Some self-care rituals I love to do that are especially helpful in the winter

❄️ Winter Self-Care That Supports Your Hormones (and Your Sanity)

For those of you who know me, you know I’m not a fan of cold, grey weather (hence why we lived in Florida for a while). But now that we’re in a place that actually has seasons-thankfully winter here is only 2–3 months and not the 8-month Chicago version-I’m leaning into this season with more intentional self-care.
And not just the bubble bath kind (though no shade to that obviously).
I’m talking about cozy, nervous-system-soothing, hormone-supporting winter rituals that actually help you feel like yourself again.
Here’s what’s been in my rotation lately:

🪔 1. Diffusing grounding essential oils during meditation

Cold weather + low light = my mood needs some extra love.
I’ve been making space to sit in silence and breathe while diffusing oils like cedarwood, frankincense, or clary sage. These oils are known for their calming, hormone-balancing effects-and they help me regulate my nervous system and cortisol after long, overstimulating days.

🍫 2. Hot chocolate that actually nourishes me

I’m still a cozy girl at heart-so give me the blanket, the Hallmark movie, and the hot chocolate... but make it blood sugar-friendly.
Lately I’ve been loving this brand, and I doctor it up with:
  • Bone broth 
  • Unsweetened almond milk (I like this one if I don't make my own)
  • A little splash of this creamer - it's a pretty great creamer ingredients and taste wise 
It tastes like indulgence but fuels like medicine. My inner child and my inner nutritionist are both thriving.

👶 3. Hugging the baby tighter

This might sound simple, but the oxytocin hit from snuggling your baby (or your dog, partner, or heating pad) literally helps regulate cortisol and support hormonal balance. Physical touch = free therapy.

💡 4. Red light therapy on dark, cloudy days

When the sun disappears, my energy plummets.
Using red light therapy a few times a week has helped with mood, skin health, and even sleep quality. This is the one I love this one and I try to use it in the evenings while drinking my tea or journaling.

🧖‍♀️ 5. Castor oil packs for grounding + detox

This one’s been a game-changer. Castor oil packs over the liver or lower belly help support detox pathways, reduce inflammation, and calm the nervous system-especially in the luteal phase. I’d love to pop mine on in the evening while reading but in reality I apply it over my liver and wear it overnight while I'm sleeping - way easier personally!

🫧 6. Magnesium soaks or foot baths

When I don’t have time for a full bath (which, let’s be real, is often), a magnesium foot soak is the next best thing. It helps with sleep, bloating, cramps, and stress-all of which get worse in the winter if I’m not careful.

Winter might not be my favorite season, but with the right rituals, it feels less like survival mode and more like a reset. These small things don’t just help me feel better-they help my hormones feel safe, too.

If you’re craving deeper support through winter (and beyond), come join us in Reset & Rebalance-doors open on January 12th!



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Meet Leah Negrin

 
I am a bold, beautiful, sometimes timid, usually happy, essential oil, nutrition junkie. Although at 39 I feel as if I've had several careers over a lifetime (or at least sometimes when I look back at my resume that is what shines through). I've been a paralegal, an office manager, an administrative assistant, worked in commercial lending and have finally landed on nutrition.

My journey to nutrition started many years ago when my sister was diagnosed with celiac disease and food had to change for the family. From there, along my own health journey I’ve helped people not only figure out what to eat but how to do it so that it can work for them sustainably. For almost seven years I’ve been counseling people on their nutrition and weight loss journeys. 

Finally getting some sunshine in Southern California *Photo credit  Brittany Hassett 

I am knowledgeable about what purpose food serves your body and I focus on finding sustainable options when it comes to food; this also led to my love of essential oils. I had the opportunity to attend a workshop where a registered dietitian spoke about using essential oils in her practice to help her patients. I was floored. I knew that #plantsheal but I didn't realize that others in the 'conventional' medical community thought that as well!! Learning that it was possible to incorporate these magical little bottles gave me a huge sense of hope.


Alina, myself and Caitlin (oily bffs) *Photo credit Anne Negrin

 
As I learned more about these oils I was diagnosed with increased intestinal permeability or as many of us know it, leaky gut. Leaky gut has been around for quite awhile but many of us are just learning what this is or why this is even more common these days than ever before. Many issues can be related to leaky gut including autoimmune diseases. Receiving this diagnosis just led me down a path further to learn about nutrition and how to best serve my body and take care of myself.


Enjoying a vegan ice cream cone in Budapest! *Photo credit to Michelle Owen 

Since birthing our sweet baby boy at home earlier this year I’ve been incredibly passionate about helping other women too who are pregnant and new mothers with their nutrition. Eating healthy for your pregnant body and your postpartum self is a game changer for both mother and baby.

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