Winter may be winding down, but my body tells a different story. The last stretch of cold weather seems to settle deeper into my muscles, my sleep feels lighter, and my nervous system stays on edge just a little longer than expected.
Instead of powering through like I used to, I’ve been slowing down and magnesium has become one of the non-negotiables in this late-winter chapter. It’s not flashy. It’s not trendy. But it works.
In this blog, I’ll share how magnesium has quietly shifted my energy, sleep, and muscle recovery in these final chilly weeks and why I think it’s one of the most underrated tools in the winter wellness toolkit.
Understanding Why Winter Affects the Body Differently
Even in Australia, where winters are milder than most, the season still takes a toll. Shorter days impact circadian rhythms. Cold weather reduces circulation and tightens muscles. And the reduced sunlight often means we’re running low on key nutrients magnesium included.
According to the Sleep Health Foundation, magnesium plays a role in regulating melatonin (our sleep hormone), reducing muscle tension, and calming the nervous system. Yet many people don’t realise their levels are suboptimal until symptoms appear poor sleep, moodiness, restlessness, or even sugar cravings.
That’s exactly where I found myself this August. Tired but wired. Craving comfort. Feeling emotionally frayed at the edges. So I turned to something simple: magnesium.
How I’ve Been Using Magnesium Lately
There’s no one way to use magnesium and that’s part of its magic. You can take it internally, absorb it through your skin, or include it in wellness rituals that are already part of your routine.
Here’s how I’ve been doing it lately:
Transdermal Magnesium Soaks
My go-to is a weekly bath with Magnesium Chloride Flakes specifically the ones from Swan and Mantis. They dissolve easily, don’t irritate my skin, and genuinely help my body feel looser afterwards.
When I’m too busy for a full bath, I’ll do a warm foot soak for 20 minutes in the evening. This small ritual signals my nervous system that it’s safe to downshift and I’ve been falling asleep faster on those nights.
Why it helps: Transdermal magnesium bypasses the digestive system and is absorbed directly into the muscles and tissues. It’s perfect for tight shoulders, post-workout recovery, or simply shaking off a stressful day.
Internal Magnesium for Deeper Sleep
I also keep a clean oral magnesium supplement in rotation, especially on nights when my mind is racing.
I try to take it about an hour before bed with a cup of herbal tea. It’s subtle, but I wake up feeling more rested and less groggy when I’m consistent with it.
Why it helps: Magnesium assists in the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep. Studies suggest that maintaining adequate magnesium levels may improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia, particularly in older adults and during periods of increased stress.
Adding Magnesium to My Evening Wind-Down
I’ve also started pairing magnesium with other calming practices like candlelight, journaling, or stretching. It’s not just the supplement doing the work. It’s how I’ve built a routine around it that allows my body to feel safe and settle.
Why it helps: Magnesium works best when your body is already in a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state. By weaving it into a consistent wind-down ritual, you enhance its calming effects and reinforce your body’s natural rhythm.
The Small Signs It’s Actually Working
Sometimes the results are obvious: I sleep through the night without waking. My legs don’t cramp after a long day sitting.
Other times, it’s more subtle. I feel calmer in traffic. I don’t snap at small things. My jaw doesn’t feel like a clenched fist.
Magnesium doesn’t “fix” everything but it softens the edges. It creates space between stimulus and reaction. And that alone has made winter feel less heavy.
Other Lifestyle Shifts That Support Magnesium Levels
Using magnesium is one thing retaining it is another. I’ve learned that stress, caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications can all deplete magnesium stores. So I’ve been more mindful in other areas too.
Eating Magnesium-Rich Foods
While I supplement, I also try to get magnesium through food like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate.
One of my favourite smoothies this season has included Organic Moringa Powder which not only offers antioxidants and iron but also contains magnesium in its natural form.
Why it helps: Whole food sources of magnesium are more bioavailable when eaten alongside healthy fats and fibre. Adding them to your meals regularly supports your body’s baseline levels and reduces the need for high-dose supplementation.
Stress Management and Rest
Stress literally burns through magnesium. The more I push, the more I need it. That’s why I’ve started treating rest like nutrition not as a reward, but as fuel.
I’ve cut back on multitasking, embraced slow mornings, and said no to more things. Magnesium is part of that bigger picture; it helps, but it’s not the only piece.
Why it helps: Stress management allows the nervous system to recalibrate, improving your body’s ability to absorb and utilise magnesium. Without this balance, even the best supplements may fall short.
Final Thoughts: A Simple Mineral That Makes a Quiet Difference
As we approach the end of winter, I’ve found myself craving less stimulation and more softness. Magnesium has supported that shift not in loud, dramatic ways, but through gentle recalibration.
Better sleep. Less tension. A steadier mood. These are the small victories that add up to a sense of wholeness. I’m not trying to perfect my routine. I’m just trying to listen more closely to what my body needs and right now, magnesium is at the top of that list.
If you’ve been feeling wired, weary, or wound up this August, consider giving magnesium a closer look. It may just be the steady hand you didn’t know you needed.