Winter is a time where we may lack motivation and energy due to the colder temperatures and shorter daylight. We may even let our health take a back seat. However, it’s important to focus on what our bodies need this season. Here are a few Winter care essentials, followed by highlights on Winter through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Boost Immunity
The Winter season is primetime for cold and flu viruses. You can get ahead of by boosting your immune system. Top ingredients/foods for boosting immunity includes citrus fruits, green tea, ginger, mushrooms, bone broth, honey, hibiscus, and turmeric.
Gut health is also essential in boosting immunity. Foods that will help keep your gut health in check includes bananas, beans, berries, greens, garlic, kimchi, and yogurt.
Manage Stress
Managing stress is always important, especially during Winter. High levels of stress will impact your immunity. Making time to relax, de-stress, or practicing mindfulness does not need to take up a lot of time or money. Take a 15 minute break to breathe, turn on your favorite music, light your favorite candle while you relax and prioritize your to-do list. Finding healthy ways to relax can help you feel calmer and more focused.
Balanced Diet
In Winter we experience changes in our energy levels, metabolism, and even food preferences. Here are healthy, mood boosting foods to include in your Winter diet: Root vegetables like beets and carrots, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, foods high in Vitamin C, D, Magnesium, and Zinc, and foods high in protein.
Stay Active
Staying active all year is beneficial for our overall health. Being active can improve our moods and alleviate seasonal affective disorder. Go for a brisk walk, head to the gym or complete a workout at home, use the stairs when you can, go bowling, or enjoy indoor swimming. Whatever the activity, just dress warmly!
Bonus: We burn more calories in the Winter & it helps boost immunity.
Nurture Your Skin
Dry skin is more prevalent during the Winter. Cold temperatures, low humidity, and dry air can disrupt our skin barrier and lead to itchy, dry, cracked, or chapped skin and lips. It's important to nurture your skin by drinking lots of water and hydrating and moisturizing your skin. Look out for skincare that has hyaluronic acid, honey, cocoa butter, shea butter, moisturizing oils, and ceramides. Don't forget your sunscreen!
Get Some Rest
Although you should remain active during the Winter, rest is just as important. Just like nature takes a break in the Winter to renew itself, we should do the same. Balance is key! Be intentional with rest by setting time aside to take breaks, unplug from devices, and aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep.
Winter through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on the Five-elements theory. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season has its own Qi (energy), and each is associated with one of the five elements: Fire, Earth, Wood, Metal, and Water. Our energy and body's needs reflect these seasonal
changes. The ancient Chinese believed that living in harmony with the natural cycles of our environment helps us maintain or create optimal health.
In TCM, the Winter season is associated with the Water element. Water is the most fundamental element for life. This is why the two meridians and organs associated with the water element are the kidneys and the bladder. Winter is a great time to strengthen the kidneys and the bladder. The energy of Winter is one of rest, reflection, stillness, and solitude. A time of wisdom, stamina, and endurance. A time to conserve our energy in preparation for the coming of Spring.
Other Winter TCM Associations
