Still fighting colds and flu this winter?
Easy ways to boost your immunity this season.
Winter solstice has passed, but the days and nights are still cold and you may be still fighting off colds and flu.
Implement these sure fire tips now!
Enhance your diet
Vitamin C and antioxidant rich foods through winter can ward off colds and flu. Navel oranges, warm lemon drinks with fresh ginger, beetroot, broccoli, cauliflower and kiwi fruit. Eat slow cooked, warming and hearty foods to enrich your blood, strengthen your body and ignite your internal fire. Soups, stews, grains, beans, roasted nuts and seeds, root vegetables, fresh greens, winter salads and lots of herbs and spices will increase body heat.
Exercise regularly
Moderate regular exercise has a long term, cumulative effect on the health of your immune system. Layer up and keep warm while exercising and make sure you stretch to warm up and cool down. Take a brisk walk several times a week, do some aerobic exercise for 20 minutes a day, have a warm swim and sauna. Don’t do strenuous exercise, as this releases cortisol, the stress hormone which can weaken your immune system.
Stay connected
Connecting with others strengthens your immunity. Invite friends over for dinner, meet up with others at galleries or go out on a movie date, layer up and participate in outdoor events. Keeping active with others reduces stress levels too.
Sleep well
Rest and restore by going to bed early and rising late. Develop a sleep schedule – go to bed and wake at around the same time each day: this helps to regulate your internal body clock and you should fall asleep and stay asleep. Practice relaxing bedtime rituals, like switching off bright lights and electronic devices 2 hours before bedtime. Inadequate sleep depresses the immune system, and makes you susceptible to colds and respiratory infections.
Scrub up
Wash your hands often and rinse well to avoid getting sick or spreading infections, especially if you are around anyone who is sick. Use a blend of roman chamomile, lavender, lemon, oregano, rosemary and tea tree essential oil to kill germs and bacteria, viruses and other microbes. Just add a few drops of each oil to 1 tabs witch hazel extract with 1 cup of Aloe Vera gel and add up to 35 drops of oils.
“Open to your vulnerability in winter,
let new seeds awaken”
– Claire Lamicela