Cold Damp Winter

I was happy to wake up to clear skies this morning. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we get a lot of rain in the Winter. Cold damp weather brings with it its own ills. People are more susceptible to colds and flus, as well as achy joints. Many people with arthritis know that it acts up more when the weather is cold and damp. Also with shorter, darker days, a lot of people get more despondent, and tend to dwell more on their ills. In India they say that we become what our minds dwell on. So if you dwell on your aches and pains, you just get more of the same. Also, research has proven that the immune system improves with positive emotions.
So, to stay healthy in the Winter, drink warming drinks like ginger tea. Avoid things that aggravate cold damp conditions in the body, like milk and orange juice and salads. Keep the body active. Many people exercise less in the Winter, when we need it the most, to keep warm and keep blood and energy flowing in the body. Joints that don’t move get achy.

And to keep the mind healthy be more social and stop dwelling on your ills. A good way to do that is to help others. Perhaps visit sick people in the hospital or volunteer for hospice. At the same time respect the inward turning nature of Winter and practice being still. Prayer and meditation are easier in this time. Practicing gratitude is another great way to keep a positive outlook.