7 tips to keep warm this winter – by Maya Chinese Medicine

1) CHOOSE NOURISHING, WARMING FOODS
As the weather changes, we should be reaching for more warming, nourishing foods. Soups, stews, and roasts are amazing at keeping your vegetable quota up and also keep your body warm from the inside out. Swapping to root vegetables, like pumpkin, carrots and parsnips and adding things like garlic, ginger and cinnamon to your cooking can be really beneficial to ward off those flu symptoms. In Chinese Diet therapy we learn that these kinds of foods are very gentle and nourishing on the digestive system. During the cooler months, our digestion can become sluggish so consuming these warming, tonifying foods keeps your digestive system happy and your immune system functioning at its best.

2) KEEP HYDRATED
We all know its hard to keep our H20 intake up when winter hits because we often don’t crave water in the cooler months, but try your hardest to be drinking at least 1.5 litres of water. Room temperature water is best and even try adding a bit of lemon or orange in there to make it more tasty. Ensuring you drink enough water is essential to keep your body functioning properly, to help detox and eliminate things that you body no longer needs, it also helps your cells move and work optimally.

3) COSY WHEAT BAGS
These are my favourite things in the winter time. Especially around period time, this is amazing to put on your abdomen before your period is due to help ease the flow of your cycle. Also try putting one over your shoulders/neck to unwind after a big day at work, this will help to keep your meridians strong at the back of your neck to help protect against cold/flu.

4) CHECK YOUR VITAMIN D LEVELS
I think a lot of us notice that often winter hits, we can feel a bit more sad and down. This is common because often our vitamin D levels can drop during the winter. Low vitamin D levels have been associated with low mood so check your vitamin D levels before winter and see if a supplement can help to keep you feeling happy and healthy during this cooler time.

5) GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Winter is about slowing down, recovering and preparing again for the warmer months. Our bodies need a decent, good quality sleep to restore everything in preparation for the next day. Make sure you are getting at least 7 hours of sleep, often throughout winter, our body actually wants and needs more than this, so listen to your body and sleep when you’re tired.  

6) SCARVES, BLANKETS AND JUMPERS
Layers should be your best friend throughout winter. Keeping warm and covered is super important to ward off sickness and protect yor immune system. Scarves are really helpful at keeping your neck covered and to reduce the risk of any sickness entering your body. Keep an extra jumper or jacket in your car or at work to keep you covered.

7) WINTER ESSENTIAL OILS

A good combination to have in your diffuser at home throughout winter is lavender, lemon, peppermint and eucalyptus- this has great antimicrobial benefits as well as helps to open and clear the sinuses. This combination is calming, clearing and uplifting to help boost energy, calm the nervous system and clear the head from congestion.

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