As the days get shorter and the snowbanks get taller (thanks, Edmonton), the urge to hibernate becomes very real. December in Alberta is magical — river valley views dusted in white, holiday lights everywhere, cozy cafés calling your name — but it can also bring stress, low energy, and the winter blahs.
Supporting your mind-body wellness doesn’t have to mean a complete lifestyle overhaul or doing goat yoga on the 17th Street berm in –20 °C weather. Small, intentional habits can create big momentum as the year winds down and winter fully settles in.
Here are five easy, Edmonton-friendly wellness habits you can start today to boost your mood, energy, and resilience all month long. Your future January self will thank you.
Get Outside for Natural Light — Even When It’s Cold
Why it matters
Sunlight exposure plays a major role in regulating serotonin, melatonin, and our internal clock. Edmonton sees fewer daylight hours in December than nearly any other time of year — so making the most of them is essential for mood balance and sleep quality.
How to make it easy (and fun)
- Aim for just 10–20 minutes outdoors daily
- Try a quick lunchtime walk through the River Valley, Rundle Park, or the Leg Grounds
- Keep a warm jacket, toque, and mitts by the door to eliminate excuses
A great Edmonton winter hack: pair your walk with a local café hop. Grab something warm at places like:
- Little Brick Cafe & General Store — cozy brunch and coffee spot in the heart of Edmonton.
- The Moth Cafe — a plant-based café downtown that’s great for a warm, nutritious meal on a cold day.
Sunlight + fresh air + local coffee = the perfect wellness trifecta.
Schedule Movement You Actually Enjoy
Why it matters
Regular movement improves energy levels, stress management, sleep, metabolism, and mental clarity. In winter, motivation can take a nosedive quicker than your car battery in a cold snap. That’s why enjoyment has to take the wheel.
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Make movement social — or just less boring
Consider:
- A class at Yogalife Studios — two downtown/south locations, with hot yoga, restorative classes, and flexible schedules.
- For strength-focused movement: check out Empowerfit — they offer fitness, nutrition support, pelvic-health focus, and workouts designed for real life (not just gym bros).
Or embrace winter itself: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, or just a brisk walk — movement doesn’t need a gym to count. Even just 10 minutes of movement counts — dancing while you make dinner absolutely qualifies.
Pre-book classes or meet a friend — accountability beats hibernation every time.
Nourish Your Body with Cold-Weather Supportive Foods
Why it matters
December comfort foods are essential — no one is saying step away from the butter tarts — but balancing indulgence with nutrient-dense meals helps keep your immune system and energy strong. Focus on: vitamin D, protein, colourful produce, and warm grounding meals that fuel you through the cold.
Since 1993, Optimum Health has served the Edmonton area as a family-owned chain of specialty health stores. They carry over 9,000 products hand-selected by their wellness experts for their quality, efficacy, and product transparency. Their staff are extensively trained and experienced in the wellness industry. Whatever you’re looking for, they are ready to accommodate your unique health needs.
Easy seasonal swaps & local spots
- Add roasted Brussels sprouts or squash to weeknight dinners
- Try soups and stews with lentils, chicken, or beans — hearty, warming, and nutritious
- Support local by shopping or eating out at healthy cafés (see above)
- Opt for warm drinks or plant-based meals if you’re in the mood for something lighter
Warm meals + real foods = powerful winter fuel.
Set Small, Meaningful Daily Intentions
Why it matters
December can feel like a whirlwind — school concerts, holiday gatherings, gift lists, and weather-induced mood swings. Taking just 5 minutes daily to set an intention anchors your mindset and creates calm in the chaos.
Intentions are not giant New Year’s resolutions. They’re simple thoughts like:
- “Today, I’ll take one moment to breathe before reacting.”
- “I’ll notice one thing that brings me joy.”
- “I will drink water before my third coffee.” (We said small, not impossible.)
Try this grounding ritual
- Sit with feet on the floor, shoulders relaxed
- Take 3 slow breaths
- Write one sentence: What matters to me today?
- Keep it in your phone or planner where you’ll see it
You can also try a guided meditation through your favourite app — or even attend a candle-lit meditation at a local studio such as Navina or Yogalife. It’s basically a tiny mental tune-up to prevent emotional engine-failure.
Build Connection into Your Routine
Why it matters
Humans are pack animals — despite what our inner hermit believes in January. Loneliness and isolation spike during winter months, which can impact mental health more than we realize.
Nurture real-world connection
- Join a class community (yoga studio, gym, climbing gym, rec league) — working out together builds accountability and friendship
- Book weekly phone calls or coffee meetups with friends or family
- Attend local events — markets, holiday fairs, winter festivals, or just stroll through a downtown café and chat with someone new
Even small interactions — chatting with your barista, smiling at someone bundled like an arctic explorer — can boost oxytocin and brighten your day. Connection = warmth you can’t get from a parka.
Bonus Habit: Create Technology Boundaries
Not no technology — just mindful technology. Scrolling TikTok until 1 a.m. ruins sleep faster than a neighbour using a snowblower at dawn.
Try to:
- Charge your phone outside the bedroom
- Set app time limits
- Do holiday-screen breaks during meals
Swap some scrolling time with reading a book, doing a puzzle, journaling or colouring — calming, grounding activities that let your nervous system reset. Your brain will appreciate the break — and so will your eyes.
Where to Start? Right Here. Right Now.
Pick just one habit from the list and test it out this week. When that starts to feel natural, add another. The trick is consistency, not perfection.
Quick recap:
| Habit | What It Helps With |
|---|---|
| Get outside daily | Mood, sleep, circadian rhythm |
| Fun movement | Energy, strength, stress relief |
| Nourishing meals | Immune health, energy, warmth |
| Daily intention | Mindset, emotional balance |
| Connection | Belonging, motivation, joy |
| (Bonus) Tech boundaries | Better sleep, presence |
Small steps → sustainable wellness.
Final Thought
Edmonton winters are a team sport. Whether you’re braving river valley pathways, cozying up with a hot drink at Little Brick or The Moth, or trying to convince yourself that frozen eyelashes are cute — these mind-body habits can help you start December strong, stay grounded through the holidays, and head into the new year feeling refreshed instead of burned out.
Take care of yourself, support local, and celebrate the season with intention. You deserve to feel good — even when it’s -25 °C.
Stay warm, stay well, and keep thriving, Edmonton.
