Prepping Your Body For Fall

/

Prepping your Body for the Season Change:


It ain't all about the herbs.

Herbal medicine can be a great ally for surviving the winter months and keeping your toesies warm, but unless you keep your other self care avenues up and running then you might end up a little blue. 

That’s why it is good to have a plan for the winter to keep things moving in an upward direction: mind, body, and spirit!

We will talk about the physical, social, mental/emotional, and how herbal medicine and supplementation can can support your emotions, immune system, and keep you warm through out the winter months. Yay! 

Physical

  1. Sunshine- as you probably know, the sun is not as high in the sky in the winter months and therefore we don’t get as many rays. It is really important to make sure to get enough sun time. Especially in the winter. It keeps our circadian rhythm in sync and helps us produce some Vitamin D. 
  2. Vitamins- TAKE YOUR VITAMINS! We will talk about this more next month. 
  3. Boost immunity- No one wants to be sick all winter and with everyone soccer in together sharing germs that can happen. Herbs can be great for this but the regulars: Vitamin C, D, and A will make sure that your immune system is up and att’um
  4. Water- I find that in the winter months people just don’t get enough water. Make sure that you are drinking 1/2 your body weight in oz of water daily. This keeps your musical membranes well lubricated so that they can keep you free of infections all winter long. 
  5. Thicken the blood- the blood does get thinner in the summer and thicker during the winter to keep us warmer. There are plenty of herbs that will help with this and I will talk about those in the newsletter for next month.
  6. Invest in the proper winter gear- I used to freeze my fanny off until I got me some long johns and a REAL coat and boy o’ boy am I a happy camper now. 
  7. Stay active- I know it can be hard to get out and about in the winter months but exercise keeps the blood pumping, the mood up, the immune system primed and your body in tip top shape.
  8. Anemia/Thyroid- I often find that people who REALLY hate winter and who “just can’t stay warm” or are often “chilled to the bone” are often times anemic or have a sluggish thyroid. Make sure to talk to your health care provider about checking for either issue if this sounds like you.

 

Social, Mental, Emotional

I lumped these together because I think they are all intrinsically connected. Keeping yourself in the social loop during the winter months is huge in helping to keep you from feeling lonely, isolated, and blue. 

SO:

  1. Holidays: There are LOTS of Holiday’s in the fall and winter months. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanzaa, The Winter Solstice, Christmas, New Year’s, Valentine’s Day. These holidays should be looked at as a time to get together and be around people you LIKE. Look at a holiday revamp if you find that the whole holiday season you are stressed and irritated. How can you shift your focus to making the holiday’s something you enjoy? Recreate those celebrations into something that you can really get into and be a part of.
  2. Stay Social: Find other events and gatherings to attend with friends. Make the winter months your party time! Plan trips, events, and social gatherings. Spread light and joy to your friends through the darker months. Everyone will thank you!

Here are some questions that might help with creating your plan for sweater weather: 

  • What do you love most about the fall and winter months?
  • What about this season do you not enjoy?
  • How do the holidays make you feel? If sad or stressed, why?
  • Do you feel shut in or socially isolated?
  • Do you feel lethargic or like you don't get enough exercise in the winter months?

Use these questions to create a sustainable plan for yourself for the winter months!

As things get cooler I will fill you in on all the herbs and supplements that can help with coughs could and flus this season!

In Health, 
Cameron