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What’s in your Toolbox this Winter?

What’s in your Toolbox this Winter? As we enter the middle of winter in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s important to look at how we are supporting ourselves throughout these colder months. What tools do you have? What strategies do you use to stay well and healthy? Each winter it is easy to succumb to more viruses and colds and over the past few years, the dreaded Covid, as we socialise and spend more time indoors.

I believe that each one of us should have a toolbox and every toolbox should contain Self Care. What’s in your toolbox this winter? Putting yourself as number one is a priority. It’s so easy to overlook ourselves, especially when others are ill or seem to need us more. “They need me now, I’m too busy for ‘me’ time, I’ll just finish this one more thing, I’ll rest later.” We all have a myriad of excuses. However if we ignore our own needs for rest, our bodies will tell us in no uncertain terms and we may become ill.

Time to oneself, stillness, time in nature, all boost our energy reserves. Our attitude to life also makes a difference, so staying positive and not expecting to get sick is important. Just because so many are ill at this time of year, doesn’t mean you have to be as well. There are many natural therapies that can help prevent the onset of illness. If you do succumb, they can help shorten the duration and severity. 

One of these is the use of essential oils. Essential oils are aromatic liquid substances extracted from certain species of flowers, grasses, fruits, leaves, roots and trees. They are powerfully antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and a natural antibiotic. They need to be used diluted and with care, but they are a wonderful ally in the war against bugs, particularly in winter. Some of the most effective are lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, thyme, tea tree, frankincense and lavender. You can diffuse them, use them in steam inhalations, through massage or in a bath.

Regular treatments such as Reflexology will help boost your immune system and clear toxins through lymphatic drainage. There are numerous nerve points you can work on your face on a daily basis and you can find charts here to help the immune system and clear a sore throat.

Supplements may also help and the best ones as recommended by my naturopath, are Vitamins C and D, Quercetin, Zinc and an Immune Defence or Armaforce or something similar. A healthy diet with lots of leafy greens and vegetables will also contain some of these substances. If you are unwell however, sometimes an increased dose of a supplement may be warranted.

Although it’s tempting to eat ‘comfort’ foods, especially if we are stuck inside, remember that your body won’t thank you in the long term. Processed and junk foods increase inflammation and this only depletes our immune system. So when you reach for that extra glass of wine or that double chocolate Tim Tam, remember your body won’t like it. Instead eat healthy ‘comfort’ foods like warming soups, casseroles, healing cups of herbal teas, fruit and vegetables.

Regular exercise is also needed to not only improve our circulation and overall health, but to benefit our mental health. It may be hard to leave the comfort of a warm, heated house, but stepping out regularly in nature boosts our whole immune system and reduces stress. It increases the flow of blood and lymph, hence increases the circulation of antibodies and immune cells. Exercise also decreases inflammation by reducing inflammatory markers in the body and helps lift our mood.

What’s in your Toolbox this winter? It may be an assortment of strategies you use to stay healthy or you may have a particular favourite. Just remember to put Self care at the top of your list, not just for the sake of others, but mainly for your own health.

Warmest wishes,

Judy xxx

References: The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless. https://www.health.com/fitness/does-exercise-boost-immunity

Disclaimer: Please note that all information in this article is the opinion of the author and obtained through her research and knowledge and the above references. It is not meant to replace medical advice and a medical opinion should always be obtained for any health condition.