A Piece of My Mind - November
What I'm cooking, reading, and practicing for winter wellness
Welcome to the Michelle Seguin MD newsletter. I’m Dr. Michelle—thank you for being a part of this community! Today, I’m excited to share some seasonal wellness inspiration and a few of my favorite cold weather essentials to help you embrace the season with intention.
Hello friends,
Winter has officially arrived here (yes!—we had our first substantial snowfall this week), and I’m finding inspiration in the quieter rhythms of the season. This week’s newsletter highlights a few things bringing warmth, grounding, and creativity to my days. I hope they inspire you to embrace the beauty of this slower season, too.
In gratitude,
Dr. Michelle
A Piece of My Mind
Welcome to this space, where I share quick updates on what I’m learning, doing, and loving as we close out each month together. As the newsletter has evolved, this section has become a reader favorite—a playful nod to the beloved JAMA series, which explores the joys, challenges, and hidden truths of practicing medicine. While inspired by those stories, my version leans into the lighter side, celebrating the small, meaningful moments and practices that shape our everyday lives.
What I’m cooking:
This nourishing miso soup, by
What I’m reading: Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg is the latest read for our clinical team book club at Root. It’s been inspiring to explore strategies for translating complex ideas into accessible, impactful messages—a skill that feels essential both in medicine and beyond.
What I’m practicing: Incorporating regular sauna sessions into my winter wellness routine has been transformative. The warmth provides a soothing counterbalance to the cold, and it’s a beautiful way to relax and rejuvenate during this season. Most days, I’m using our electric sauna in the basement of our 100+ year old mining house, but occasionally I retreat to Takka Sauna on the shores of Lake Superior—a space that feels as restorative as it is inspiring. If you’re curious about the health benefits of sauna and thermal stress, check out my previous post: Fire and Ice.
What I’m listening to: "The Antidote to Not-Enoughness" with Robin Wall Kimmerer on 10% Happier with Dan Harris was shared with me by a former medical student, now a resident physician—I always love hearing from my former students! This podcast episode offers thoughtful reflections on gratitude, reciprocity, and living in balance with the natural world, inspired by Robin’s latest book, The Serviceberry: An Economy of Abundance. It’s a beautiful reminder of the abundance surrounding us and how we might cultivate more meaningful relationships—with ourselves, others, and the earth. It’s all connected!
What I’m loving: Last year, I attended a seasonal wellness workshop with Snowy Cedar Wellness that highlighted Ayurvedic practices for winter. This experience inspired me to deepen my commitment to rituals that nurture body, mind, and spirit through the seasons. Here are a few essentials I’ve been loving for the transition into colder months:
Winter Wellness Essentials:
A chamomile-lavender tea blend for calm, restorative evenings. I often reach for Traditional Medicinals for store-bought varieties, but if you’re interested in crafting your own blends (which could make for a great future feature), I recommend sourcing bulk herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest Botanicals.
A candle with woodsy, grounding notes like cedar and pine to bring nature indoors. My favorite local source is Finnmaker, which offers nontoxic, soy candles that create the perfect ambiance for cozy evenings.
My go-to calendula balm for dry winter skin—a true lifesaver for cracked hands, feet, and chapped lips. I first learned about this versatile salve from Dr. Aviva Romm in her Herbal Medicine for Women course and enjoy making small batches with my sister. If you’re interested in making your own, check out this helpful resource: Simple Calendula Salve and Lip Balm Recipe
Gentle foot massage: Daily self-massage (abhyanga) with warming oils (like sesame oil) is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic winter care. It improves circulation, promotes relaxation, and helps counteract dryness. Personally, I tend to use Osmia body oils for their beautiful scents and nourishing properties. Massage the soles of your feet with warm oil before bed, focusing on the arches and heels for grounding and relaxation. Pair this practice with a self-compassion mantra: “I deserve care and kindness. I honor my body for all that it does.” Slip on cozy socks afterward to retain warmth and nurture your skin.
Seasonal Living Rx: Incorporating small, sensory delights into your day—like lighting a candle or sipping herbal tea—can transform the mundane into something special.
In Closing
As we settle into the rhythms of winter, I hope these practices and inspirations bring warmth and joy to your days. Whether through nourishing meals, cozy rituals, or moments of stillness, may this season remind us to care for ourselves and those we hold dear. Thank you for being part of this journey—it’s a honor to connect with such a thoughtful community.
With love and care,
Dr. Michelle
Physician, Gardener, Home Cook, and Forever Curious
P.S. If you’re enjoying this newsletter, please consider sharing it with a home cook, gardener, or nature lover in your life. Together, we can inspire more people to embrace the beauty of seasonal living.
Here are my most recent Substack sharings:
A Nourishing Holiday Table for You: Plus, a heartfelt giveaway for one reader!
From Garden to Stillness: Finding Calm and Gratitude in Winter’s Transition
Harvesting Gratitude: Nourishing Body and Spirit through Seasonal Eating
Really great content! Love the sauna and the view from the place 😍