The winter solstice not only marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, but some also believe it marks the day of the sun's rebirth, symbolizing life, death, and human connection with nature.
Meditate
We are linked to nature's cycles and our own personal growth cycles. The energy of winter is that of going within and self-reflection. It’s important to take this time to reflect on the past year, the new experiences that came our way and renew ourselves for what is to come.
Adjust to the time change
Balance your schedule as the sun goes down earlier. Practice hibernation by getting needed exercise earlier in the morning and eating a light meal in the evening.
Rest
Slow down and conserve energy. Grab a calming herbal tea and get lost in your favorite book or your journal.
Herbal Tea
My favorite calm tea is from Herbal Academy made with lemon balm leaf, chamomile flowers, linden bract and flower, rose petals and spearmint leaf. Each herb offers their own benefits to promote positivity, joy and calmness.
Read more about each herb here.
Calm Tea*
Ingredients
2 parts lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) leaf
1 part chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) flowers
1 part linden (Tilia spp.) bract and flower
1 part rose (Rosa spp.) petal
½ part spearmint (Mentha spicata) leaf
Directions
- Measure each part using ½ teaspoon, 1 tablespoon or 1 cup depending on the size needed.
- Gently mix the herbs together in a bowl and store in a glass jar.
- Brew one cup of tea by measuring 1 teaspoon of herb per 8 ounces of boiling water.
- Place the herbs in a tea bag or tea infuser, and cover with boiling water.
- Cover and let steep for 10-15 minutes, strain, and enjoy 3-4 cups per day while encouraging your stress to melt away.
*When shopping for herbs consider purchasing ones that have a certified organic seal, sustainably wild-harvested, tightly sealed packaging and ones with fresh color, scent and taste. My go-to brands are Frontier Co-op and Starwest Botanicals.