Henrietta's must haves for winter
One commonality that we all share is that we are all cyclical beings. By this, I mean that our every day is influenced by cycles, whether this is the circadian cycle (our sleep-wake cycle), our menstrual cycle or the cycle of the seasons. This means that our physical, mental and emotional requirements can ebb and flow according to the time of the day, month or year.
BY HENRIETTA NORTON, Founder & Formulator at Wild Nutrition
One commonality that we all share is that we are all cyclical beings. By this, I mean that our every day is influenced by cycles, whether this is the circadian cycle (our sleep-wake cycle), our menstrual cycle or the cycle of the seasons. This means that our physical, mental and emotional requirements can ebb and flow according to the time of the day, month or year.
It is no coincidence therefore that Mother Nature’s rich pickings vary throughout the year too and during the winter months her offering of antioxidant-dense fare may just be a bid to maximise our defences against winter ills - we just need to listen to her advice! So as we transition into the deeper winter months of December and January, there are a few simple changes that I implement for the whole family at home to reflect our cyclical nature.
1. Sleep for longer
With more hours of darkness than light, our bedtime routine shifts to earlier nights and later wake-ups honouring our body's desire for deep restorative rest during these months.
2. Eating times
3. Seasonal reinforcement with supplements
I've written many times before about seasonal changes to our supplement choices and during this time of the year, both Charlie and I and our older boys are supported by our immune-supportive supplements. Medicinal mushrooms, elderberry, vitamins C and D, Zinc and Selenium give us the reinforcement we need for the winter months. I also continue using our Omega 3 year-round which helps dry, dull skin stay hydrated and healthy through the harsh winter weather.
4. Build from the root up
5. Organic rose oil
The natural properties of rose oil make it a deeply nourishing oil to use on winter skin prone to dryness. I use this on my skin at night, as well as with my children for chapped lips or cheeks. It can be an excellent nourisher for dryer nails or even hair (moisturise the ends after a shower and leave on overnight). Rose petals can be used in the bath too.
6. Hydration
Hydration can often become more of a struggle during the colder months when we may not feel the same bodily cues BUT keeping well hydrated is important all year and plays a crucial role in immunity, moving and flushing out anything unwanted such as viruses. If you can't drink cold water focus on warming herbal teas or lemon and ginger infusions to help you keep your fluids up.
7. Focusing on warming foods
In traditional medicine such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, it is important to keep the body warm when the climate is cold, soups, stews, bakes and spices are great ways to warm the body and add nourishment to your diet.
Conclusion
Living with the rhythm of life's cycles reminds us of our need to live with the flexibility to enhance our wellbeing. I hope you feel encouraged to embrace and listen to the seasonal change rather than fight against it.
On our page Good Nutrition, Good Life you'll find wintry wellness inspiration, recipes and tips on eating for wellbeing.
You may also like our blog posts: How to optimise your family’s immunity and Eating for winter wellbeing.
Written by
Henrietta Norton
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