Seasoned Midwesterners know how important it is to prioritize wellbeing and self-care during the winter. Shorter daylight hours can impact our mood, energy and sleep. These seasonal challenges can really pack a punch if we don’t get creative and invest in our mental health. Explore 6 ways to embrace winter wellness across the Twin Cities, from a staycation to thermaculture.
Photography provided by Hewing Hotel
Hit the Sauna
Immerse yourself in thermaculture during the Hewing Hotel’s rooftop sauna series. Engage in mindful meditation and light breathworth during the guided experiences, complete with aromatherapy and epic views from the heated rooftop pool. Channeling the heart of thermic ancestral bathing rituals from around the world, these gentle sessions are designed to enhance our ability to regulate the body’s stress response and stimulate a deep state of energized relaxation and clarity.
Photography provided by the Great Northern
Learn to Winter Well
The Great Northern Festival’s Wintering Well series encourages us to embrace winter as a sacred time to connect with nature and welcome deeper rest. On February 3, join Maji ya Chai Land Sanctuary founder Rebeka Ndosi and Firekeeper Sandra Joy Agustin at The Market at Malcolm Yards in Minneapolis for a dynamic conversation around the importance of nature-based healing and the true meaning of radical self-care. Learn new tools, rituals and daily practices to support your own healing and well-being.
Photography provided by Watershed
Try Sonic Healing
Curious about sound healing? Look no further than Watershed’s one-of-a-kind wellness events in Northeast Minneapolis. During the spa’s guided sound bath experiences, a vibrational sound therapist leads guests through immersive mindfulness and meditation sessions using quartz crystal singing bowls. The vibrations from the soundwaves help to shift our brainwaves into states associated with calm, creativity and cell repair. It’s the perfect way to reduce stress and indulge in a little self-care.
Photography provided by Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby/Kate Evans
Play with Puppies
While this year’s Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby race was canceled due to weather and safety concerns, don’t cross the festivities off your list just yet. The annual Cutest Puppy Contest will take place on February 3 at Excelsior Brewing Company, followed by an evening of merriment and live music. It’s been proven that simply petting a dog can lower cortisol and blood pressure, so a couple tasty drinks paired with a parade of puppies is sure to lift spirits on a chilly day.
Photography provided by Dodge Nature Center
Connect with Nature
While cold weather can keep us cozied up indoors, winter is a magical time to immerse yourself in Minnesota nature. Experience all kinds of arctic activities at Dodge Nature Center in St. Paul during this year’s Winter Fun Fest. Kicking off February 17, the outdoor extravaganza will offer everything from kicksledding and boot hockey to snowshoeing and sleigh rides. Explore the surrounding trails on foot or grab a bite and warm up next to a bonfire during this free community event.
Photography provided by Four Seasons Hotel Minnneapolis
Book a Staycation
Forget the hassle of airports and out-of-offices, sometimes the best way to unplug and recharge is to stay close to home. Get a respite from life’s hustle and bustle with a cozy weekend retreat at the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis. Enjoy delectable dishes at chef Gavin Kaysen’s Mara restaurant, and indulge in luxe self-care at the world-class spa before retiring to your plush suite for a restful evening. And since rest is vital to our well-being, skip the alarm and sleep in. Reality can wait until Monday.
