With the sudden Arctic cold change, snow & the shorter days, ALL HITTING us at once, this combination can have a HUGE impact on how our bodies, minds & spirits feel. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is a ” Yin ” time of the year where we are SUPPOSED TO SLOW DOWN, conserve energy, get extra rest, and prepare for the festivity of the Holidays. We often get too stressed with scheduling more activities, parties, shopping traveling, end of year project completions, etc. This higher demand of energy is CONTRADICTIVE, to what our bodies, minds need during this change.
So here’s how we combat this issue;
-GET TO BED 30 minutes earlier and prep for it by drinking warm tea, magnesium supplement & valerian root in the teas to help get deeper sleep
– Restrict caffeine to 1: 30 in afternoon. This will give the body 8/9 hours to clear it from system
– Perform easier, moderate intensity exercises like Tai Chi, walking, gentler/Restorative Yoga, Low Intensity Weight training & longer deeper hip stretches.
-Diet should include more Yangish ( gentle spice) foods, like soups, stews, simmered root veggies, Chili, variety of warmed nuts, nut butters on apples, pears, bananas
– Spices to utilize with cooking; Ginger, black pepper, cloves, Basil, Rosemary, Cinnamon, Allspice, & Garlic. They all have anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal benefits for the immune system and lungs.
– Cut down on Alcohol and drink more water during parties (yeah I said it)
– Take a multi vitamin 2Xs day or a B complex vitamin in PM with your DINNER.
– Irrigate those nostrils 3-4 X’s day with saline solution
– Utilize sun lamps, Saunas & hot baths, to soothe stress & give the mind the release from darker, shorter days.
– Get OUTSIDE on milder days, for brisk walks, or use your Cross country skis, snowmobiles & ice skates. Don’t OVERDO it, just breathe deeply & enjoy being outside.
Use these techniques and tips to brighten your attitude & improve energy during this tougher time of the year & realize HOW MUCH HEALTHIER YOU CAN BE. !!
