As the winter weather sets in and days become shorter, we at Plyroom are welcoming time to rest, recharge and allow our minds and bodies time to breathe. As we find ourselves staying indoors more often than not, we discover how important it is to embrace healthy and positive downtime rituals. Here are our favourite ways to stay sane in Winter and why it’s important to always seek balance.  Balance can mean something different to everyone, however we all know the feeling of overwhelm and stress. Taking time out to refresh and restore not only your body but also your mind, is one of the best ways of managing stress and achieving a sense of balance. There’s no wrong way to take time out and relax, however, we believe the experience is richer and more effective if you make a conscious effort to disconnect from things like social media, emails and your phone while doing so (always a challenge but absolutely worth it).

So, with that in mind, here’s our collection of the ways in which we like to preserve a sense of balance throughout the season and, above all, enjoy the little things.

The simple act of walking is one of our favourite ways to gain some breathing space. Long walks, with no necessary purpose or destination in sight, walking just for the sake of walking, allows time to think, reflect and dream. Melbourne is full of beautiful suburbs and spaces to walk, but we also favour getting out of town and reconnecting with nature. There’s something about walking amidst trees or with the ocean in sight that makes the experience so much more special. The Dandenongs, Mornington Peninsula and the Bayside Coastal Art Trail from Brighton to Beaumaris are perfect for inspiration gathering.

More time indoors means more time to learn. Winter is the perfect time to book into a class or workshop or attend an event with a wonderful speaker. It’s also a great way to connect with likeminded people in a creative and unique way. We can’t help but come away feeling inspired and ready to take on the world in one way or another.

• The School of Life - philosophical talks, inspiring conversation and topics from how to balance work with life to how to be a
• Looseleaf – this garden nursery/florist offers classes in styling flower bouquets, flower table arrangements and terrarium making. The space itself is restorative and calming, worth even a little visit.
• Extraordinary Routines Book Club – we love the thought of discussing a great book over wine and cheese, especially amongst the gorgeous founder of Extraordinary Routines, Madeleine Dore
• Saint Gertrude Letterpress Printing – Hands-on, detailed and beautiful – discover how letterpress printing works and create beautiful tactile artwork with Amy from Saint Gertrude

We’re big supporters of eating locally and seasonally, which is why we love to visit Farmers’ Markets.

Local produce is simply fresher and tastier. By shopping at Farmers’ Markets you’re also supporting local farmers and producers and strengthening the community which is so important.

You can search for one close to you or visit one of these, Slow Food Melbourne in Abbotsford, Collingwood Children’s Farm Farmers’ Market, Gasworks Farmers’ Market in Albert Park and Fairfield Farmers’ Market.

When it’s cold, grey and drizzling with rain outside, it’s pretty glorious to be practising yoga in a beautiful studio or at home. Yoga improves flexibility and strength, aids in relaxation and stress management and helps you practice mindfulness. We can’t think of a reason not to get on board.

Studio of one of our favourite local studios, Good Vibes Yoga (image courtesy of Good Vibes Yoga by Brooke Holm)

One of our favourite pastimes, we believe winter was made for reading. Like us, you may only get half an hour at night or first thing in the morning to indulge the reader in you, but it’s a treasured 30 minutes. Waking early, lighting a candle, brewing a tea and taking a moment to yourself to read is the perfect way to start the day. On our bedside tables you’ll find Art as Therapy by Alain de Botton and John Armstrong, Essentialism by Greg McKeown, M Train by Patti Smith and anything by Haruki Murakami.

What are you favourite ways to rest and recuperate during winter? How do you like to nourish your mind and body? How do you stay sane?