With winter fully settled in, it’s hard not to settle into hibernation mode.

Comfy couches, cozy blankets, movies, popcorn and wool socks call our names when the sun starts going down before 5pm.  Winter is a time for reflection, rest and a recharging of the batteries.

Follow these tips for taking care of yourself during the winter months:

•  Hot baths are generally not encouraged as they dry out our skin, but if you’re struggling with a cold or flu, a warm soak in Epsom salts or tea tree oil dropped into your bath water is a welcome way to support stripping your body of toxins.
• If you’re struggling with an earache, rest that side of your head on a warm hot water bottle.
• Hot water bottles laid upon the chest for a cough and cold help to soothe the aching muscles and release congestion.
• Hot tea with honey and a splash of apple cider vinegar soothe sore throats just like that.
• Blending yourself a green smoothie every day will increase your energy, support your immune system and have you remembering that summer isn’t too far away!
• Fresh air.  Yes, it might be cold out there, but a little fresh air goes a long way.  When our homes are closed up for more months than they are open, we need the powerful cold air to hit our lungs, to pink up our cheeks and to get our heart rates going!  Grab a friend or your dog and hit the trails for some cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding or a simple walk.
• Nourishing food seems to come with the territory when you live in the Midwest.  How would we get through the winter months without warm dishes?  Soups and stews are not only economically friendly, but are among the most nourishing foods we can put into our bodies.  Easy to tuck vegetables and whole grains into, a soup or stew is great served with a side salad for that crunch we all crave.
• Drink filtered water.   Water systems (to rent or own) aren’t as expensive as they used to be, and with the heightened awareness around the importance of drinking water, it should be a no brainer to have this installed in your household.  Drinking half your weight in ounces per day is the suggested amount you need.  Add more if you’re also drinking coffee or soda as these are quickly dehydrating beverages.
• Avoid the sugar blues by using only pure sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup in your baked goods and by supporting your body with healthy oils such as coconut or walnut oils in your baking.  Sugar depletes our energy and our immune system, making us more susceptible to the common colds and flu bugs.  Fresh fruit and the wholesome sweeteners in your baked goods as mentioned above are a good place to start.