The Winter season is fully upon us and I have to be honest and say it’s not my favorite. Despite dreading Winter, I have learned to appreciate the lessons that come with the Winter- especially the one about s l o w i n g down.
This sounds so typical, but this year has been a whirlwind. In April, I decided to enroll in the Institute for Integrative Nutrition the night before classes started. I was sitting on the floor (my safe zone) and was staring at my laptop deciding what I would even do with this certification. I’ve started and stopped a lot of things in my adult life and I didn’t want this to be another one.
Back to the floor.
I decided to call the representative for IIN to hear more about the program. This is a year-long program that was being offered as a 6-month accelerated program. I already have a full time job + I was going to work for my family business over the summer, so this seemed like a lot at once.
I got off the phone and went to consult with my husband, Danny. His first reaction, per usual, was “Why wouldn’t you do it? This sounds perfect for you!” I told him that I was nervous about juggling everything because I am finally aware enough to know that too much stress will send me into a Hashimoto’s flare up and I did not want to walk myself into one.
After more sitting and debating, I decided to just do it. Something deep inside me said, “This is not another one of those things you’ll start to stop 3 months into it. Do it.”
Oh my, am I glad I listened to that little voice. The next morning, I started the 6 month program and tried to find a new normal.
I somehow managed to get through the certification program still standing. Exhausted, but still standing. Throughout that process, I launched my health coaching business and I’ve been learning/seeing clients/taking risks/making mistakes/growing ever since.
All of that to say— I am in need of some serious TLC for this winter because healthy immune systems are what get us through the sickest time of year.
This doesn’t just apply to me. What about all the parents who are juggling careers, kids, social lives? What about the stay-at-home parents who feel like they have lost themselves in the process of caring for others. What about the college student studying for exams without proper nutrition OR sleep. This goes for everyone.
Here’s what I prioritize in the Fall/Winter
Sleep (I aim for 7-9 hours/night)
Vitamin C containing foods or supplementation
Lots of homemade soups using organic bone broth
As much natural light as possible throughout the day
Stress management techniques (therapy, journaling, watching my favorite TV shows to wind down, calling a friend)
Prioritizing my to-do lists (eliminate the extra fluff I don’t HAVE to do and stick with simple basics)
Drinking tea (my favorites are dandelion root, peppermint, tulsi and ginger)
Minimize processed foods and sugars
Utilizing my Joovv infrared light therapy tool
If I had to think about it for longer, I’d probably list some more things, but this is just a start. Sunlight, stress management techniques and proper nutrition should always be staples, but especially now during the Winter.
Now that I’ve shared my side of the story, I want to hear yours. What are you working on this winter to stay healthy?
Soon,
Evie