Winter schminter. We are going to go out on a limb here and make a gross generalisation by saying one of the reasons we all love living in this region is the weather. Let’s face it, if snow is your thing- you’re in the wrong place.

Despite this, an unfortunate byproduct of our mild, mediterranean climate is that, as locals, even the slightest inconvenience of a cold morning or darker afternoon throws us into a seasonal depression of sorts. The motivation to leave the house dwindles, catching up with friends gets replaced with obsessively working our way through the entire Netflix catalogue, and we enter into an annual hibernation. Which is great for about a week and then can make us feel a bit……meh.

While winter definitely requires a good smattering of couch time, let’s use the colder months as an opportunity to establish good health and wellness routines to ensure that when spring rolls around (less than three months away), we are looking and feeling our best. Consider us a butterfly - sure we may currently be entering into the goo phase of our chrysalis metamorphosis, but come spring we shall be REBORN.

Thankfully, Hastings CBD has many businesses to care for you both inside and out. Looking after your physical and mental wellbeing is important during every season of the year, and we have options to suit every season of your life.

We have highlighted a number of amazing local businesses that you could and should visit this winter, check them out below. You can also head along to our business directory to see the full list of businesses working within this space.

So go on - it’s time to live your best life.

(BTW: you should check them out in spring, summer and autumn also)

Glow Up and Feel Awesome

One of the first things that is often overlooked in winter is our appearance. Who cares what we look like when no one is going to see us right? WRONG.

Looking good is an important part of feeling good - so don’t let those gel nails grow out, or your regrowth bed in. It’s also a little known fact that facials and massages are 99.9% more effective in winter (just take our word for it).

A few business you may like to make an appointment with are:

Cameo Beauty - A one stop shop for everything beauty related, Kim and her team of highly skilled (and award-winning!) aestheticians and beauty therapists can take you on a skin journey, tame your hairy bits, unwind with massage and even provide you with a summer tan in winter!
Soothe My Soul - Specialising in Bowen Therapy, Alice is passionate about family wellness and the power of massage. Visit her onsite at her location on King Street in the Las Palmas building, or book one of her Workplace Wellness On-site Massages and she will come to you.
Lien Beauty & Nails - If keeping your nails and eyelashes looking lovely is your thing, you need to visit Lien Beauty & Nails. Offering the full spectrum of manicure and pedicure services, as well as eyelash extensions or infills- the team will have you looking fully put together in no time.
Mphosis - Life is too short for boring hair. Tash and her team have been making locals look gorgeous in the CBD for over a decade, so you know you are in a safe pair of hands whether you are after a wee zhuzh, or a full blown makeover.

Fuel Your Fabulous

You are what you eat, so let’s not turn into a meatball this winter. Staying well nourished over winter can not only improve your immune system- warding off sickness, but it can also speed up recovery times for when you inevitably do get ill. Pop into any of these businesses to chat to their knowledgeable teams about how to stay on two steps ahead of the winter lurgies:

Health 2000 - If you are feeling a bit under the weather, if you’re looking to proactively support your immunity, or if you need some new face care, the team at Health 2000 can help point you in the right direction for staying on top of your wellness this winter.

Cornucopia Organics - Beloved in Hastings for almost 20 years, Cornucopia is known for its organic, whole and natural food as well as its extensive range of herbal, health and naturopathic products. Passionate about creating a healthy community they have naturalists and herbalists available for advice in choosing the correct products for your needs.
Unichem Russell Street Pharmacy - Our local pharmacy open 7 days a week and known for its fast and friendly service, you can pick up your prescriptions, chat to the pharmacist, book yourself a flu jab and even grab a gift - all on your lunch break!

Stretch & Strengthen

Avoid the dreaded “tech neck” (a common winter affliction) by putting down your device and moving your body to get those endorphins flowing. Added bonus - time spent exercising keeps you warm and helps you to become a much more pleasant person to be around. Whether you like to work up a sweat, or find your zen - there are options aplenty in Hastings CBD.

The Yoga Space - Offering a cosy yoga studio in a great central location, The Yoga Space has a rich variety of daily yoga classes and wellness events. With classes from 9am - 7pm it is the perfect way to start, or end your day. Keep an eye on their socials for special events such as cacao ceremonies, meditation courses, sound healing and more!

Pilates Practice - This beautiful boutique studio utilises the principles of Joseph Pilates to build strength, improve movement and flexibility for a well balanced body. Offering both mat and reformer classes, they keep numbers small so that you get the most out of your session.
Aspyre Fitness - Aspyre pride themselves on offering the widest selection of gym exercise types in Hawkes Bay, from group exercise classes and weight training to rock climbing and callisthenics. With plenty of room to move around, and no gym bros in sight, they are truly committed to supporting their members on their fitness journey. Sign up for as little as one month and see what a difference it can make!

Mind Matters

Seasonal depression is a real thing. Feelings of loneliness, anxiety, worry and irritability are not uncommon in winter, but they don’t need to be. If you are having a tough time there are a number of avenues that you could explore, some of which are:

Heretaunga Women’s Centre - here to listen and to meet the many needs of the women of Hawke’s Bay, Heretaunga Women’s Centre supports women who are seeking fun, friendship, physical well-being, counselling services or enriching your spiritual well-being. Counselling appointments are available Monday - Friday from 9am-4pm, for the cost of a koha.

Budget First - If you are worried about money, Budget First will take the mystery out of money, by sitting down and working through your situation as it is right now. If you need help to work out a budget, some goal-setting assistance, or help to get your debts under control, they can work with you to make money work for you, and not the other way around.
Family Works - Helping to build strong, independent and resilient whānau, Family Works is child-centred and whānau-led.They are a Government-approved service specialising in working with tamariki and whānau in need of support. Their team of social workers, counsellors, family violence specialists, and programme facilitators focus on working alongside you to help you meet your goals so your whānau is safe, secure and well.
Still Mind Psychology - Ashley has provided support to people at difficult moments in their life for more than 20 years and continues to help people to understand their issues and explore more positive ways of coping and relating. She is registered as a Clinical Psychologist and Supervisor with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and is a member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (NZCCP). If you feel like life could be better for you, talking it through with an unbiased professional could set you on the path for a brighter future.

Keeping seasonal scaries at bay this winter.

How to spend a wet weather weekend in Hastings CBD.

8 facts you may not know about Hastings.