As the crisp chill of winter settles in and daylight hours dwindle, many find themselves retreating indoors, longing for warmer days. However, beneath the frosty surface lies a unique opportunity for rejuvenation and self-care. Winter, often dismissed as a time of hibernation, can be a season of incredible growth, both physically and mentally. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of ways to not just endure, but truly embrace winter and its distinctive qualities to foster well-being, resilience, and personal growth. We hope that by the end of this article, you will feel excited and energised by the opportunity that winter gives.
Get A Headtorch
Without a doubt, this is the number one way to #WinWinter in Ireland. A headtorch is your portable daylight extender, your best friend for winter adventures. We admit, going for a hike or a run in the dark is not the same experience as doing the same hike in the daylight. However, there are some incredible benefits to going out to the trails after dark with your trustee headtorch. You will find that if you are sharing the experience with others the depth of conversation is increased, you will easily pick out fauna such as deer as their eyes reflect the light of the torch and you will gain a whole new appreciation of outdoor spaces.
Instead of thinking, “I can’t go out, it’s dark”, strap on your headtorch and go out anyway!
Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.
Flexibility is super important in winter, and no we aren’t talking about being able to touch your toes, although winter is a great time to work on that too, but more on that later. Being adaptable and not being afraid to change your plans is very important in winter. There are simply more things to take into account in winter but there is no reason why you can’t have an awesome day on the hills in winter, just always have a plan B!
Immunity
Colds and flu are common during winter, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. If you frequently fall sick despite having a balanced diet, you may consider taking supplements. There are certain nutrients that are crucial during winter to help prevent illnesses. Here are some of the most important ones and some sources that will provide you with a good amount of them:
Vitamin D
Regulates immune responses and supports the production of antimicrobial peptides. Sources include sunlight, fatty fish, fortified foods, and supplements. It’s very important in Ireland to consider supplementing with Vitamin D due to the lack of sunlight we get during winter.
Vitamin C
Promotes white blood cell production and function. Sources include citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and supplements. A balanced diet is sufficient, although athletes may require supplements.
Zinc & Magnesium
Essential for immune cell function. Sources include meat, dairy, nuts, seeds, and supplements. You can often get a supplement that has both of these present.
Probiotics
Supporting a healthy gut microbiome is essential for immune function. Fermented foods and probiotic supplements are sources of beneficial bacteria. We love getting our probiotics from Kombucha which we either buy in the supermarket or make ourselves.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Role in Immunity: Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and can modulate the immune response. They’re found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and algae-based supplements.
Embrace the 5-9
Microadventures are a brilliant way of breaking up the winter. Spending time outside doesn’t have to exclusively be an epic hike or record-breaking run, especially in winter. Spending as much of your free time as you can outside is a great way of embracing winter. Our favourite way to do this is simply by taking our morning coffee and evening tea for a walk. We put our hot drink in a Kambukka flask and head for a stroll whether it’s at a local park by ourselves or a nearby woods with some pals, we always feel better after it.
If you want more inspiration for micro adventures check out our ADVENTure calendar series on our Instagram page.
Make A Plan
A date on a calendar is a powerful thing. Sign up for a race, an event or an expedition in the springtime. Having an aim will motivate you to get out on dark evenings where the couch is calling your name! There is something immensely satisfying about making slow gains towards a goal and then being able to put all that work on display on the day of the event. Here are some ideas:
Quest Adventure Series starts on 9 March 2024 with Quest Kenmare, a beautiful and challenging event with distances suited to all levels.
IMRA Marice Mullins Ultra is an iconic mountain running race that will take place on 24 March 2024. The race is 45km long and takes place along the Wicklow Way. One worth training for!
Ride Dingle takes place on 27 April 2024. Escape to the beautiful Dingle Peninsula for a weekend of craic, ceol and cycling! There is both a 55km and 120km route depending on your experience level.
