It never ceases to amaze me at how many people who have lived in the Midwest their whole lives become shocked and annoyed at the weather. I also see those around me already dropping like flies with seasonal colds and flus. I used to be like them. I'd get sick so easily and it took me forever to get over it. So, I thought I'd share some helpful hints on how to survive the cold, harsh winter.
STAY WARM! It is appalling to me what people think they can wear not only out in the elements, but even in a cold house, and think it won't affect their health. I used to say if I went outside without a hat on for 5 minutes, I'd get a cold. Its not too far fetched. Both your head and your feet act like thermostats for your body. Wear a thick hat that is big enough to cover your ears, a scarf if your neck is exposed, and socks/shoes that are insulated enough to keep your feet toasty. At home I always wear either wool socks or slippers that come up to my ankles. I also rely on everything "down" (or synthetic down, in my case.) Down throw for the living room, a down comforter for my bed, and a down coat so I don't feel anything when I go out. Keep yourself warm, or your body will react to the cold with a fever!
Extra Tip: If you find yourself succumbing to the cold air, and you're craving some sun and warmth, try hitting the tanning bed for even just 5 minutes a week. It will give you a good dose of vitamin D, and warm up your cold little body. Also, as long as you are in good health, a massage (esp. hot stone) will give your circulation a good boost.
GET YOUR VITAMINS!
You know why you're so susceptible to getting sick? Maybe your immune system is running slow. Get a good multi-vitamin for coverage, and be sure to add Vitamin D during those winter months. I take Reliv year-round. Not trying to sound like a commercial, but if I stop taking it for a few days, my body starts to feel it. Its a powder vitamin mix, so all the nutrients are readily available to your body - unlike a pill which really only does the minimum. Vitamin D3 supplements are highly recommended during the months when we're inside, and the sunlight is low. Our bodies aren't exposed to the right elements to make enough, and not only is our immune system affected, but sometimes our mood (Seasonal Affective Disorder.)
BE COMFORTABLE
You've probably noticed that the cold air and central heat tends to make everything dry. If you have trouble with dry skin, dry sinuses, chapped lips, there's a couple of things you can do. First of all, get a humidifier. Cold air doesn't hold moisture well, and your central heating is like blowing a hair dryer through the house. Next, I always change over to goat milk soap during the colder months. You can feel the difference almost immediately after using it the first time. No more tight or itchy skin! If you need to use lotion (esp. on hands) use an organic or natural lotion without anything like mineral water, alcohol (seriously??) or other drying chemicals. That just makes sense. Same with lip balm/chapstick. I love anything Burts Bees. For dry, uncomfortable sinuses, you can try 2 things (besides the humidifier): Omega3 Fatty Acids as a supplement to keep your membranes healthy, and a saline spray to keep your nasal passages moist.
SO! YOU'RE SICK:
Well, if you're like me, you can feel it coming on. My feet always start to get cold, even in boots, and I get that "swelling feeling" in my head. So, what do you do? Take care of it NOW! Don't wait and see how it goes. You want to stop whatever is developing in its tracks and get your body back into balance. First, I always make sure to bundle up my feet. Remember that I said your feet are like a thermostat for your body? If you're beginning to get sick, you don't want your body to have to fight off the cold even more. Also, to me its a sign that your body has come unbalanced. All the heat has gone up to your head/chest to fight off whatever is beginning. If you warm your feet, mild circulation can aid in the process of recouperation.
*However, DO NOT get a massage when you're actively sick... even if you don't think its much of anything. That level of circulation will just spread the virus through your lymph system & you'll feel much worse in a day or two. A good therapist won't even allow you to get one if you have a cold. If you've had a remnant cough for a month, and nothing else.. then, maybe.
Next, pump your body full of goodness (that reads weird.) Boost your immune system w/ vitamin C. Drink orange juice, eat grapefruit, take supplements! Get some zinc drops for another pick-me-up. And my favorite trick to stop a cold in its tracks is Yogi Peach Detox tea. That's my chosen brand, but anything with spicey roots and herbs should do the trick. Ginger root is a healing must. Cardamon and cloves are warm herbs that really kick your body into gear. Again, your body is reacting to the cold. HEAT IT UP and restart your sluggish circulation! (Listen, if my dad willingly drinks it to get rid of his cold, I think you can take the advice as well.)
IN RETROSPECT, below is a list of must-haves that I've compiled for the winter. I used to feel so achy and cold all the time, but over the past few years, I've come to love this season. You've just got to prepare yourself with the right armor! Don't be one of those miserable members of society that constantly complains. You're stronger than that!
Layers
bootie slippers or wool socks
afghans and/or down throws
down comforter or electric blanket
down coat & warm hat, scarf
space heater
humidifier
goat milk soap
natural/organic moisturizer & chapstick
snow boots
vitamin D3 & omega3, vitamin C
hot, spicy, herbal tea
*A few no-brainer reminders: Drink lots of water, stay active, get enough sleep, don't continually get hammered and wander into the night alone.
