Winter Distinction

Indulging in the pleasures of winter is the best way to avoid
the immune challenges that lie ahead.

We are first alerted to the imminent change toward the chilly
season by the end of daylight saving. This is when it’s time to
bring it back home people. Out in the back yard and covering
our driveways the country through, thousands of Feijoas drop
at our feet to build up our Vitamin C for the ensuing battle to
winter wellness. It’s time for easy-peel Mandarins, Tamarillos
and Lemons for our hot toddies.

Bring out the old spencers, long singlets, jackets and scarves.
Be sure to keep chests and lower back (kidney/adrenals) warm
and covered. Chest rubs, like the Tui Cough and Cold balm are
great on the chest and throat with a warm scarf wrapped around
the neck on a cold winter’s morning.

Early nights snuggling under thick duvets are a must. At the
first sign of ‘feeling off colour’ a couple of early nights can save
you from a multitude of symptoms!! Share a movie with loved
ones; cozing up on the couch, laughing till you cry, and play
cards around the table with a mug of warm chai. This type
of bonding and stress-relief really boosts the immune and
nervous systems over winter.

With the scares of Swine flu and Superbugs flying around,
it is really important that each of us takes care of our health
and the health of our families to keep our community safe.

So, if your children are ill, keep them at home.
If you are ill, stay in bed!!! While feeling well do some exercise
to build up your inner resources and capacity to cope. Walks,
yoga classes, winter sports – swimming for the game!

Make sure to catch some of those winter sun rays, even
if through the window – it’s important for keeping your
mood elevated, absorbing your calcium and staying strong.
Vitamin D, which you absorb from the sun, arms the
body against seasonal infections.

So, when you feel that tenderness in your throat, ache in
your bones and tiredness behind your eyes, start indulging
in some of the following simple pleasures of winter…

Pleasures of winter:
Daily dose of tongue tingling Echinacea – 5mls/day
Hot toddies – lemon, honey, garlic, ginger, shot of brandy
Warming spices – ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, cayenne
Slow cooked stews with root vegies and legumes
Burning essential oils in a safe oil burner
Fluffy slippers
Funny Movies
Dinner Parties – Pot Luck
Scarves and winter coats
Good books
Mexican hot chocolate

-Stephanie Young