Wellness in The Winter

Keeping myself healthy during the Winter is always an ongoing project.  I'm a hibernator by nature, so when the weather turns cold and grey, I'd rather huddle indoors than venture out.  All the more reason to get out for a walk each day - even if that means wearing ten layers to stay warm!  The brisk air is a great tool for enlivening my energy, and there is nothing better than a little time outdoors to help me make it through the long, dark season until Spring arrives and I can have my hands in the dirt again.

As cozy as our homes are in the cold months, they can become dry, stale environments in no time when the heat is on, and the windows are closed.  Consider opening your windows once each day, even for a few minutes, to circulate some fresh air through the house.

To combat the dry, heated air indoors, get yourself a humidifier.  Or even better - save some energy and hang your wet laundry above heating vents and in front of fireplaces (a safe distance, of course!)  The radiating heat will dry your clothes and release moisture into the air.

And don't forget to give yourself a bit of extra moisture too.  Drink plenty of water, give yourself a steam facial with a few drops of eucalyptus oil to open your sinuses or drop some flowers or essential oils in a foot bath and enjoy the relaxing soak.

This drawing-inward time of year is a great time to get back to your meditation practice.  Why not rid yourself of some of that post-holiday stress, and do your heart and mind some good.  If you are new to meditation, get yourself a guided cd to help you ease into it, or simply check out YouTube for some easy ten minute meditations to get you started.

This is a great time of year to boost your immune system too.  Get vitamins, minerals and antioxidants by eating plenty of root vegetables.  Easily found during the Winter, beets, sweet potatoes, carrots, turnip and other root veggies offer a dose of goodness while the gardens are sleeping.  Supplement with herbs and spices to keep your system warm and happy.  Add some Turmeric to your chicken and rice dishes for it's anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.  Sprinkle some Cayenne pepper on your omelette and make your circulatory system very happy!

Now is the time to use those herbs you dried this Summer in a healing tea.  My current favourite is a simple blend of Nettle (aids kidney & liver function,) Rosehips (high in vitamin C) and Red Clover (aids in women's health & blood circulation.)

Although the light is returning, those of us in Northern or seasonal climates still have the cold to contend with.  So give yourself a little extra TLC this Winter and sail through the dark months with ease.  Oh - and don't forget to nap!  The bears know the benefit of this Winter activity, and it's a soothing treat we rarely give ourselves.  Indulge, and enjoy the Winter.


*All photos on this post except the first photo, courtesy of Stock.Xchng - free stock photos.