For most people, winter means more time indoors. And while long, cosy nights huddled up with a warm drink are something to look forward to, catching a passing cold or flu definitely isn’t.
Fortunately, there’s nothing complicated about nurturing a healthy immune system.
Making a few changes to protect your health over winter is as much about keeping up an active self-care routine as adapting to changing temperatures and sunlight hours.
Here are some tips on areas of your life you can focus on to boost your immunity:
Don’t let the colder weather and longer nights slow you down
We’ve all been there. It’s 5pm. It’s dark out and freezing cold. The last thing you want to do is go out to exercise. The combination of winter changes can push basic routines to the limit, leaving you feeling flat and lethargic.
This winter, make a point to try to consciously and creatively protect healthy habits with seasonally appropriate changes. For example, try out an indoor yoga challenge, or maybe set a device-free time each night to help with falling asleep.
Ensure you’re getting a balanced and varied diet with natural immune-boosters
Although winter supplements contain helpful minerals like Zinc or vitamins like A, C, and E, artificial sources won’t necessarily provide your body with its individual needs. Supplements can be taken in excess and throw your health out of balance. There’s nothing like listening to your body and meeting its nutritional needs through a diversity of natural whole foods.
And if there are fewer fresh fruits and vegetables available in winter, consider stocking up on extra frozen or dried, so you don’t miss out on a balanced and diverse diet.
Dark purple berries like açai or blackcurrants are particularly potent additions because they contain high levels of antioxidants and Vitamin C, which has long been recognised for promoting normal immune function. Berries can add delicious flavour to a warm and filling bowl of porridge on cold winter mornings.
Practice good hygiene and follow public health advice
As COVID-19 has shown — unfortunately — the best way to avoid catching something is to not be around it in the first place. We’ve all seen how important it is, especially in winter, to practice regular hand-washing, staying at home when you’re feeling unwell, and getting the shots your doctor recommends.
Take extra time to appreciate the good things
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is real and anxiety over physical health can be draining, especially on top of other stresses. Remember to take time for yourself, go outside and keep seeing friends, even if the weather isn’t great.
And at the end of the day, relaxing with a hot tea — maybe made with your freeze dried organic blackcurrants! — can be just what you need to take pleasure in winter’s charms.
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Thanks to Afsaneh & Tony Howey, Blackcurrant Growers & Founders of ViBERi New Zealand for providing us with these tips.
You can find ViBeri Freeze Dried Organic Blackcurrants in the Winter '21 Box.
Use discount code: RYWINTER for 15% Off Organic Freeze Dried Blackcurrants (120g) and Blackcurrant Powder (200g or 450g) until 31/12/21 on www.viberi.nz