Winter Wellness: Simple Habits to Stay Energised and Well
As the weather cools and winter settles in, many of us experience a dip in energy, sluggish digestion, and an increased susceptibility to colds and viruses. The colder months naturally encourage rest and slowing down, but they can also challenge our immune systems and overall wellbeing if we’re not supporting the body in the right ways.
At Gold Coast Lymphatic Massage, Mel believes winter is the perfect time to reset, slow down, and nourish the body, inside and out. Here are a few simple but effective habits she recommends to help you feel your best this season.
1. Start Your Day with Celery Juice
Drinking celery juice on an empty stomach has become a popular wellness trend, and for good reason. Celery is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, and it may help reduce bloating, support digestion, and encourage natural detoxification.
A 2017 review published in Pharmacognosy Review found that celery contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, that support liver health and reduce inflammation.
Try having 250–500ml of fresh celery juice first thing in the morning before food or coffee to give your digestive system a gentle start.
2. Embrace Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is the practice of limiting eating to a certain window of time. This approach gives the digestive system a break and allows the body to focus on repair and detoxification processes. Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2019 found that intermittent fasting can improve metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and even support cellular repair.
You don’t need to fast for long periods - Mel often recommends a 12–14 hour overnight fast (e.g., finishing dinner by 7pm and having breakfast around 9am) as a gentle way to support the body through winter.
3. Take 5 Full Belly Breaths
Relaxation is a key component of immune and nervous system health. In winter, our stress response can increase due to fewer daylight hours, heavier workloads, or disrupted routines. One of the simplest ways to calm your system is by taking five slow, deep belly breaths. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system (our “rest and digest” mode) and helps lower cortisol levels.
Breathing exercises have been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve oxygenation, and ease symptoms of anxiety and stress (Frontiers in Psychology, 2020). Try incorporating mindful breathing into your morning or evening routine.
4. Stay Hydrated
Cold weather can reduce the sensation of thirst, but hydration remains essential, especially when supporting lymphatic flow, digestion, and immune health. Mel recommends sipping warm water or herbal teas throughout the day to encourage regular bowel movements and optimal lymphatic circulation.
If you're coming in for lymphatic massage, drinking plenty of water before and after your session helps your body flush out the waste that’s moved through your system.
5. Listen to Your Body
Winter is a time for restoration. Prioritise sleep, nourishing foods, and movement that feels gentle and sustainable. Whether it’s yoga, a brisk walk, or a regular lymphatic massage, consistent self-care habits can help you feel more energised and resilient through the season.
Want to support your body’s natural systems this winter? Book a lymphatic massage with Mel and discover how targeted, supportive treatments can complement your lifestyle.