So many exciting things are happening this month, I don’t even have time to get into any kind of winter induced funk! Well, that and as this is my third winter (is this really winter?) back in the Berkshires, I’ve gotten pretty good at combating the things that usually drag me down. Here are some things I’ve found useful in avoiding seasonal depression, weight gain and generally funkiness (not the good kind!)….
Winter running can be fun and funny looking!
1. Get outside and get your heart rate up! Exercise is so important but especially during the cold winter months when we really need the mood and immune boost we get from exercising. We also need time in the sun shine, everyday. Some kind of vigorous exercise (even if it’s just you, dancing like crazy to your favorite music!) will warm you up and keep your metabolisim going strong. The best way to get all these health benifits at once is to go out daily for a brisk walk, a run, snow shoe or x country ski, you know, on all that snow we have. Daily outdoor exercise is a mjor ingredient in winter health.
2. Get up earlier and go to bed earlier for maximum daylight. With the sun coming up early in the day it can be helpful to keep your shades open so you can wake up with the sun, your all natural source of much needed vitamin d! We are past the shortest day of the year, the hours of daylight will only get longer from here.
3. Use supplements for extra support. If you work inside most of the day and get your exercise inside at a gym, you may need to supplement with Vitamin D, here’s a link to healthy foods that offer lots of this all important winter vitamin. If you feel yourself getting depressed there are some herbal and natural supplements you can try like St John’s Wort, SAMe and 5-HTP.
4. Eat plenty of immune boosting foods. Everything from raw garlic to broths made from healthy animal bones will help you stay strong against cold weather and whatever is going around. You can also drink your daily dose or two of Fire Cider. Fire Cider has been helping me avoid my usual winter colds and flu and is now available in 16 oz bottles at some of our fine retail locations because more is more!
5. Socialize and stay connected. It can be hard to leave the warmth and comfort of your home, especially when it’s dark so early but staying connected (and away from your computer!) by making time for social activities can help you to stay positive during the winter.
If you want to meet new people and learn more about your own health and what you need to live your life in balance, please joing me for my free workshops on Primary Foods. This is a new concept in holistic health nutrition that looks at the whole human being, mind, body and soul and sees that everything is food. During this workshop you will have the chance to examine various areas of your life; relationships, career, creative outlets and discover how primary food can truly nourish you and make your life extraordinary! Participants will be asked to do writing exercises and share their insights and observations. When primary food is balanced and satiating your life feeds you!
This Sunday from 2-3:30 pm at Radiance Yoga on North St. all are welcome to attend this free Primary Food’s workshop, part of an on going seva series at Radience!
On Tuesday January 10th at 6:30 pm I will be presenting Primary Foods as a free introduction to my 12 week Women’s Wellness Series. A great way to stay healthy and keep working on your goals is to become part of a supportive community that fosters personal growth and development. I hope you will join me!
To get all the details and to sign up for my 12 week series, please visit my Events page!
The Candida Diaries 