Written by Progressive Education Team Member

When winter finally arrives, there is often a noticeable shift in mood, energy, and overall vitality. The temperature drops, light exposure decreases, and we spend most of our days indoors. It's no wonder that our eating habits change, exercise routines slow down, and sleep time increases.

While some may see this as unfavourable, it's actually completely in sync with the body's natural rhythms. The winter season is a time for restoration, deeper nourishment, warmth and comfort. It's also the most important time to make sure that your wellness routine will support the body in maintaining optimal health during the colder months.

Making a few simple lifestyle changes will help you to stay both healthy and happy in spite of the winter wonderland.

Here are five simple habits you can easily add to your winter wellness routine this season:

1. PRIORITIZE YOUR DOWNTIME

Winter's pace is meant to be much slower. The days are shorter and that can bring about a much more leisurely approach to life. While it is certainly beneficial to maintain appropriate levels of physical activity, it's also perfectly okay to take it easy and to make extra time for rest.

Listen to the cues your body is giving you and go with its natural flow. Sleep in a little longer if you're feeling tired, decrease the intensity of your workout regimen if your body is sore, and take on an overall gentler approach to your lifestyle. Set aside some personal time each day for you to relax, breathe, and wind down from the day's events.

2. EAT MORE WARMING FOODS

Do you find that come winter you're craving more warming and comforting foods? Your body thrives when it's in a state of balance, and during the colder months warmer foods bring a more satisfying sense to your body's inner harmony.

Switch from cold, raw foods to ones that are more aligned with the seasonal environment. Spices like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon can be easily added to the diet and they have a net warming effect on the body.

3. KEEP YOUR GUT HEALTHY

Have you ever wondered why there’s so much buzz surrounding probiotics? It’s because gut health and a happy gastrointestinal tract is a key pillar on our path to overall wellness! Digestive issues are becoming a more common trend amongst people around the world and particularly in developed countries. With more than 50% of Canadians dealing with digestive issues every year, there’s definitely a need for additional gastrointestinal health support.¹

Support your winter wellness routine with Progressive Probiotics. Progressive Perfect Probiotics stand out from the rest because our formulations have been uniquely designed to combine both probiotics AND prebiotics. Probiotics provide important bacterial strains to help support intestinal health & promote a favourable gut flora!² All Progressive Probiotic formulas have been third-party tested with TRU-ID® certification to ensure that each probiotic species is accounted for. What this means is that what’s listed on the package is what’s actually in the product, no more and no less. 

4. KEEP YOUR BRAIN HAPPY

A high quality and high potency fish oil provides a great source of the Essential Fatty Acid called omega-3.

You may be wondering if you get enough omegas from your daily diet? Unfortunately, omega fatty acid deficiency - especially omega-3, is common, as many regions around the world do not get enough from foods in their standard diets.³ Currently, a large portion of the standard diet is grain based, and the oils used most frequently for cooking and in processed foods are omega-6.³ Most livestock are fed grains instead of grazing naturally therefore the fats that are found in meat, dairy and eggs are also predominantly omega-6.⁴ Meanwhile, fish, which we tend to eat less of, provides a good source of omega-3’s such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).⁵  

Progressive OmegEssential® Fish Oil is a foundational supplement designed to be taken on a daily basis. It has a long list of benefits and is ideal for the maintenance of good health. Each serving provides 1,000mg of EPA and 550 mg of DHA in a balanced 2:1 ratio. Progressive OmegEssential® Fish Oil helps maintain cardiovascular health, helps support brain function and promotes healthy mood balance!⁶

5. STAY CONNECTED

Although the winter is a time to retreat and to stay cozy, taking the time to connect (virtually) with close friends and family is an essential part of keeping your health and happiness upgraded. Our personal and intimate connections have an uplifting effect on the spirit and a nourishing action on the soul. Take the time to have meaningful interactions with loved ones, opting for rich conversations and quality time.

References:

1. Canadian Digestive Health foundation. Accessed July 26, 2021 at: https://cdhf.ca/digestive-disorders/
2. Health Canada. Natural Health Product 80066832. Accessed on Nov 21, 2021 at: https://health-products.canada.ca/lnhpd-bdpsnh/info.do?licence=80106779
3. Essential Fatty Acids. Accessed Nov 21, 2018 at: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/essential-fatty-acids#biological-activities3Langlois, Kellie & Ratnayake, Walisundera M.N. (2015). Omega-3 Index of Canadian adults. Statistics Canada Health Reports. 82-003-x Vol. 26 No.11:p3-11.
4. Canadian Cattleman’s Association. Feed. Accessed Dec 4, 2018 at: http://www.cattle.ca/cca-resources/animal-care/feed/ 5Statistics Canada. (2018)
5. Essential Fatty Acids. Accessed Nov 21, 2018 at: http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/other-nutrients/essential-fatty-acids#biological-activities
6. Health Canada. Natural Health Product 80066832. Accessed on Nov 21, 2021 at: https://health-products.canada.ca/lnhpd-bdpsnh/info.do?licence=80033216