Hibernate in Style: Winter Wellness on the Beaches Starts Here
- Catherine Potter
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 25
With the chill finally kicking in, winter’s the perfect excuse to indulge in the kind of self-care summer just doesn’t allow. From deep-heat therapy and soul-warming soups to barefoot beach rituals and sleep resets, here’s how to embrace the cooler weather - Northern Beaches style.
Infrared Saunas: Deep Heat for Detoxification and Relaxation
Sure, we all know the classic sauna - hot, sweaty, kind of intense, and let’s be honest, only bearable in short bursts. Infrared saunas, though? Whole different vibe.
The winter-friendly infrared sauna uses light to gently heat your body from the inside out, not just the air around you. That means lower temperatures, longer sessions, and way more comfort - all while helping you detox and unwind like a pro.
Celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow and Lady Gaga have long raved about infrared saunas for their physical and mental health perks, but you don’t need to be Goopy Gwyn or Gaga to get your glow on. This kind of self-care is for everyone.
Infrared saunas are a total game-changer if you’re active, stressed, or just in need of a proper reset. Think better circulation, faster muscle recovery, clearer skin, and way less tension - all while you chill out in deep, radiant heat.
The best part? You don’t have to go far. From Freshwater and Mona Vale to Avalon and Palmy, wellness spots across the Northern Beaches are making it easy to sweat it out in style.
Bone Broth: Nourishment from Within
If there’s ever a time to embrace bone broth, it’s when the weather cools and all you want is something warm and nourishing - basically, a big old bear hug in a bowl.
This old-school remedy is having a serious moment again - and for good reason. Simmered low and slow with bones, herbs, and veg, bone broth doesn’t just make your home smell like your grandmother’s kitchen - it’s basically liquid gold.
Cooked from scratch, it’s loaded with collagen, amino acids, minerals, and yep—a solid hit of natural protein too. It ticks all the wellness boxes: joint support, gut health, immunity, glowing skin, muscle repair… the works.
A steamy cup mid-afternoon or as a base for soups is basically self-care without even trying. Even Salma Hayek swears by it—and hello, have you seen her skin?
Luckily, if you don’t have time to go full slow-cooker mode, you’re covered. Local cafes and health stores across the Beaches are serving up ready-to-sip, homemade versions. Or grab some organic, grass-fed bones and brew your own at home (your slow cooker will thank you… eventually). Either way, it’s a winter essential worth sipping.
Grounding: Connecting with Nature for Mental Clarity
They say the best things in life are free, and grounding is living proof. Like J-Lo’s love, it don’t cost a thing.
Also known as earthing, grounding is exactly what it sounds like: getting your bare feet onto the earth. Think sand, grass, dirt, kicking rocks - just kick off your shoes, spread your toes, and let the ground do its thing.
Grounding is said to do everything from balancing your body’s natural charge to reducing inflammation, lifting your mood, and calming the nervous system - all by reconnecting with the Earth’s energy.
Even when the temperatures drop, grounding is still totally doable. Beach walks, gardening, rock hopping - or if you’re more of a creature-comforts person, grounding mats indoors work too.
The science is still catching up, but plenty of people swear by the benefits - from better sleep and less stress to feeling more present and alive. And let’s be honest, if anywhere was made for barefoot walking, it’s right here on the Northern Beaches.
Winter Sleep Hygiene: Establishing Restful Routines
Let’s be real - sleep in winter hits different. Between the longer nights, chillier temps, and the urge to cocoon under ten blankets, your usual rhythm can get a bit out of whack.
More and more studies are showing just how fundamental sleep is to overall health—we’re talking everything from mental clarity and emotional balance to immunity and energy levels. So, if your bedtime routine’s a bit chaotic (or non-existent), winter is the perfect time to cosy up and reset.
Even small habits can help regulate your circadian rhythm (that’s your body’s internal clock) and lead to deeper, more restorative sleep. Nutritionist, yoga teacher, and meditation enthusiast Lee Holmes from Supercharged Food, who calls Palm Beach home, suggests embracing seasonal wind-down rituals.
“Winter is the ideal season to reset your sleep. The longer nights and cooler air naturally invite us to slow down, turn inward, and recalibrate our routines for better rest and renewal,” says Lee.
She recommends creating a bedtime ritual that helps signal to your body it’s time to wind down.
“Try swapping the scroll for a book, dimming the lights an hour before bed, or brewing up a mug of something mellow. Think chamomile or valerian tea or go luxe with a warm cacao latte infused with ashwagandha or reishi if you’re feeling a little extra.”
Lee also swears by magnesium sprays and warm, mineral-rich drinks for encouraging relaxation and deeper sleep.
“Magnesium is amazing for calming the nervous system. I often spray a little on my legs before bed or sip on a sleepy tea with ingredients like passionflower or lemon balm - it’s such a simple but effective way to ease into a more restful night.”
And if you’re lucky enough to live on the Northern Beaches, winter’s slower pace is the perfect backdrop for winding down. Whether it’s journaling in bed, a few minutes of breathwork, or simply keeping your toes warm (seriously underrated), building a cosy night-time ritual is the ultimate act of self-care.
Trust us—your nervous system, skin, mood, and 7 a.m. self will thank you for it.
Comments