Wintering Well: Self-Care Rituals to Embrace the Slower Season

Daily Maverick

08-07-2025

As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, winter invites us to slow down. But for many, this season brings more than cozy blankets, warm stews, and hot drinks – it introduces unique health and emotional challenges that call for thoughtful care.
Self-care for Everyday Health
The World Health Organisation defines self-care as, 'the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker.'
Research from the Global Self-Care Federation shows that self-care practices – especially the responsible use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines – can save health systems $4.75 billion annually and free up 1.8 billion physician hours. For many communities with limited access to formal healthcare, OTC remedies serve as vital first-line interventions.
Whether it's easing flu symptoms, boosting immunity with vitamins, or soothing a headache, self-care tools allow people to act early – preventing complications and preserving healthcare capacity.
A season high on health-risks
This year, the influenza season arrived early than expected, according to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases. Hospitals saw a rise of cases as early as March. Meanwhile the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) season – which began in March – saw a rise in cases in children under the age of 5 in April, with cases peaking in early May.
While these infections are typically mild, they can lead to severe complications in vulnerable populations. Beyond the respiratory infections, winter is also known bring on a change in mood or rather, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), marking a significant impact on many South African's mental health. For the 30% of South Africans living with mental health illnesses, this period requires a concentrated focus on self-care, not as a mere nice-to-have, but rather, as an essential.
This is where self-care steps in – not as a luxury, but as a fundamental part of health resilience.
Respiratory Health: Quick Action Matters
Infections like flu and RSV spread quickly in winter, but early treatment can make a significant difference. OTC medications can reduce symptom severity, prevent complications, and get people back on their feet faster – especially in remote or underserved areas.
What You Can Do:
Keep up with flu and relevant vaccines.
Wash your hands regularly – lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic still apply.
Treat symptoms early using trusted OTC options to reduce duration and severity.
Emotional Wellness: Nurturing the Mind
SAD, stress, and lethargy often settle in with the season. Light deprivation affects mood-regulating hormones, while the pressure to stay productive can feel overwhelming.
What You Can Do:
Soak in natural light – open blinds, take morning walks, or try light therapy.
Practice mindfulness or meditation, even for 10 minutes a day.
Develop comforting rituals – journaling, reading, or slow stretching to support mental balance.
Wintering Well with Haleon
While winter can bring on dread with all it brings to endure – it is also an invitation to slow down, reflect, and care for oneself more intentionally. At Haleon, we believe in this deeply, and are committed to delivering everyday healthcare with humanity. Promoting self-care is very high on our agenda, and our brands serve as companions on your journey to everyday health.
From the science-backed protection of Med-Lemon to soothe colds and flu, to the pain-relieving comfort of Grand-Pa, and the revitalising boost of Centrum supplements – Haleon stands ready to support the health of South Africans this winter and beyond.
Self-care is not selfish; it is the bedrock of individual wellbeing which feeds into community health.
Let's not just survive the season. Let's thrive in it – by making self-care a daily, empowered act of resilience. DM
Author: Farhan Haroon, General Manager, Haleon South Africa