❄️ Outside Isn’t Cancelled: A Gentle Guide to Winter Wellness in Australia

Angela
Jun 6
5 min read

In Australia, winter isn’t marked by festive lights or snow-dusted holidays like it is in the northern hemisphere. There’s no Christmas build-up, no long stretch of celebration. After the King’s Birthday long weekend in June, it can feel like winter just happens—quietly, and often in isolation. We retreat indoors, cancel plans, and stop reaching out.

But winter doesn’t ask us to shut down. It asks us to shift.

Over the years, I’ve come to understand winter not as something to survive, but something to befriend. A season that brings a slower rhythm, yes—but also an opportunity to move, connect, and nourish ourselves in deeper ways. Here are some nourishing winter wellness tips for you.

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Why It’s So Easy to Retreat (And Why That’s Okay)

When the temperature drops, so does motivation. The light fades earlier, the air bites a little deeper, and suddenly even the simplest task—like walking outside—can feel like a monumental effort.

And that’s not a weakness. It’s a wisdom.

From a wellness and seasonal perspective, your nervous system is responding the way nature intended. The instinct to pull back, to rest, to conserve? That’s not laziness—it’s a biological invitation to slow down. Trees do it. Animals do it. And our energy shifts too, whether we consciously honour it or not.

If you’ve been feeling tired, disconnected, more emotional, or more withdrawn lately—you’re not broken. You’re syncing with the Earth.

But what we don’t want is to become so still that we disconnect from the very things that nourish us—fresh air, movement, connection, light. Winter doesn’t mean stopping. It means listening, and moving in ways that feel aligned with your own inner fire.

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Creating Little Reasons to Connect for Winter Wellness

One of the things I’ve learned, living here in the Blue Mountains, is that winter can feel incredibly isolating—if you let it. The calendar goes quiet, people stay home, and the temptation to hibernate is real.

So instead of waiting for an excuse to gather—I create one.

Host a simple winter dinner with candles, nourishing food, and heartfelt conversation.
Celebrate Winter Solstice—even just lighting a fire and setting intentions can be a beautiful ritual.
Meet a friend for a warm chai, wrapped in scarves and stories.
Walk the misty tracks of Katoomba, then head into a pub or favourite restaurant for something comforting.
Try ice skating at the Fairmont Resort—yes, it’s real, and yes, I’ve done it. It’s great fun.
Spend a day gallery-hopping—Norman Lindsay, Everglades, or one of the many tucked-away treasures in the mountains.
Have an outdoor fire under the stars. I’ve been doing this weekly for months. It’s grounding, regulating, and a beautiful way to honour the end of each week.

Connection doesn’t have to be grand. It just has to be real.

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How to Brave the Cold: A Practical, Real-Life List

Let’s talk logistics. Getting outside in winter isn’t just about mindset—it’s about being prepared. These are the tools I swear by:

🧣 Dress Properly (So You’ll Actually Go)

Thermals are a must. Merino wool is magic. It makes everything else work better.
Layer smart: base layer + warmth layer + waterproof outer layer.
Buy a really good raincoat. Mine lets me walk in any weather. It’s worth every cent.
Waterproof shoes (Gore-Tex or similar)—no one wants soggy socks or cold toes.
Gloves, scarves, beanies—they’re not optional; they’re your allies.

🔥 Keep Warm in Your Pockets

Hand warmers from Big W or your local chemist—pop one in each pocket.
Mini hot water bottles (yes, they exist!)—perfect for coat pockets or chilly fingers.
Heat packs wrapped in cloth—great for shorter stints in the garden or on the deck.

🌲 Grounded Witchy Extras

Carry something meaningful—a sprig of rosemary, a crystal, or a smooth stone—as an energetic talisman.
Place your hand on a tree or stone wall. Let yourself settle.
Whisper your worries to the wind, or just breathe and let it carry them away.

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What I Do (When I Don’t Want To Do Anything)

Look—I get it. Sometimes the hardest part is just starting. I’ve had plenty of mornings when the last thing I want to do is head to a gym or yoga class. Taking off my shoes in a cold hall? Putting on stretchy pants when I’m already layered in thermals? Nope.

So here’s what I actually do in winter.

Most mornings, I just throw on whatever’s close—sometimes mismatched, often with a beanie pulled halfway down my forehead—and go for a brisk walk. It doesn’t need to look like a “routine.” It just needs to happen.

For yoga or stretching, I stay in the lounge room. There are so many beautiful online yoga and Pilates classes now—I choose one that suits my mood, roll out a mat near the heater, and skip the faff.

And when I feel the urge for strength training, I’ve got good quality hand weights, a bar, and a step—all right here at home. Sometimes I light a candle. Sometimes I play music. Sometimes I just let the silence and the fire carry me through.

There are no perfect conditions. There’s just the decision to move.

And if you’re struggling to figure out how—please reach out. I’m always happy to send you some ideas, some accountability, or just a little encouragement. You don’t have to do it all. But you do deserve to feel connected to your body, your rhythm, and your strength.

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Need a Little Help Getting Started? Try These Oils

Sometimes the body’s willing, but the mind still says “maybe later.” In those moments, I turn to scent. A little magic in the air can shift everything.

Here are some essential oils I love for winter movement and motivation:

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To awaken the mind and lift the fog:

Sweet Orange – sunny, uplifting, and gentle on the heart
Peppermint – clarifying and sharpens focus
Rosemary – perfect for clearing mental cobwebs and restoring energy

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To warm the body and awaken the spirit:

Ginger – deeply warming and grounding
Cinnamon Bark – spicy and stimulating (just a little goes a long way)
Black Pepper – subtle, earthy, and excellent for courage and drive

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My go-to Winter Awakening Blend (for the diffuser):

2 drops Sweet Orange
2 drops Ginger
1 drop Rosemary
1 drop Cinnamon Bark (or Clove if you prefer something softer)

Diffuse this as you roll out your yoga mat, lace up your walking shoes, or just need a little lift. You can even dab a diluted version onto your wrists or scarf. It’s simple, supportive, and effective.

(Always dilute warming oils in carrier oil and patch test if applying to skin.)

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You Deserve Support in the Quiet Seasons

Winter doesn’t have to be something you “get through.” It can be deeply nurturing—when you know how to meet it.

If you’re feeling sluggish, disconnected, or isolated this season, know that you’re not alone. The Awen Room was made for times like this. Whether through a warm seasonal massage, a Solstice gathering, or a few simple words exchanged between kindred spirits—you are held here.

Even when the cold lingers, you are not forgotten.

Even when the world feels slow, your body still longs to move.

Even now—you are part of this season too.

And if you need a little spark to get started, I’m here. Reach out. Ask the question. Your body will thank you for it.

Blessed Be

Angela x