Our bodies slow down during the winter.  To stay healthy, happy, vital and fit during the winter season, follow these winter health and energy secrets.

1.  Go to bed early and rise when the sun is up.  Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night to completely rest your body.

2.  Avoid experiencing excessive emotions during the winter by cuddling up with a book or picking up an indoor hobby like knitting, woodcarving or baking.  Avoid the winter blues by getting some sunlight. Let the sun bathe you by taking a walk outdoors.

3.  Engage in physical activities to circulate energy but avoid energy depleting activities and activities that make you perspire excessively.  Consider practicing tai-chi or qigong exercises.

4.  Keep your energy and health in the cold months by avoiding cold and raw foods that reduces salt to protect kidneys and increases bitter flavors.  Warm up by trying iron rich foods like spinach, broccoli, dried plum, oats, quinoa, sunflower and sesame seeds for a hearty and yummy soup.  Also drink lots of warm beverage like tea or warm water.

5.  Dress warmly and keep your abdomen warm and protected.  Increase your body’s resistance to stress by consuming herbs like ginseng and astragalus.