Thriving through Cold + Flu Season
Unless you live under a rock, I’m sure you’ve been aware that this ‘cold and flu season’ has been an absolute doozy! Stomach bugs, bacteria strains, upper respiratory infections, all often on top of other chronic issues like long-covid or Lymes disease. Almost no family has been completely germ-free since autumn. (Thank goodness for the option of online sessions!)
Here in Western Pennsylvania, people often associate fall and winter with being indoors, getting sick, and cabin-fever.
Have you ever wondered how your habits and thoughts about winter may be contributing to your ‘cold and flu season?’
Do you feel ‘stuck inside’ or that getting sick is inevitable? Or maybe you are just one of those people who ‘run cold’ and have given up on being outside in the winter. I’ve pulled together a few contributing factors and thoughts to consider in relation to winter wellness!
COLD: Extra illness is often attributed to the cold weather but the idea of going out without a jacket and “catching a cold” is categorically false. I promise. For most people, the cold is actually wonderful for the immune system, the lymphatic system and overall health. If you run cold, it’s worth investing in some high quality wool socks and Merino layers to regulate your temperature throughout the winter months. The cold isn’t going away, but avoiding it isn’t doing your body any favors.
“Once in a while it really hits people that they don’t have to experience the world in the way they have been told to.”
SUNLIGHT: Yes, there is less sunlight in the winter…but get what you can! Morning and evening sunlight are best for your circadian rhythm as well as your mental state. Grab your morning coffee and enjoy it outside for even just 15 minutes. If you absolutely can’t get outside, you may consider supplementing with a high quality Vitamin D/K to keep your immune system in tip-top shape. Indoor lighting can make a difference as well, if you suffer from seasonal depression.
BEING INSIDE: Staying inside is cozy sometimes, but it’s definitely one of the worst things you can do for your immune system in the winter months when you need it most. Indoor air quality is typically filthy, so if you’re not getting out, at least bring the outside in! Consider airing out your home regularly whenever possible. Open up all of the windows and doors, even if only for an hour to circulate fresh air in.
Bottom line: keep fighting the good fight to get outside in the fresh air and sunlight as much as possible. It will do your mental and physical health a world of good. You might even learn to like winter a little more!
Stay well.
