Keeping Well

February 7, 2013 Nechoma Wellbeing

KEEPING WELL

They say that prevention is better than cure. Surely it makes sense to strengthen ourselves and our families during the cold winter months. The truth is that sensible ways to look after ourselves are useful anytime.

REST UP.
Sounds so basic it’s almost too simple to include, but relaxing is one of the hardest things to do. Despite all the modern conveniences we have to make life easier we all seem to be pretty inconvenienced most of the time. We never seem to have everything done (sometimes it feels like anything), which can make us feel guilty for stopping at any point.
Until the flu/snow comes along, and hey, what do you know, we have to stop. And somehow the world keeps turning without our running in circles and wearing ourselves thin. So wouldn’t it be a good idea to give our bodies a break before they do their own thing?
Treat yourself to an occasional early night if that is possible, sleep before 11pm is thought to have different qualities. Even more important is to take a ten minute ‘escape’ during the day. That means complete and absolute silence to focus inwards and listen to oneself. If it is too difficult to ignore the distractions try covering your eyes with the palms of your hands.

BURNER.
A tea light burner with some eucalyptus oil added to the water is a real antidote to the dryness of central heated homes. The eucalyptus helps to ease breathing, but the moisture is useful too. Another way to do this is to hang terracotta water holders on to the radiators and add the essential oil to these, but the candle burners are more effective.
Take care of children near candles.

EAT WELL.
Another one of those basics that we are often too stretched to manage. Preparation is the key, and having fun while doing so. Peel lots of vegetables and have them ready in the fridge, it makes putting together a soup, stir-fry or salad less of a chore. Juicing is a good way to get lots of nutrients in quickly, try a basic mix of carrot, apple and a touch of ginger for an instant boost. Hot drinks are good, they literally clean the system internally and wash out the germs. There are so many fruit teas, herbal teas, green teas…find something you know you’ll like or get a mixed packet and experiment. Add some honey or lemon and enjoy.

GET OUT.
Wrap up well and get out for a short walk or do a family outing. Skip along the river, walk along the beach, crumple leaves in the forest or find a large empty space with grass and FRESH AIR. Even if you are feeling exhausted and just collapse against a grassy slope while the children run around, play ball and air out, this can be a way to do something useful for everyone.

Let some air in. It can be difficult to do this. We spend so much money heating the house, heating the street seems a little over the top. But heating and airing the house are two different things; one doesn’t negate the need for the other. We might need the air even more when the heat is on.

SUPPLEMENTS.
Supplements should not be underestimated for their ability to assist the body in wellness and in recovery. Find out what will be best for you and you will really appreciate the added boost you will feel.
It is difficult to get enough nutrients through our food so adding a quality multi-vitamin is a support to the system. A good vitamin C powder through the winter can also make a huge difference. You may want to consider omega 3 oil; the benefits are really noticeable for concentration, better skin and generally feeling stronger.

Some ideas, do you have some more?