5 Feel-Good Ways to Celebrate the Winter Solstice

December 21st officially marks the Winter Solstice — the first day of winter, which is also the day of the year with the fewest hours of sunlight. While many folks have mixed feelings about winter, seasonal shifts are a part of nature’s natural rhythm. So whether you’re a “snow bunny” or struggle with winter blues, we’re sharing five feel-good ways to celebrate the Winter Solstice!

5 Ways to Ring in the Winter Solstice

1. Prepare a Nourishing Winter Meal
2. Create a Cozy Environment
3. Take a Restorative Yoga Class
4. Break for a Tea Meditation
5. Set a Seasonal Intention

1. Prepare a Nourishing Winter Meal. Welcome the new season with open arms by preparing a nourishing winter feast! Aim to cook with a variety of colorful, in-season produce items — such as winter squash, root vegetables and brussels sprouts — to celebrate the shift in seasons. This Warm Winter-Vegetable Salad is the perfect cozy, nutrient-rich recipe to prepare on the Solstice. Pair it with this Sparkling Cranberry Apple Punch for an extra festive touch!
2. Create a Cozy Environment. The Winter Solstice marks the shortest, darkest day of the year. That’s why it’s helpful to create a cozy environment by bringing in some bright elements — by starting a fire, lighting candles or even hanging  up some twinkly lights. Here are some more ideas to feng shui your home and bring more joy into your life this season!\
3. Take a Restorative Yoga Class. Just like bears hibernate, the winter season is symbolic of slowing down and going inward. On the Winter Solstice, be sure to take time for yourself to just be. A restorative yoga class can be a wonderful way to slow down by moving your body in a gentle, mindful way.
4. Break for a Tea Meditation. Meditation can also be a helpful tool to slow down and tune inward. On the day of the Winter Solstice, try something new by breaking for a tea meditation. Prepare a cozy cup of tea or any hot beverage of choice (like our Golden Milk Latte) and aim to enjoy it mindfully. Start by noticing how the mug feels in your hands. What does your drink smell like? How does it taste when you take your first sip? What do you notice going on around you? If you’d prefer a guided meditation, you can try this Mindful Tea Meditation from Insight Timer!
5. Set a Seasonal Intention. You don’t have to wait until January 1st to set an intention. On the Winter Solstice, take some time to reflect on what you want to call into your life this coming season. How do you want to feel this winter? As you hold onto this intention, release and let go of anything that’s no longer serving you!

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a competent health care professional. You should not use this information in diagnosing or treating a health problem. No claim or opinion in this blog is intended to be, nor should be construed to be, medical advice. If you are now taking any drugs, prescribed or not, or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements. The information presented herein has not been evaluated by the FDA or the Department of Health and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure, mitigate or treat any disease or illness.