Healthy Winter Hormone Reset
Photo credit to Unsplash
Winter has arrived for most of us! As I sit in a coffee shop and write this it is currently snowing outside and is set to be record breaking cold temperatures this week. I used to dread winter so much, especially growing up in the Midwest where the cold temperature seemed to last until March but in the past few years, I’ve learned to use the colder months to my advantage especially when it comes to resetting or refreshing my hormones.
Our female hormones love slow. Slowness is associated with a lack of anxiety, cortisol, over tiredness and over stimulation, which all can wreak havoc on our hormones. The colder months are often times slower than the rest of the year. Less obligations, social events and activities. So how do you use these months to your advantage?
Rest.
I love sleep but don’t always get enough of it, especially as a mom. However, since the sun sets earlier in the colder months, I find my natural circadian rhythm makes me want to go to bed earlier. The downside is I also want to sleep later but I focus on getting up at the same time each morning to help keep my circadian rhythm the same. I also recommend a “happy light.” You can get them fairly inexpensive on Amazon. I stand in front of mine naked in the morning after my shower as I’m getting ready to expose as much of my body to the light as possible. The light naturally mimics sunlight, which can be hard to get in the winter. This can be especially helpful for people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Nourish.
It’s no surprise that our body naturally craves warmer foods in the winter, and with the right foods we can make sure we’re nourishing ourselves to the fullest potential. In Ayurveda, foods are given a hot or cold quality. It’s believed that warm or hot foods help boost your metabolism, circulation and digestion. Think of sweet potatoes, oatmeal, grass-fed ghee, and spices such as turmeric, chai, cinnamon and ginger. These all create “heat” in the body. It’s no surprise that when it’s cold outside, you should focus on filling your body with warm foods.
Rejuvenate.
When is the last time you took 30 minutes and did something to rejuvenate your soul and body? It doesn’t have to be fancy but the act of taking some time to indulge your senses and turn off your mind is so important for optimal health. Here are a few of my favorite ways to unwind.
Journal – Grab a pen and paper and “download” whatever is on your mind. Getting it out on paper and out of your head can do wonders to bring you peace.
Warm Bath – My favorite way to take a bath is with a little vitamin E oil, lavender oil and Epsom salt.
Hot Tea – Grab your favorite kettle and heat it on the stove and pour your favorite tea in a cozy mug. My favorite tea right now for hormone balance is Red Raspberry Leaf.
Meditate – Even just sitting quietly focusing on your breath for 15 minutes is the perfect way to declutter your mind.
Read – Fiction, non-fiction, whatever you prefer just make sure it feels fun for you and not like a chore on your to-do list.
Stay warm this winter from the inside out and take this opportunity to nourish your hormones. Come Spring and warmer weather, you will feel refreshed and reenergized.
It’s important to note that I am not a medical doctor and this information should not be considered personal medical advice. Rather, it is meant to illustrate my personal experience. You should always consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating, changing or removing medications from your health plan.