Dear reader
Here in the northern hemisphere, winter is in full swing. My family in other states are subjected to snow and below freezing temperatures. Here in California we’re getting a lot of rain and sometimes temperatures dipping below 40°F.
Many animals hibernate in the winter finding a dark cave or burrow where they can snuggle with family and ride out the storms.
Since we humans need to keep the wheels of our life and industry moving, we must find comfort where we can. Read on for some of my favorite winter comfort tips and recipes.
Sleep in a room that’s cool and dark like a bears’ cave. When there’s more sun in the sky sleeping 6 to 7 1/2 hours is good. But in winter try nine hours when possible.
Here is an interesting idea to consider: I attended a lecture on sleep with Dr. Marty Rossman, who's research found that before electricity people in towns and villages would go to sleep with the dark and wake up in the middle of the night to have dinner and socialize with friends. Then they would go back to their beds and sleep until sunrise.
Find cozy clothes. Warm and soft is my theme for winter time. Plush acrylics, fingerless gloves and a ski headband are items I wear at home to keep my body warm while avoiding outrageous utility bills. As a matter of fact, I am sitting in my sleep warmed bed with my fingerless gloves, cozy acrylic sweater, and headband while writing this blog for you.
Roasting and baking foods warm your home, as well as your insides. Roughly chop root vegetables, like yams, sweet potatoes, beats, parsnips, and/or carrots. Dress them with extra-virgin olive oil and salt, and bake or roast until desired softness.
Soups are excellent winter comfort foods. Try roasting a butternut squash until soft. Cool. Remove seeds and skin and put it in your blender, Vitamix, or food processor with bone broth and coconut milk to make a delicious purée flavored, perhaps, with vanilla, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg. Yum!
Hot tea with herbs such as licorice, elderberries, mallow, rosehips and slippery elm can be soothing for mucous membrane dried out by indoor heating. And they support your immune system during cold/flu season. Roots like licorice and slippery elm need to be simmered for at least 20 minutes before adding softer berries, leaves or flowers to your winter brews.
And of course, get outside when the sun is shining and walk to move the energy in your body and lungs while absorbing the suns’ rays through the top of your head and sacrum to warm your bones.
In Chinese medicine winter is the season of your kidneys. Keep them warm and maybe do a little Qi Gong, tapping your back between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips with a soft fist and rubbing your hands over that area until your kidneys feel warm. Gentleness is the virtue energy to fill your kidneys while letting go of fear.
So, find your healthy winter comforts where you can, and know that every day in the northern hemisphere, the sun is getting higher in the sky, bringing us more warmth and cheer.
Blessings for winter health and comfort, Dr Linda
FUN FACT
Snowflakes aren’t always unique. Contrary to popular belief, not all snowflakes are unique. In 1988, scientists found two identical snowflakes in a Wisconsin storm.
Dr. Linda Berry Healing Arts Chiropractic Nutrition Trauma Healing
Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice before you begin taking new supplements. You are responsible for all of the health choices you make.
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