A few years ago, I had a dreadful Christmas: I was in bed with ‘flu, from Christmas Eve until the day I went back to work in January – typical!
I’d been so busy in the run up to Christmas with late nights and long working days, and probably not eating as well as I should, that I’d exhausted myself and didn’t listen to what my body was telling me, so no wonder I was ill.
I vowed never to make that mistake again and now take much better care of myself at this busy time and I thought I’d share some of the things I do to keep myself fit and healthy over the festive season and throughout winter.
Relaxation
Take time out to relax. If we are constantly in a state of stress, running on adrenaline our immune system is comprised, so take time out to be still, allowing the whole body to relax. The most effective way to do this is to do a guided relaxation, as relaxation is often found to be easier said than done!
Come along to an Inside Out yoga class to learn some relaxation techniques and we sell relaxation CD’s which many people find useful for use at home.
Move!
Get your body moving – go for a walk, dance, vigorous housework (Ha ha!), do some yoga – anything to get your circulation moving which in turn stimulates the lymphatic system, a key part of our germ busting immune system.
Clean out your nostrils!
Yes, you’ve read right, I’m asking you to clean out your nostrils!
To me, the traditional yogic practise of salt water nasal washing (jala neti) is as fundamental to personal hygiene as brushing my teeth or showering.
Dilute a flat teaspoon of salt in 500ml of body temperature water, then hang your head over a basin and pour 250ml down each nostril, the water works it’s way around your sinus passages clearing out any blockages (I’m trying hard not to be graphic – I’m sure you get the picture!).
To finish gently blow the nose a few times to dry the nostrils. If you’d like to find out more about Jala Neti and it’s merits please do ask me – I can’t enthuse enough about this fabulous practise (winter nights fly by at my house!).
Strengthen Your Immune System
All through winter our Inside Out yoga classes will be focussing very strongly on strengthening the immune system, so do join us to find out how to keep yourself fighting fit.