Winter is the resting season when night’s darkness equals the length of the day. Quiet, withdrawn, sensitive and still. It’s a time of contemplation; for writing, reading and nurturing ones self and loved ones. Early to bed and early to rise is what’s in order. Strengthen the immune system, warm the cockles of your heart and banish the chill to your bones.
Day to day stress can disconnect us from our natural & seasonal rhythms – suddenly winter is upon us and we’re caught unprepared. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of ‘winter blues’ and reconnecting with natural & bodily undulations will see you stave off the winter woolies.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can present with the following symptoms:
- Hopelessness Sadness
- Social Withdrawal
- Less energy and ability to concentrate
- Loss of interest in work or other activities
- Increased appetite with weight gain
- Increased sleep
- Sluggish movements
- Irritability
These traits of lowered vitality combined with chilly, frosty air and a weakened immune system can open the door to colds & flus. Warm foods such as stocks, soups, stews and slow cooked meals are wonderful winter staples, not only for taste & comfort but also as a rich source of nourishment & immune-bolstering nutrients. Spice with warming, circulation-enhancing herbs such as cinnamon, ginger, paprika and cayenne.
Sip on herbal teas with these same warming spices, adding fennel or aniseed for their calming digestive properties. Other herbs to include are; Rosehip, as a wonderful source of vitamin C which tastes delicious as is or with aromatic apices; Lemon myrtle for its antiseptic, anti-viral, and sedative actions, indicated for colds and flu; Lemon and ginger as a traditional pairing to soothe sore throats – this effect enhanced by the addition of licorice root.
For more targeted strengthening, your herbalist may prescribe an herbal tincture. Olive leaf, Astragalus root, Manuka herb and Echinacea root are immune-boosting favourites. Coupled with a high-quality probiotic & a good fermented cod liver oil (an old fashioned Northern European remedy for Winter strengthening, rich in vitamins A and D) you’ve got an excellent chance of emerging from the cooler months unscathed!
Abide by your mother’s sage advice: keep warm when out in the cold! Wear hats, gloves or scarfs and avoid getting wet unless you have a very strong constitution.
Keep energy flowing and avoid stagnation by exercising & dry brushing. The lymphatic system, which does not have it own circulatory pump, relies on the circulatory system to pump immune cells to and from lymph nodes.
Step out of your dark, air-conditioned office and take a walk in the fresh air & sun daily at midday. Midday sun (UVB) is where we get our sun dose of Vitamin D – even 15 minutes is sufficient for those with fair skin.
There are many measures you can employ to maintain robust health throughout winter. Some are simply common sense – cherish your mother’s concerned parting words… ‘Take a cardigan!’ & ‘Stay dry!’ Others, you might implement with the assistance of your naturopath or health care practitioner. The foundations however, remain the same. Reconnect with the seasons and your body as it mirrors these changes. Nurture, nourish and rejuvenate, whatever the weather & stay well this winter.
