Ways to Keep Your Energy Up in the Cooler Months (and How Massage Can Help)

As the cooler months roll in, many of us begin to feel the effects of shorter days, colder temperatures, and reduced sunlight. The combination often leads to lower energy levels, increased fatigue, and even the “winter blues.” However, maintaining your energy and well-being during these months is possible with the right approach to self-care. From nutrition to lifestyle changes, there are plenty of ways to stay energised as the weather cools down—and one often overlooked method is the power of massage therapy.

Here are some practical ways to keep your energy up during the cooler months, including how regular massage can make a significant difference in your vitality.

1. Get Moving, Even If It’s Cold

Colder weather can make it tempting to stay indoors and hibernate, but staying active is key to maintaining energy. Exercise helps to boost endorphins, improve circulation, and keep your body warm. Even a brisk walk outside in the fresh air can increase your energy levels and mood.

Tip: Try to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day. Whether it’s yoga, a home workout, or a walk in nature, keeping your body moving will prevent the lethargy that often comes with colder weather.

2. Eat Warming, Energising Foods

Your body craves different foods during the cooler months, so it's essential to adjust your diet to include more warming and nutrient-rich options. Root vegetables, soups, stews, and foods high in healthy fats (like avocados, nuts, and seeds) are great for sustaining energy levels.

Tip: Incorporate spices like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric into your meals. Not only do they warm your body, but they also have anti-inflammatory properties that can boost your immune system and help keep energy steady.

3. Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget about hydration when it’s not hot outside, but staying hydrated is just as important in the cooler months. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and a general sense of sluggishness.

Tip: Opt for warm herbal teas, such as peppermint or ginger tea, which can be both hydrating and soothing. Drinking warm water with lemon first thing in the morning can also help wake up your system and boost your energy.

4. Prioritise Sleep

As the days get shorter, your body’s circadian rhythm can be disrupted, making it more challenging to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Ensuring that you get enough quality sleep is crucial for sustaining energy.

Tip: Establish a consistent bedtime routine, avoid caffeine late in the day, and limit screen time before bed. A calming herbal tea and reading a book can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

5. Get Some Sunshine (or Vitamin D)

With the sun setting earlier, many people experience a drop in vitamin D levels, which can affect mood and energy. Even though the sun is less strong in the cooler months, getting outside for some natural light can help.

Tip: On sunnier days, try to spend at least 10-20 minutes outside in the sunlight. If natural sunlight is hard to come by, consider taking a vitamin D supplement to keep your levels in check.

6. Manage Stress Levels

Stress tends to rise with the busyness of the holiday season and the demands of work and life. High levels of stress can drain your energy and affect your overall well-being, making it harder to cope with the challenges that the cooler months can bring.

Tip: Try incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. Even just a few minutes a day can help lower stress levels and increase your ability to stay focused and energised.

7. Boost Circulation with Massage Therapy

One of the most effective ways to combat sluggishness and maintain energy during the cooler months is through massage therapy. Massage helps to improve circulation, release tension, and promote relaxation, all of which contribute to higher energy levels.

During the cooler months, your body can experience stiffness and reduced blood flow due to the cold temperatures. Regular massage stimulates blood circulation, helping to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and organs, which in turn boosts energy. Plus, the relaxation effect of massage helps reduce stress and improves sleep quality—two critical factors for maintaining energy.

Tip: Consider booking a Swedish massage for overall relaxation and stress relief and to release chronic tension and improve circulation. A massage infused with essential oils, like lavender or eucalyptus, can also enhance the rejuvenating effects, especially if you’re feeling the winter blues.

8. Embrace Aromatherapy

Certain scents can help invigorate your senses and improve your energy levels. Aromatherapy, especially when combined with massage, can help lift your mood and increase alertness during the colder months.

Tip: Try diffusing energising essential oils such as peppermint, rosemary, or citrus oils in your home. During a massage, these oils can be used to enhance relaxation and energise the body and mind at the same time.

9. Layer Up for Comfort

Feeling cold can sap your energy, so make sure you dress warmly, even when you’re indoors. Layering up not only keeps you physically warm but also helps you feel cosier and more comfortable, which can make a big difference in your overall energy and mood.

Tip: Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like wool and cotton, and always keep a cosy blanket nearby for when you need extra warmth.

10. Treat Yourself to Regular Self-Care

Finally, self-care is crucial during the cooler months. Whether it’s taking a long bath, reading a good book, or indulging in regular massage therapy, treating yourself with care and kindness can go a long way in keeping your energy levels up.

Tip: Incorporate regular massages into your self-care routine, especially if you find your energy dipping as the cold months progress. Massage not only boosts circulation but can also help reduce feelings of seasonal fatigue and improve your mood.

Conclusion

The cooler months don’t have to mean low energy and lethargy. By staying active, eating well, managing stress, and incorporating regular self-care practices like massage, you can keep your energy levels high and stay vibrant throughout the season. Embrace these small changes, and you’ll find yourself not just surviving the winter but thriving in it.