Comforting Ways to Survive Winter's Chill
By Sandy Schroeder
If you are really not a winter person who eagerly awaits the first snowfall, you may need a list of little comforts to make it to spring.
Rodaleorganiclife offers a few tips.
Sip some warm soothing drinks – In China it is believed much of our digestion occurs in our middle burner, meaning there must be heat for good digestion. That may explain why most of us gravitate to hot soups, steaming cups of hot tea, or hot chocolate and a variety of hot coffees during the winter. Some people also start the day with lemon slices in warm water. Keep your favorites on hand along with a good book and lots of firewood to go from January to April.
Eat a great breakfast – Before you head out into wintry blasts, arm yourself with your favorite breakfast. It could be a veggie/cheese omelet with whole wheat toast and orange juice, or a hearty bowl of old fashioned oats swirled with brown sugar and topped with fresh fruit. While you are at it, plan lunches and dinners around hot soups, hearty casseroles and poultry or beef dishes with warm fruit tarts for dessert.
Open up sinuses with spicy steam – Brew a hot steam mix with black pepper, ginger, garlic, cayenne and chile peppers to clear respiratory passages and avoid sinus infections. There are many products out there for the sinuses, but this simple steam works quite well. Hot tea boiled with cinnamon, cloves and dried ginger will also help to clear sinus passages.
Book a sunny escape – If time and money allow, escape for a week or two to a sunny climate where you can soak up the sun and waves. If the gloomy days with no sun really bother you, this may be important to avoid depression and anxiety.
Turn your garage into a gym – Another way to handle reactions to winter gloom could start by moving all of the action inside. A friend of mine loves the sun and hates rainy, snowy days. He converted his garage into a gym with a rowing machine, treadmill and weights, and installed special lights to simulate the sun. He said his attitude changed immediately and he will probably use the exercise room year-round whenever it rains.
Pause for a few minutes every morning – You may not be able to make winter vanish, but you can choose to create your own separate space with complete quiet and peace. Sit still and listen to your breath and the silence around you as you let your mind drift. After a few minutes, rejoin the world and light the fireplace or brew a cup of hot tea.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chicago, Ill.