The Post- Holiday Season typically presents challenges to both our physical and emotional health. Whether it’s the rush of it all, overextending ourselves physically, Seasonal Affective Disorder from the short days, dealing with difficult relationships, financial stress, inclement weather, or a host of other issues, it can be a tough time.
I’m not an authority on this subject, but I have observed a number of things that can help keep you physically and emotionally healthy through this winter season.
PHYSICAL HEALTH CHALLENGES
There’s are fewer daylight and your skin is almost totally covered with clothing such that your natural vitamin D production is almost nil. Those short days also lend themselves to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which can not only depress your immune system, but also affect you emotionally. Your home and workplace is shut up against the cold, so you have a lack of fresh air and a greater exposure to disease-causing microorganisms. That closed environment also makes it easier for you to get infections from those around you.
Colder temperatures are also more stressful on your body, requiring greater adaptation to stay healthy. So what can you do:
1. Be sure to take at least 5000 i.u.’s of Vitamin D-3 daily — you may need 10,000, especially if you live in a non-sunny climate.
2. Get some fresh air in your home, even if that’s just opening some windows for a few minutes or leaving a window cracked in your bedroom at night.
3. If you are particularly bothered by the short days, consider getting one of the specially designed full-spectrum lights and expose yourself to it in the early morning and late afternoon.
4. Take other immune system stimulating supplements, such as L-Lysine, echinacea, IP6, etc.
I personally take Peak Performance Packs year round to help keep my siystem at optimal health. What do you take or do for the winter?
Hayseeds Creative 