Wellness in All Weather: Staying Physically and Emotionally Well Through Lummi Island Winters

Winter on Lummi Island has its own rhythm. The days grow shorter, the ferry lines lighter, the skies linger longer in shades of gray, and the forest is wet and still. While this season offers beauty and rest, it can also bring challenges—stiff joints, lower energy, disrupted routines, and feelings of isolation.

At Lummi Island Health & Wellness, we believe winter wellness isn’t about pushing through or waiting for spring. It’s about working with the season, leaning into nature, and staying gently connected—to our bodies, our neighbors, and our community.

Moving With the Season, Not Against It

Cold weather and darker days often lead to less movement, yet consistent, gentle activity is one of the most important supports for healthy aging—especially in winter. Movement improves balance, circulation, joint health, and mood.

On Lummi Island, winter movement doesn’t have to mean gyms or leaving the island. It can look like:

·         Chair yoga on Thursdays, gentle stretching and balanced movement

·         Tai Chi on Wednesday’s movement designed for aging bodies

·         Yoga on Tuesdays and Saturdays for strength and flexibility

·         Short, regular walks or bike rides, even on gray days, along quiet roads or trails

·         Meeting with neighbors at Elderberries or Friday Coffee for a bit of connection.

Did you know that many LIH&W classes are intentionally welcoming to all ability levels and offered in community spaces where neighbors can move together—reducing the intimidation factor and increasing consistency? Winter reminds us that even small, consistent movement matters more than intensity.

Nature Is Still Medicine—Even in the Rain

It’s tempting to retreat indoors all winter, but nature remains one of our most powerful wellness tools on the island, even when the weather isn’t perfect. Research consistently shows that time outdoors:

·         Reduces stress hormones

·         Supports immune health

·         Improves mood and cognitive function

·         Helps regulate sleep

Emotional Wellness: When Winter Feels Heavy

Seasonal shifts affect emotional health as much as physical health. Reduced daylight, fewer social gatherings, and disrupted routines can contribute to low mood or loneliness, especially for those living alone or aging in place. This is when community becomes essential.

LIH&W programs are designed not only for health outcomes, but for connection. Classes, workshops, and gatherings create natural opportunities to see familiar faces regularly, share in conversation in and after class, and feel part of the island community during this quieter season. Even a weekly class can anchor the week and provide an emotional lift. As many islanders have already discovered, showing up for wellness often means showing up for one another.

Neighbors Caring for Neighbors

Perhaps the most powerful wellness resource on Lummi Island is our people, and winter offers us opportunities to check in on our neighbors, attend classes together, swap news and opportunities, and just offer a shared connection. Even when our dream-come-true island life is living remotely and in solitude, shared experiences make it all the more special.  Winter on Lummi Island doesn’t have to be something to endure. With gentle movement, time in nature, emotional connection, and community support, it can become a season of restoration and resilience.

We invite you to join us at LIH&W this winter—move gently, connect with neighbors, and care for yourself and one another.

At Lummi Island Health & Wellness, we are committed to helping our neighbors stay physically strong, emotionally supported, and connected in every season.

Neighbors caring for neighbors through accessible, community-based wellness programs.

Explore current classes, events, and seasonal offerings at👉 www.lummihw.org