It's October!

It’s October! Fall is in the air! Days are getting shorter! For those of us in a cooler climate we are starting to prepare for winter.

Some people love the winter, but for those of us with Autoimmune issues, it makes us want to stay inside next to the fireplace wrapped up in a blanket.

I am blessed because most of the Winter I head south to my Condo in Florida. However, I realize for most people this is not possible. Even in Winter we must find ways to care for ourselves and try to heal from pain and inflammation. It is ok to slow down in the Winter, rest more and hunker down in our homes. Animals do, therefore we can too!

If we stay hunkered down too long, we can start to experience negative effects like muscle stiffness, soreness, and loss of mobility, which can lead to many, many problems. I broke 2 bones in my arm a few weeks ago, and my lack of movement is already having some negative effects both physically and emotionally.

So, here are a few tips for staying healthy during the winter!

1- Get as much daylight as you can

Sunlight during the day - especially in the morning - keeps your body clock in tune. This will help you be more alert during the day and sleep better at night.

Open your blinds or shades as soon as you get up in the morning. Sit by the window during morning coffee and devotions. Bundle up and get outside for a walk if you’re able.

2 - Keep eating your protein

Help your body prepare for the extra challenges of winter by giving it plenty of nutrient-dense foods. Protein helps us build our muscle, and the amino acids in protein help to keep our immune systems boosted and healthy.

Eating more protein will help with those sugar cravings too! I often talk to you about blood sugar levels, protein will help with this.

3 - Move your body

Being active during the daytime is crucial to regulating your body clock. We tend to move less in the winter, which leads to muscle loss, stiffness, discomfort, and flare-ups.

You should include regular, gentle exercises that focus on building strength. This will help you get through the colder months and help with your daily activities. Make sure you listen to your body and stop when you feel it may be too much.

I try my best to encourage others and support those with Autoimmune disease and Chronic Illness. Sometimes you just need to hear you are not alone in this journey. The support group I started is now almost 30 women strong. These women not only inspire me but, I consider them my friends. Feel free to reach out to me if you are curious what this group is all about.

tracy@healingfaithfoodsupport.com

If you are interested in low impact exercise I suggest trying to work with Andrea at Autoimmune Strong.