How to fight naturally against winter fatigue?

Since 21 December, the date of the Winter Solstice, the days have been getting progressively longer. Little by little, renewal will set in and lead us gently into spring. But for the time being, low temperatures, humidity and low light levels are putting our bodies to the test. In this article, you can find out how to combat winter fatigue naturally and take simple steps to regain your energy and vitality.

To the rhythm of time, to the cycle of the seasons

Once again,observing nature is the best way to learn: animals slow down or even hibernate. Trees are bare to conserve their energy and all vegetation seems to be dormant: while some perennials keep their rhizomes or bulbs underground and disappear from our gardens, annual plants die and disperse their seeds, waiting wisely for spring..

And what do we do?

After the frenzy of the end-of-year festivities, the year gets off to a flying start with an increase in activities and demands. Of course, the unseasonably warm temperatures are a temptation. But beware: our bodies do in fact follow nature’s rhythm. So listen to yourself, and take advantage of this invitation to calm and rest that autumn has prepared you for.

In Chinese medicine, for which the winter solstice marks the middle of winter, the organ most in demand in winter is the kidney, which plays the role of energy battery. In fact, it is the kidney that compensates for the energy our body expends to keep warm and adapt to the harshness of winter. But overworked, it can become exhausted.

So it’s a question of saving energy and supporting the functioning of our body.

🌿 Practical tip: keep an energy diary
Every day, record your energy level on a scale of 1 to 10 and identify the times when you feel most tired. This will help you better understand your personal rhythm and adjust your days accordingly.

First and most logically, get some sleep and rest!

In winter, there’s no need to play hard to get. The most effective way to combat winter fatigue naturally is to go to bed at a reasonable hour. The body repairs and regenerates itself when it sleeps, just think about it!

As soon as your schedule allows, get some rest: take naps, soothe yourself, even if only for a few minutes.

💤 Tip: create a soothing evening routine
Adopt a routine that prepares your body and mind for rest:

• Drink a relaxing herbal tea (such as verbena or chamomile).
• Avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before going to sleep.
• Practice a few breathing or meditation exercises.

Take some time for yourself!

Treat yourself to a relaxing massage, a sauna, go to a place you love..

Give yourself time to do the things that give you pleasure and peace of mind: nature walks, reading, cooking, drawing…!

Say no to anything that takes up your time or costs you money. In short, take care of yourself and your body!

Give priority to tranquillity in your activities

Organise yourself to avoid stress, whether at work or at home. Slow down and meditate!

Keep in touch with your nearest and dearest by inviting them over for a cup of tea or a homemade herbal tea, but don’t spread yourself too thin or go out too much – it’s not time yet.

Taking part in gentle, rejuvenating activities is an excellent way to combat winter fatigue naturally.

Moderate physical activity is one of the keys to keeping your energy levels up in winter. Opt for gentle, regenerating activities that respect your body’s rhythm.

• Yoga, pilates or brisk walking are excellent options.
• Stretching or qi gong sessions help to release accumulated tension.

🧘 Tip: 10 minutes is enough!
No time for a full session? Take 10 minutes every morning to do a few stretches or deep breathing exercises. You’ll quickly see the benefits on your energy and mood.

Eat healthy, warming and invigorating food

Favour seasonal vegetables, there are plenty of them! Vegetables include cabbage, tubers, spinach, alliaceous plants, celery, leeks and lamb’s lettuce. Fruit includes apples, kiwi fruit and chestnuts.
Not forgetting all the oilseeds and dried fruit with their many benefits, and cereals such as oats, buckwheat and spelt.

Fill up on essential fatty acids with oily fish and vegetable oils. Don’t forget seafood and shellfish for the minerals they contain!

Favour “yang” cooking methods: wok, pilaf, etc

Fermented foods will help you rebuild your intestinal flora.

🔥 Cooking tip: opt for warming dishes
Prefer gentle steaming, baking or wok cooking, and spice up your dishes with warming spices:

• Ginger for its energising properties.
• Cinnamon for its comforting properties.
• Turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Nourish your cells

It’s true that at this time of year, winter fatigue makes itself felt. So it’s important to give yourself a boost. And what better way to do that than with a good course of vitamins to support your body’s functions and immunity.

💊 Here are some useful winter supplements:

• Vitamin D: essential for immunity, especially when sun exposure is reduced.
• Vitamin C: to fight fatigue and infections.
• Magnesium: ideal for reducing stress and nervous fatigue.
• Probiotics: to maintain a balanced intestinal flora, essential for the immune system to function properly.

Here’s our selection for you and your little ones:

Avityl Vitalité tablets enable you to compensate for your body’s vitamin and mineral requirements. Its chocolate flavour will be appreciated by the whole family from age 6 upwards. It’s the ideal food supplement to help you get back into shape and tone up.

Its formula also contributes to the proper functioning of the nervous and muscular systems, and helps to strengthen bones.

Alvityl Défense is the ideal tablet for coping with external aggression, or after the little aches and pains of winter. It will help you thanks to its extracts of echinacea, propolis and vitamin C, known to contribute to the body’s natural defences.

For the youngest children, there’s nothing better than offering them vitamins in the form of delicious, colourful fruit sweets. That’s what Pediakid has come up with with these multivitamin gummies in the shape of teddy bears. A daily intake will ensure your children have plenty of energy to face the day with confidence. These multivitamin gummies will also help support their immune system, so that illnesses and minor winter ailments can be limited.