We live in a stressful, chaotic world that has the capability to take us way off track from doing things that build up our immune systems and keep our families healthy. This isn’t ideal during a time when it might feel like everyone around you is sick!
When that starts to happen, it’s really easy to buy into the stuff you see on the news and in the regular doctor’s office where they’re always talking about “flu season”. This is certainly the season of more stress, fatigue, and sugar. So because we’re so buried, that subluxation builds and our immune system, nervous system, and digestive system get buried and we get sicker.
I know it’s really hard as a parent not to get consumed in the chaos and the craziness, but here are four things to really help you stay healthy this winter.
1. LEAN INTO WINTER – REST AND HEAL
My first recommendation when trying to stay healthy this winter is to lean into it. We’ve learned as God designed it that in winter, we are supposed to slow down. There’s actual neurology and science to this, what’s called circadian rhythms. The fact that it gets darker earlier and we experience colder temperatures… kind of makes you want to… take a nap! Or maybe you have the urge during the weekend to lay on the couch with the fire on, a glass of organic oat milk mocha in one hand and a book in the other.
In summer, it seems like a sprint. We sprint from spring with all the sports, to the end of school, to summer when we’re supposed to be in vacation mode but we go a million miles an hour because summer is crazy fun. We’re so busy having fun in summer and then fall brings the start of school, fall sports, and other big transitions.
So winter is really designed to be a period of slowing down. It’s healthy for you and your child’s body, nervous system, and physiology, to take it easy. My family will absolutely spend a lot more time this winter chilling in the living room, with the fire on, reading books, and playing games. Being bored is good.
2. GET OUTSIDE
Number two is to still get outside. One of the reasons that immune systems get so downtrodden in the winter is that we don’t get outside, to move, sweat, or intake vitamin D from the sun. There are a lot of de-stressing benefits to being outside in nature.
In winter, you can still get two of the three benefits. When you’re outside – you move your body, which calms your brain. You sweat – which detoxes your system. In winter, you’re not going to get as much vitamin D because even if the sun is shining, you’re probably not going to have your skin exposed to it, but you can still get the other benefits. You can de-stress and move your body – get your kids sledding, go hiking, or do any other outdoor winter activity you want to try.
3. TAKE A VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENT
The third tip parlays from that second one in that since we’re not able to get vitamin D from the sun, we should take a vitamin D supplement. All year round, our kids take a solid multivitamin, probiotic, and omega 3 – so we have their basic, health-building supplements. In the winter we add vitamin D daily and have vitamin C and Elderberry on hand for when they are experiencing an immune challenge.
In winter since we know we’re getting outside less and are not exposed to as much vitamin D, that means there is a gap in the body’s immunology and physiology to withstand the viruses and bacteria around.
Viruses and bacteria don’t exist in higher quantities in winter – they don’t fly north for the summer! There is no “flu season” or “sick season” – there are less resilient and more stressful seasons. So knowing that your resiliency and adaptability are what allow you to not succumb to sickness, we’ve got to build it up. All of these things are about building up health as winter goes on.
Health does not come from hiding. You don’t stay safe by ducking in the basement and avoiding illnesses, viruses, and bacteria. You do it by building your immune system up and staying strong.
4. INCREASE ADJUSTMENTS
Number four is to ramp up the adjustments. Chiropractic reboots strengthen and get the body draining and everything functioning better. Chiropractic kiddos and families are way less susceptible to illnesses, therefore, stay healthier. They overcome and adapt easier and are able to get through it a lot quicker with the help of adjustments. So this is a great season to really ramp up your adjustments. This is also one of the main reasons we make boost adjustments available for our wellness families!
Our winter recommendations are to treat winter how God designed it and slow down – grab that book, take that nap, chill by the fire, and let your body rest and heal. Make it a priority to get outside. Get that snow gear on and pretend like you’re a kid. Also, add in some vitamins like vitamin D and Elderberry. Dr. Josh Axe and the Ancient Health Institute are great resources for this.
Lastly, make sure your chiropractor is on speed dial so you can ramp up those adjustments. Those extra boosts will make all the difference in the world when you need them.
God bless, be well, and follow these four tips to stay healthy and happy all winter long!
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