Winter-Proof Your immune System

Winter weather can take its toll: lack of sunshine, short days, cold temperatures, the damp, the emotional lows. This time of the year it becomes extra important to consider how we are boosting our immune system. 

There's been some talk in the news lately about how the immune system is not a muscle. Making allusion to it being something we can't strengthen or weaken. But I disagree. Just as a relationship is also not a muscle, we know that there are things we can do that will strengthen or weaken a relationship. Same with our immune system!

We CAN take simple steps to fortalize our immune system and avoid things that weaken it. Instead of heading into this season depleted, take time NOW to boost your immunity.

Take your cues from nature. Slow down; allow for quiet. Permit yourself to be less active. The leaves are showing us about letting go.

Eat what grows in the cold. Root vegetables. Warming foods baked in the oven. Fill your house with rich smells with warming spices.

Ginger is a boon to the immune and digestive system. Add it to your fruit salad in the morning. Pour some maple on it to make it a real treat.

Make curries. Onions and garlic have immune boosting properties. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties.

Make soups and cooked vegetables.

Stay away from alcohol. Choose tea.

Sugar over the holidays is hard to avoid completely, but limit your consumption. Sugar makes it hard for the immune system to function properly.

Drink lots of water. Add lemon.

Acknowledge what craving feels like and get familiar with what real hunger is. Pause and observe sensations. Sometimes you may give in to cravings, but at least sometimes let the craving pass. Your body will thank you for that moderation.

Take time to rest.

Nap.

Close your eyes.

Watch your breath.

Say no to the social gathering if you don’t have the energy. But also don’t completely shut yourself off.

Have meaningful connections in your life. People that lift you up.

Get better at seeing who brings you down.

Create boundaries and make sure you are getting enough YOU time.

We must all fill our own wells. Often. Daily.

Choose you. Choose to nourish your body, mind and soul.

Take care of you! What more important gift is there than your health? Don't wait until you feel bad.

Make time for your body NOW. Practice mindful movement.

Find ways to reduce stress and tension. Turn of your TV.

Instead make time for conscious relaxation. Meditation. Breath awareness.

There are many things we can do to boost our immune system.

And there are things we can avoid that weaken it.

You are worth doing what it takes to keep yourself healthy.

My go to winter remedies are as follows. These suggestions work best if you begin them as soon as you feel a tickle in your throat, a slight sniffle or the beginning of a headache.

Echinacea tea
Oil of Oregano
EmergenC
Tulsi/Ginger Tea
Honey Lemon Ginger Tea- MADE FROM REAL HOME MADE INGREDIENTS
Curries
Soups
Tea, Tea, Tea
And REST
SLEEP

But mostly remember, prevention makes more sense than trying to recover. Sometimes you will lose balance, but the more we practice taking care of our health the easier it is.

Finding yourself stuck in some unhealthy patterns? Need guidance?

Reach out! I love giving people the tools and support to re-discover health and wellness. I teach privately, in small groups, workshops, retreats and online.

[email protected]
www.yogajil.com


🎄 This Christmas season simplify.
Give the gift of Wellness this coming season.

For you or a friend. 🎁