A Brief Cold Snap, A Chance to Reconnect

Charleston isn’t known for winter weather, which is exactly why this week’s cold snap feels noticeable. It’s a short-lived shift, but enough to wake up our senses and invite a small reset. Rather than bracing against it, this is a chance to lean into the change and reconnect with the cornerstones that support wellbeing year-round.

At Modern Minds, those cornerstones are Move, Fuel, Connect and Reflect. Even a temporary change in temperature can be an opportunity to engage them with fresh intention.

Move

Cooler air often brings a surprising sense of energy. It can feel invigorating, crisp, even motivating. This is a great moment to move with awareness rather than intensity. Strength training, yoga and mobility work help keep joints warm, circulation steady and energy balanced.

“Movement during a cold snap doesn’t need to be extreme to be effective,” says Kim Markin, Wellness Navigator at Modern Minds. “Consistent, intentional movement helps the body adapt to change without stress.”

Think movement that builds warmth from the inside out.

“Alternatively, you could take the shift in weather as mother nature’s cue to slow down and claim some time to rest and restore,” says Markin.  The push for resolutions and change in January can often lead to burnout.  “So maybe a slow stretch and rest is just what you need,” Markin adds.  

Fuel

At Modern Minds, fueling the body means both nourishment and rest. Colder days naturally invite warmer foods and earlier evenings.

“Fuel isn’t just what we eat,” Markin explains. “It’s also how we recover. When the body gets adequate rest alongside nourishing food, it handles environmental changes much more smoothly.”

Warm, anti-inflammatory meals, steady hydration and honoring sleep all support immune health and energy. This is also a perfect moment for a comforting ritual that supports the body rather than depletes it like making a cup of a tea and lighting a candle as part of your evening routing.

Anti-Inflammatory Hot Chocolate (Modern Minds Favorite)
A cozy option that still supports wellbeing:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• Pinch of black pepper
• Optional: a touch of honey or maple syrup

Warm gently on the stove and whisk until smooth.

Connect

When the weather shifts, routines shift too. This is a reminder that connection doesn’t have to be complicated. Showing up for a class, checking in with a friend, or sharing a warm drink all reinforce a sense of belonging.

“Connection helps keep us open when conditions encourage us to close in,” says Markin. “Even brief moments of shared experience make a difference.”

Reflect

Seasonal changes, even short ones, invite reflection. Noticing how your body responds to colder mornings, how your energy shifts, or what routines feel supportive right now can guide small, meaningful adjustments.

The colder weather naturally guides us to slow down, leading to more opportunities to be present and lean into practices that help us feel grounded and connected to self.

Enjoy the Shift

This cold snap won’t last, but it adds texture to the season. A break from the expected can be refreshing. Meet this moment with curiosity, warmth and a little excitement. Sometimes change, even brief change, is exactly what helps us feel more present and engaged with our life.