Top Strategies For Fall and Winter Wellness

With the cooler temperature creeping upon us, the thoughts of warm cozy sweaters and cuddling up by the fire a go to for many. It can be the hardest time on your health, with shorter days and in some cases gloomier weather. With many taking to staying indoors as much as possible respiratory issues and other ailments become front and center. Some wonderful ways to support your body over this fall and winter season are to incorporate some of the following. Staying healthy during the winter months can be challenging, but with a few holistic tips, you can boost your well-being. Here are some essential strategies:

1. Nutrition

• Eat Seasonal Foods: Focus on root vegetables, squashes, and hearty greens. Make soups and stews, incorporate kidney and black beans, seaweed, lamb and chicken, black sesame seeds, nigella stevia. They provide essential nutrients and warmth to support your kidneys, life your mood and support energy conservation.
  

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas (remember teas are diuretics so don’t use these in place of water) to keep hydrated, as the dry winter air can be dehydrating.
  

• Gut Immunity: your gut drives your immune system so be sure to do the work and address the underlying intestinal issues (pathogens) you carry to achieve long term wellness. With the cooler temperatures it is a great time to address this!
  

2. Physical Activity

• Stay Active Indoors: If it's too cold outside, find ways to stay active indoors, like Pilates, dancing, or home workouts (weights).
  

• Take Walks: Bundle up and take brisk walks outside when possible. Fresh air and sunlight (morning is key) are beneficial for mood and health.
  

3. Mental Well-being

• Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindful or deep-breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
  

• Stay Connected: Maintain social connections, even if it's virtual. Reaching out to friends and family can boost your mood.
  

4. Sleep Hygiene

• Maintain a Routine: Stick to a regular sleep schedule to help regulate your body’s internal clock.
  

• Create a Cozy Environment: Ensure your sleeping area is comfortable, dark, and quiet to promote restful sleep.
  

5. Skin Care

• Moisturize: Use natural moisturizers like coconut, jojoba, tallow (if tolerate) to combat dry skin caused by cold air and indoor heating.
  

• Get Sun-Kissed: Get that morning sun if you can. But get some sun!! Exposure to your face, arms and bottom of your legs for 15 minutes a day go a long way to keeping your vitamin D receptors charged.
  

6. Herbal Support

• Ginger, Thyme, Oregano, Basil, Rosemary: These spices/herbs can help reduce inflammation and address gut health issues when added to meals or teas.
  

7. Mind-Body Practices

• Pilates and Stretching: Incorporate gentle pilates or stretching to keep your body flexible and relaxed.
  

• Breathwork: Use breathwork techniques to manage stress and improve oxygen flow.
  

By integrating these holistic tips into your winter routine, you can enhance your physical health, mental well-being, and overall resilience during the colder months. Stay warm, have fun

and take care.