Winter Energy - 11 Ways to Make This a Healthy Season

 For many of us, Winter is associated with short dark days, fatigue, weight gain, isolation and even depression (or SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder). You may be experiencing lowered energy and cravings for sweets and fattening comfort foods. It's natural for the body to want to slow down and even hibernate at this time of year. And it is important to take more rest during the cold days of Winter so you are refreshed and ready for action when Spring returns.

 In the meantime though, Winter need not be a time of misery. There are many small changes we can make to improve our health and our energy at this time of year so Winter can be a positive experience.

1. Reduce or eliminate caffeine. The ups and downs of caffeine use include dehydration and blood sugar drops, making mood swings more frequent.

2. Drink water. Most Americans are chronically dehydrated. Before you go to sugar or caffeine, have a glass of water and wait a few minutes to see what happens. Caution: soft drinks are now America's number one source of added sugar.

3. Eat dark leafy green vegetables. Green is associated with spring, time of renewal, refreshing, vital energy. They are full of vitamins and nutrients and great for improving circulation, lifting the spirit, purifying the blood and strengthening the immune system. Broccoli, collards, bok choy, kale, mustard greens, broccoli rabe, arugula and dandelion greens are some of the many to choose from.

4. Use gentle sweets. Avoid sugar and chemicalized, artificial sweeteners. Use gentle sweeteners like maple syrup, brown rice syrup and agave nectar. Also eat sweet vegetables such as yams, winter squash, carrots and beets regularly.

5. Get physical activity. Start with simple activities, like walking or yoga - start with 10 minutes a day and increase. Try fun exercise videos at home, like bellydancing or rebounding.

6. Enjoy more sleep, rest and relaxation. When you are tired or stressed, your body will crave energy often in the form of caffeine and sugar. These cravings are often a result of being sleep deprived, going to bed late, and waking up early, for months and years on end.

7. Find light. Sunshine raises serotonin levels, leading to feelings of happiness. In Winter, with less daylight you may feel sad and lethargic. On sunny days, soak up as much as you can. Remove your hat and gloves when possible and let the sun reach your skin for a few minutes. Replace your regular light bulbs with full spectrum light bulbs which simulate sunshine, last longer and are more environmentally sound.

8. Take time for yourself. Find activities that restore your energy, such as a walk, a bath, a museum, a movie or whatever you enjoy. Schedule a weekly date with yourself to have fun!

9. Get in touch with your spirituality. We are spiritual beings in a physical world. Find ways to get in touch with your spiritual side, be it meditating, dancing, drawing, church, temple or being in nature.

10. Rid yourself of draining relationships. People can drain you of your energy. It doesn't mean that they are bad, but it is good to notice who drains you and why. See if you can transform those relationships by communicating and setting boundaries or say good-bye.

11. Keep warm. Bundle up when you go outside and warm up from the inside with soups, teas and warming foods and spices such as cayenne pepper, ginger, millet, and buckwheat. Take warm baths and sleep with a hot water bottle.