On Thursday I got to listen to a webinar with Amy Taylor-Kabbaz from Happy Mama and Dr Nat Kringoudis on the topic of “Nourishing Yourself through Winter.” I’d love to share with you today my notes that I took away from the webinar plus give you some tips that I love for keeping healthy through winter (even if you have anxiety).
Nourishing Yourself Through Winter Tips
- Winter is a time for hibernation. It’s not a time for new health routines or projects but rather surrendering. Keep in mind this is not about ‘falling off the health band wagon’ but listening to your body in this new season.
- Slow down in Winter. This time is preparing us for busy spring.
- It is ok to get sick. We need to let go of the fear of getting sick.
- Look for health and wellness and focus on it. We all have a choice.
- It’s important to incorporate probiotics for good gut health during Winter. When we are sick it wears down your gut. A good way to do this is through Bone Broths or Kombucha.
- Burning essential oils is beneficial.
- We often work so much in the masculine during this time. We like to get stuff done (go, go, go attitude). Try to lean in more to a feminine space. Sit down and have a cuppa.
- Go to bed earlier and sleep later. Ideal time to go to bed during winter is 9pm. Sleep is the elixir of health. Make sleep a priority. If you are not sleeping well consider “What needs to be let go of?
- Let go of high expectations.
- If you have kids and you are all sick remember they are only little for a short amount of time.
- Create nourishing rituals and routines. Amy gets changed once kids are asleep to signal end of day. She also dims the lights, a symbol that the motherhood gig has ended for the day. Nat likes to have a shower or a bath at night. She also likes to listen to a podcast/music or read a book. Nat also reconsiders how she does exercise in winter and it is gentler. On a Sunday she sets herself up for the week by going to the markets and making batches of bone broth. In the morning there is no work emails before 9 am and she likes to drink warm lemon water, juice and warm drinks in general. Eggs on toast is her go to breakfast.
- During winter eat more frequently.
My Tips for Surviving Winter and Sickness
- I like to go to a place called Salt Sanctuary. Jenny Allwell the Naturopath on site says that: “Salt therapy has been used successfully in Europe (salt caves) for centuries and we try to recreate the effect here. The short version is, salt being antibacterial and a negative ion, is able to clear toxins from airways, reduce inflammation, slow down the reactivity within the body, relax the airways and increase oxygen supply. Result – breathe easier, sleep better & feel great.” I also purchased some salt lamps which also mimics the same effect.
- I also love bone broth: To make bone broth: Simply place 1-2 chicken carcasses in a large stock pot and cover with cold water. Add 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. (You can also add some sliced ginger and other vegetables or herbs to flavour but this is optional.) Bring to the boil then simmer over very low heat with the lid on for a minimum of 6 hours. Add a fresh bunch of parsley for the last 30 minutes of simmering. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Once cooled strain to remove whatever bones and vegetables/spices are remaining. I will then portion into individual serves and freeze for ease of use. You can consume 1/2 cup of broth two times a day (reheat individual portions as it tastes better as a warm drink rather than cold from the fridge). Bone broth is rich in collagen. If you don’t like the taste, simply add some fresh herbs and ginger slices (and some cooked chicken meat and vegies if desired) to when reheating.
- Visits to the Naturopath. My naturopath put me on some herbs for my cold and it was gone in two days! I’m also managing my anxiety with herbal supplements.
- Sleep. That has been the biggest one for me in getting on top of my colds. Now that I am a mum I totally get how hard this is to do and thankfully for me Flynn was having good chunky naps in the day and I took this opportunity to sleep. If you have little ones ask for help so that you can get more sleep in while you are sick. People are more than willing to help.
- Journal. I know that sickness is probably making your anxiety heightened. What is going on for you? What is it about sickness that is making you frustrated? What actually needs to be done? Who can help you?
I’d love to know what you do to help with your anxiety and sickness? Comment below. I’d love to hear from you. Please share using the buttons below if you loved this post. You can also sign up for my newsletter there as well. Once you have signed up you get instant access to my freebie vault of resources to help you with your anxiety.