Wicklow 200 and 100 takes place on the 9 June 2024. This epic cycling sportive is the oldest running event of its type in the country and is a bucket list event on the Irish adventure calendar.
Catch Sunrises
Seeing the sunrise is perhaps one of the best ways to start your day. During winter in Ireland, sunrise is at a very reasonable time, unlike during the summer, so you can easily factor it into your plan for the day without it impacting your energy levels negatively. Many studies have shown that getting sunlight in the morning is highly beneficial for your health. It increases the production of cortisol, a natural energy booster, and also stimulates the production of serotonin – a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being. Morning sunlight exposure also helps regulate the production of melatonin, which is responsible for sleepiness. People who get a good dose of bright light during the day tend to find it easier to fall asleep at night.
To get these health benefits you don’t need to go far, just looking out your window will do but we have linked an article below which runs you through some of our favourite places to watch the sunrise in Dublin.
5 Best Places to Watch Sunrise In Dublin
There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather. Or Is There?
Every outdoor enthusiast knows the Alfred Wainright quote, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” But we are here to tell you that perhaps in winter there is such a thing as bad weather, at least for particular activities. We would always encourage people to listen to the advice of experts and weather forecasters and avoid going into Ireland’s outdoor spaces during periods of particularly wild weather. The hills will always be there but perhaps give that long cycle a miss or re-route your hike to stay on lower less exposed ground.
Useful Kit
There is of course some truth in Alfred Wainright’s words. Having the right gear for the conditions is of paramount importance. There are a few items of clothing that will make a huge difference to your outdoor experience this winter. The amount of choice in the world of outdoor gear can be very overwhelming but here are our simply top 3 items you should have to get you outside in comfort over the following months:
Good footwear could reduce the number of callouts received by Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue by 30-40%, according to Fiona from Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue, whom we went for a hike with last year. The particular model we would suggest would depend on the terrain you are walking on, but we always suggest getting a pair with a dependable outsole, good ankle support, and waterproof lining.
Waterproofs are your first line of defence against the elements should the heavens open. There are so many waterproof jackets to choose from nowadays but we would recommend looking for one that; has a good adjustable hood with a brim, features a reliable waterproof membrane (GoreTex, HellyTech Professional, Dynashell and Pertex are some of our favourites) and has some sort of ventilation to limit the amount you will sweat in the jacket.
Baselayers can help manage sweat and keep you warm. They are the layer directly against your skin, making them crucial for warmth. There are many types of baselayers made from different fabrics. Here are some recommendations: The Zerofit Ultimate Baselayer is great for extremely cold days, the Icebreaker Oasis 175 Merino Wool base layer for cold days, and the Helly Hansen Striped LIFA baselayer for activities where you sweat a lot, such as running.
Manage Your Body
Winter is a great opportunity to take the time to tend to injuries, niggles, and weaknesses that you feel in your body. Visit the physio if you feel you need to or invest in some self-treatment tools. We use Nuasan Active CBD Muscle Gel along with the Active Massage Gun to make sure we keep our body functioning well.
Having used the Active CBD Muscle Gel product for the past few months we would say that it should be used after big days in the mountains or hard training. The max strength CBD (500mg) along with the plant extracts gives a warming relief to sore or aching muscles following strenuous exercise. However, we found that daily use of this product was not necessary and that it should be saved for your harder days or injured muscles or joints. Regarding the timing of the application, we found the best time to apply this was after a shower following your final training session/outing of the day, at least an hour before bed.
The Nuasan Bath Soaks .
Education
Even if we take all these tips on board we are more than likely going to be spending less time outside in the winter, this makes it the perfect time to put our energy into other things. Spend the dark evenings educating yourself about an outdoor topic that interests you. There are loads of talks and seminars during winter, some of which you can even attend via zoom. Whether you want to learn about flora and fauna, environmentalism or even how to make the perfect mid-hike flapjack, winter is the perfect time to shift your focus and educate yourself.
