There are many factors that influence why many of us get sick during the winter. It isn’t just because cold air causes illness! If you think about it, when winter rolls around so do a lot of stress factors. There are multiple holidays in this time period and for many people the holidays can be a stressful period. There are numerous gatherings and tasks that you are obligated to take part in which can put us in a time crunch and often a financial crunch. Time and money are two huge life stressors. Now add to that late night parties, the alcohol, the excessive sugary food, and what do you get? SICK!
This year try to stop it before it starts. Nutrition, physical activity, and sleep can all help keep your body and immune system where they need to be to get you through the sick season without actually getting sick.
IT’S IMPORTANT TO STAND UP TO STRESS
Here are ways to help. Identify what causes you stress and find ways around it. For example, if you find that stores are too crowded in December and you need to shop see if you can take some time off work and shop at stores when they are less busy. You can also remember to start earlier next year! Another stressor is being the host or hostess of a gathering. Instead of leaving everything to the last minute, make of list of everything that needs to get done. Take the things that can be done ahead of time and start on them right away!
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Make it a priority! During this time of year do not shortchange yourself on sleep. Most of us require at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep each night and maybe more during periods of extra stress.
Use your discretion and select which holiday commitments you would like to fulfill. Remember that you have the option to politely decline invitations. You can also reschedule a few event if need be. Do not become overwhelmed with an overloaded list of things to do. Whether you are fond of the snow or not, it is hard for many of us to avoid it either way.
GET & STAY ACTIVE
Start off your holidays by taking part in your winter fitness. Bring along your family or friends or take a break from the socializing and go out alone. Either way try to fit in some physical fitness. It can help relieve a lot of stress and at the same time burn off some of those holiday indulgencies. It does not have to be strenuous or take up a lot of time. Even a small amount of exercise has its health benefits. If it’s too cold outside put in an exercise video. The indoor walking videos are easy to do and can really get your heart pumping.
STAY WITH GOOD NUTRITION AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
Another way to help fight illness is to give your immune system a boost during this busy season. Give your body the nutrition it needs. Times of stress is when it is most important to eat for your Diet Type. There can too many factors that are uncontrollable working against you during this period. Nutrition is one factor you have control over to help yourself. Try to include foods daily that will do you your immunity some good!
FOODS THAT ENHANCE IMMUNITY
Vegetables
Green Leafy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Peppers, Brussels Sprouts, Onions, Beets, Tomatoes, Carrot, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Yams, Pumpkin.
Legumes
Soybeans, Garbanzo Beans, Kidney Beans, Lentils, Navy Beans, Split peas, Black-eyed Peas, Pinto beans
Fish
Cod, Halibut, Salmon, Tuna, Trout, Bass, Sole, Haddock, Sardines
Oils (Cold-Pressed and Unrefined “Extra-Virgin”)
Flax Seed Oil, Primrose Oil, Borage Oil, Hemp Oil, Olive Oil, Sesame Oil, Fish Oils
Other
Brewer’s Yeast, Garlic, Vinegar, Mustard, Salsa, Curry, Cinnamon, Ginger, Green Tea, Cayenne, Stevia, Kelp, Spirulina, Bee Pollen, Wheat Germ.
By following all these helpful little hints you may be one of the few people that can actually get through the winter without battling constant sneezes and sniffles.
