5 Ways to Show Your Body Some LOVE

Let’s talk about 5 ways you can show your body some LOVE. 

(That Will Leave You Feeling Energized, Balanced, and only takes 5 MINUTES!)

Well, we did it, friends—we made it through the Winter Solstice! AKA: The darkest 10 weeks of winter (November 16th–January 22nd).

But even though the days are getting longer, many of us are still feeling those winter blues deep in our bones. The sluggishness, the creaky joints, the lingering fatigue—it all feels a little heavier this year. So how do we start shaking it off?

If you read last month’s blog post, you know we’re all about balance over burnout. The pressure to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight—hitting the gym for an hour daily, cutting out sugar completely, drinking only water, sticking to a rigid plan, and spending a small fortune on health foods and supplements—is a lot. And for most people, that kind of all-or-nothing approach just isn’t sustainable. It backfires, leaving you feeling even more exhausted and discouraged…

So, let’s take a different approach.

Instead of forcing drastic changes, let’s start gently. Below, I’ve put together five completely free ways to show your body and mind some love this month—small, intentional steps that will help you regain energy and balance as we (gently) shake off the winter blues. I call it the “Take 5” Menu.

YOUR “TAKE 5” MENU

1. Take 5 Minutes of Movement

Move your body for just five minutes a day—at home, at the gym, inside, outside—it all counts!

I know what you might be thinking. “Five minutes? That’s too easy to make a difference.” But if it’s so easy, why don’t we do it?

Studies show that even brief movement breaks—standing up, stretching, or doing light exercises—boost mood, productivity, and blood sugar regulation. The key here isn’t to only move for five minutes but to set it as a minimum, making it easier to stay consistent. Once you start, you might find yourself wanting to keep going.

Ideas: Take a brisk walk, stretch, march in place, do some push-ups or squats, or just jump up and down (seriously—five minutes of jumping is no joke!). The goal is simply to move and let those feel-good endorphins do their thing!

2. Take 5 Minutes of Deep Breathing

Spend five minutes focusing on deep, intentional breathing.

Did you know deep belly breathing can lower blood pressure, support your lymphatic system, reduce anxiety, and improve your mood? Your breath is powerful. It’s one of the few bodily functions you can control manually, and when you do, it has a ripple effect on your entire system—nervous, immune, cardiovascular, digestive, everything.

If the idea of “breathwork” feels intimidating or “woo-woo,” don’t overthink it. Just start with this simple practice:

• Set a timer for five minutes.
• At the start of each minute, take a deep breath in through your nose, expanding your belly (not your chest).
• Hold it for five seconds.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth.
• Breathe normally for the rest of the minute, then repeat.

You’ll feel the difference—refreshed, clear-headed, and a little more in control of your day.

3. Take 5 Minutes to Connect

Call or text a loved one, or schedule a coffee date (bonus points if it’s at Eden!).

Winter tends to keep us indoors, stuck in routines that can feel isolating. But human connection is essential for mental and emotional well-being. A quick check-in with someone who fills your cup—a friend, a family member, a mentor—can shift your mood and help break up the monotony.

If you can carve out time to meet up in person, even better. But if life feels too busy, just a simple “Hey, thinking of you!” text or a five-minute phone call can be a game-changer.

4. Take 5 Minutes Outside

Yes, even in the winter—get outside for fresh air and natural light.

We need sunlight in our eyes (especially in the morning) to help regulate our circadian rhythm, boost vitamin D levels, and lift our mood. In fact, studies on light therapy show that sunlight exposure plays a crucial role in balancing melatonin (your sleep hormone) and serotonin (your feel-good hormone).

To put it in perspective: In the U.S., prisoners in maximum-security facilities get at least two hours of outdoor time daily. Meanwhile, one in two kids worldwide spends less than an hour outside each day. That stat alone should make us rethink our habits.

No fancy gadgets needed—just step outside for five minutes. Breathe in the fresh air. Feel the sunlight on your face. It’s free, it’s easy, and it makes a huge difference.

Want to take it even a step further for added benefits?! Go outside barefoot!
Grounding your bare feet onto the earth has been proven to have multiple health benefits for your nervous system, blood pressure, inflammation, and mood! We will go deeper into grounding in a future blog post as it continues to get warmer, so stay tuned! 

5. Take 5 Minutes to Start Your Day with Prayer

Wake up five minutes earlier and ground your day in prayer.

We all know (or are) the person who hits snooze three, four, five times before finally scrambling out of bed in a rush. But did you know that using the snooze button actually makes you more tired? Those extra few minutes of interrupted sleep mess with your body’s natural wake-up process, leaving you groggy instead of refreshed.

Instead, challenge yourself to get up at the first alarm—and use those extra five minutes to pray. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Just take a moment to thank God for the day, ask for guidance, or simply sit in His presence. Starting your morning this way sets the tone for a more peaceful, intentional day.

“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

Final Thoughts: Mix, Match, & Make It Work for You!

You don’t have to do all 5 of these every day—but even just one can make a difference. And if you want to maximize the benefits, try pairing them together:

• Take a 5-minute walk outside while focusing on deep breaths.
• Sit on a bench and pray while soaking in the fresh air.
• Wake up 5 minutes early and stretch while setting your intentions for the day.

It’s about small, sustainable habits that help us move forward without burnout. Let’s gently shake off the February funk and step into a healthier, more balanced season—together!

Here’s to a fresh start!

We love and appreciate our community SO MUCH, so Eden and I are giving away a special BUNDLE this month!

Here’s what you can win:

✨ A FREE year-long subscription to Abide – a Christian meditation app offering guided daily devotionals in 2, 3, 5, 10, or 15-minute sessions.
✨ A FREE 1-hour Discovery Meeting with me – get personalized guidance on your next steps toward better health, with actionable steps to create your own wellness plan.

How to enter:

📩 DM the word “Abide” to @eden.smoothies on Instagram and give us a follow!

💓 Follow me at @salt.light.bri on Instagram!

That’s it! You’ll be entered into the drawing and could win both of these amazing resources.

Giveaway closes February 21st, 2025.

As a functional health coach, I believe everyone deserves to feel strong, capable, and equipped to live out their God-given purpose. This giveaway, with Bible based devotionals and actionable health-focused steps from our meeting, is one way to help you on that journey!

Don’t miss out—enter now! 🎉