Has anyone else been experiencing the hectic pace of February and March? With the holidays behind us and spring in front of us, we’re in the heart of a more active and busy season. If you are job seeking or considering a career change, it’s especially important to restore your energy to continue forward with the job search process. Here are some tips from Brooklyn-based wellness coach and massage therapist Liz Tortolani for how to stay healthy as we lead up into spring.

Self-Care For the Last Weeks of Winter by Liz Tortolani

It is hard to believe that we are into the last weeks of winter. For most of you I am sure this is a welcome realization. For a few, myself included, we will be a little sad to see the hibernation days of winter end. A time when it is accepted to stay inside all day, drinking coffee or tea, reading, or laying in bed, (if you are lucky enough to have the luxury of that.) The days are slowly but surely getting longer and we can begin to see and hear signs of nature come back to life. We will soon be enjoying the new spring energy before we know it, but until then, I invite you to enjoy the lovely slower and quieter energy that winter can bring.

I know for some, the winter months here can be a challenge with the lack of light and cold weather. Many experience bouts of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder.) If this is you, I hope that you had some time to get away to a more comfortable climate. If that was not possible, I will share with you some of my simple self-care tips to get you through this last month and on to the next season feeling refreshed, relaxed, and renewed.

So enjoy the last weeks of winter, and to get the benefit of the renewing energy of winter, try one or more of these self-care suggestions:

Get an extra hour of sleep. Stay in bed on the weekend for the hour, reading the paper, book, or Nook.

See a play or movie. It is a great time of year to finally see that play on or off Broadway. Or if a movie is more in your budget, just having a few hours to “escape” can do the body and mind good.

Have coffee or tea with a friend. I think this is one of the best things to do during these cold and bleak months. Meet a friend you have not seen in a few weeks, months or even longer and take a few hours to meet at a cozy café to catch up. It is the perfect time of year to reconnect, which can leave you feeling the warmth of making connection with a good friend.

Enjoy working on a creative project. This is one that is truly perfect for winter’s shorter days. If you are a writer, artist, or have a hobby that has gone by the wayside, use this moment to recommit to giving it some time. Nurture this part of yourself; let the darkness allow for the creative energy to flow, making it a worthwhile way to spend a few afternoons or evenings.

And of course, take care of your body. Get a massage (hot stone is wonderful this time of year) walk in nature, exercise if that is something you do, nourish yourself with good healthy foods, and my favorite winter self-care tip is to use a hot water bottle, bring it to bed with you with a cup of chamomile tea at night or during your morning in bed and it will be a wonderful comfort to your body and your mind.

Stay in bed for a day. This is a luxury we often only give ourselves when we are sick, but what would it do for you to give your body that extra rest when you actually can REALLY ENJOY IT. Plan it, TRY it! YOU WILL LOVE IT! Read the paper, have breakfast in bed, watch a movie, write, nap, look at your favorite magazines. Just BE….ENJOY. This is mostly for the people without kids, but maybe you can do a trade with your partner so each one of you can enjoy the experience.

These are the things that I do to keep me feeling well and healthy during these cold, and dark months. Before we know it spring will be in full bloom. So take a little extra time for yourself. Hibernate and restore your energy so when the bright days of spring arrive you will be ready and filled up with energy to enjoy them!

Liz Tortolani, LMT, is a massage therapy, yoga and wellness coach with offices in Manhattan and Brooklyn. See here website www.livewellnyc.com for more details. Ask her about massage therapy packages.