I swim in the ocean every winter. Here's why.

Hi there,

We're well into autumn now and I don't know about you, but I've really started to feel the shift to cooler mornings, darker evenings and that natural pull to slow things down a little.

For me, this time of year is actually a great opportunity to tighten up a few wellbeing habits before winter properly arrives. So I wanted to share five things I've been doing lately that take less than 30 minutes and genuinely make a difference.

Hack 1: Get outside first thing

I'm still swimming in the ocean - yes, in winter. People think I'm completely mad and honestly, some days I agree with them. But there is nothing that clears your head and wakes you up quite like it. The cold water, the salt, the sand under your feet - it's grounding in the most literal sense and science backs that up.

Even if you're not quite ready to take the plunge (pun intended), getting out for a walk on the beach within the first hour of waking ticks more boxes than you'd think, bare feet on sand, fresh air, early light exposure and that natural reset that's hard to get any other way. It helps set your circadian rhythm and makes it easier to fall asleep that night. It's the part of my day I protect the most.

Hack 2: Feed your mind while you move

Walking is the perfect time to listen to something good. I've been back on The Huberman Lab lately - Dr Andrew Huberman consistently puts out some of the most practical, science-backed content on sleep, focus and performance. Worth a listen if you haven't already.

Hack 3: Set your workspace up for the season

More time indoors means your setup really matters. Wearing our Blue Light Glasses throughout the day reduces the eye strain that quietly builds up over long hours on screen. And just as important - remember to actually get up and move. A few stretches, a short walk around the block, even just standing for a few minutes every hour makes a real difference to how your body and mind feel by the end of the day. It's easy to forget when you're deep in work, so I set a reminder on my phone.

Hack 4: Use Red Light to shake off the sluggishness

Cooler, darker months can leave you feeling flat and this is where Red Light Therapy really earns its place in the routine. I use my Red Light Therapy device for about 10 minutes most mornings. It helps with energy, skin health and any stiffness from the cold. If you've been on the fence about trying it, autumn is genuinely a great time to start.

Hack 5: Wind down with the light

After dinner, when you're settling in for the evening, swap your overhead lights for lamps fitted with our Evening Glow Amber Light Bulbs - they emit a warm amber glow that blocks all the blue light that interferes with melatonin production. And if you like to read before bed, our Evening Glow Amber Book Light simply clips onto whatever you're reading - no fuss, no harsh light, just a warm glow that keeps your body in wind-down mode. It sounds simple, because it is, but the difference in how quickly I fall asleep and how rested I feel in the morning is noticeable.

I hope a couple of these are useful for you heading into the colder months. The little things really do stack up.

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Stay warm,

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Aaron
Founder, Baxter Blue

P.S. Got a wellness hack of your own? Hit reply and let me know - I'm always on the lookout for new ones to try.