged. Home workouts have become my preferred method; they’re convenient, comfortable, and easy to stay consistent with, no matter the weather. My meals follow a 90/10 whole food diet, with an emphasis on nutritious, well-rounded options. Breakfast usually consists of eggs, which I prepare in different ways to keep things interesting. Whether they’re scrambled or boiled, they provide a satisfying start to my day. For lunch or dinner, I often enjoy plates filled with lean meats like chicken, beef, or pork, complemented by a variety of vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, kale, spinach, and carrots are staples in my meals, and I always aim for vegetables to cover half of my plate. This balance keeps me feeling energised and satisfied, even on the coldest days. Caring for my mental health is just as important as my physical wellness. Winter can feel isolating at times, but small routines bring structure and comfort. Listening to audiobooks before bed helps me unwind, while shows I enjoy provide moments of escapism. Writing, whether for my blog or just for myself, has been another great outlet. It allows me to reflect, process my thoughts, and feel productive. Staying connected is another way I nurture my mental well-being. While my blog comments are turned off, anyone is welcome to message me via Instagram, which is linked on my “more” page. It’s nice to exchange ideas or simply chat with others during these quieter months. Winter wellness is about consistency and finding joy in the small things. By sticking to my workouts, eating wholesome meals, and prioritising self-care, I’ve managed to embrace this season rather than endure it. It’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about creating habits that make you feel good and keep you grounded. How do you approach winter wellness? I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to message me on Instagram!  Christmas is a time of joy, giving, and family, but in recent years, it feels like the focus on gifts has reached overwhelming levels. Social media is already awash with posts showing living rooms stacked floor to ceiling with presents, weeks before Christmas. While it might look impressive, I can’t help but think about how much of it is “tat”—items that will be played with once (if at all) and then forgotten. It’s not just the waste that bothers me but also the sheer clutter that often comes with it.
When it comes to Christmas gifts, I firmly believe that quality should trump quantity. It’s a lesson my dad instilled in me from a young age: it’s far better to receive one meaningful gift you truly want than to be surrounded by ten things you don’t care about. As I’ve gotten older, this idea has stuck with me, and now as a parent, it shapes how I approach gift-giving with my own daughter. This year, I gave my 17-year-old daughter £200 before Christmas so she could shop online for things she actually wanted. When her purchases arrived, I wrapped them up ready for Christmas Day. On the day itself, I’ll transfer £400 to her bank account so she can treat herself to whatever she likes afterward. It’s not the most exciting approach, and it certainly lacks the element of surprise, but the trade-off is worth it. She’ll end up with things she genuinely wants or needs, and nothing goes to waste. I know this approach doesn’t work for younger children, where toys and surprises still hold a lot of magic. As parents, we have a pretty good idea of what toys our children will enjoy, but even then, it’s easy to go overboard. The excitement of Christmas morning can tempt us into buying more than we should, but the reality is that most children don’t play with the majority of their gifts after that first day. By the time Boxing Day rolls around, many toys are already forgotten, collecting dust in a corner. It’s worth taking a step back and considering what truly makes Christmas special. Is it really about how many presents are under the tree, or is it about the thought and care that go into those gifts? A well-chosen gift that brings lasting joy or usefulness will always mean more than piles of clutter that add nothing to a person’s life. For me, this ties into a minimalist mindset. I’m not a fan of clutter, and I believe that if something doesn’t serve a purpose, it has no place in the home. That’s not to say I don’t appreciate the sentiment behind giving, but I think it’s important to strike a balance. Gifts should enhance a person’s life, not overwhelm them with stuff they don’t need or won’t use. Christmas doesn’t have to be excessive to be meaningful. Thoughtful, intentional gifts show care and consideration, and they’re much more likely to be appreciated. Whether it’s a single toy a child has been longing for or a contribution to a teenager’s savings, the focus should be on giving in a way that brings real joy—not just for the day but beyond. Let’s move away from the “more is better” mindset this Christmas. A simpler, more thoughtful approach can help us all enjoy the holiday season without the stress, waste, or clutter. Sometimes, less really is more. |