Seasonal Tips
Winter season gets a bad rap, but it’s actually a great time to build immunity, community, and a healthy lifestyle practice. Don’t roll over and take winter lying down, decide that THIS winter will be vibrant, active, healthy, and fun!
Here are a few ideas on how you can sidestep those irksome colds that go around, and stay on top of your health through the whole season.
Regulate your temperature
Everyone always talks about bundling up when you go outside, but the underlying idea is to maintain an even temperature as much as you can. That means yes, wear a hat, scarf, gloves, and good winter coat, but also take them OFF when you come inside. Your body temperature is raised when out and about, and if we dawdle in removing the extra layers, we will start to get over-heated. We sweat, and then get a chill when we take them off. Try to find the right temperature for yourself and keep it as consistent as you can.
Build your immunity
You can take all the Vitamin C, Echinacea, and tonics you want during this season, but if you are stressed out, run down, or emotionally spent, you will be throwing good money into a bottomless pit. In Ayurveda’s view, we must keep our ojas strong if we are to remain healthy. Ojas is our internal sap; it is the essential energy of our vitality, immunity, strength and robust health. Keep your ojas strong by eating a diet according to your constitution, getting plenty of sleep, laughing, eliminating the daily stressors, and keeping your mind calm and clear. And of course wash your hands, don’t let people sneeze on you, and don’t lick any doorknobs!
Eat warming foods
Through the principle of opposites, Ayurveda tells us that winter is a time to eat warm, unctuous foods. The weather outside is cold, sharp, and dry, so putting foods with the opposite qualities in out bodies will help us balance out the elements and prevent sickness and disharmony in our lives.
Move your body
During summer we naturally remove toxins by sweating them out. But in winter we have to be more intentional about clearing out the sludge and debris that builds up in our system. Find a class or a workout regimen that makes your body sweat at least three times a week. You will feel lighter, stronger, healthier, and happier for it.
Use essential oils
Essential oils have strong anti-viral and anti-microbial properties that can inhibit, weaken, or curtail a cold. Inhalation, vapor rubs, room diffusion, baths, and direct application on clothing or pillowcases can be effective ways to prevent a cold virus from establishing a colony in the nasal mucosa. Try eucalyptus, tulsi, camphor, lemon, or peppermint in your favorite delivery method for a lift in your mood, and a fortification of your body.
Socialize
It seems counter-intuitive because winter is a time that we want to hunker down and stay inside. But that doesn’t mean you can’t hunker down with friends and family! During this cold season, people can get isolated, lonely, and depressed. Plan a weekly evening class, outing, or social event that will force you to see people regularly and be part of a community. It will lift your spirits, keep you accountable, and make those dark winter months fly by.
Get More Sleep
Ayurveda recommends getting in bed by 10 pm every night. Yes, I said every night. That is because 10 pm starts the cycle of pitta time, when our thoughts can pick up and falling asleep becomes more difficult. Many animals hibernate in the winter, and though we can’t go that far, getting more hours of quality sleep per night will do wonders for your immunity, health, and overall disposition.
