Embrace Selfcare This February with These Essential Tips
- Jeannine Love
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
In February, we're still experiencing cold weather, but we may also enjoy a few warmer days here and there, pointing to the warmer weather that will be coming in spring. The days are noticeably longer now too. It's natural to want to slim down, rejuvenate, and refresh yourself in late winter, so consider following some of these selfcare tips for February.
February Selfcare Tips
Food
You may notice that your body naturally wants some lighter foods now, particularly green leafy vegetables and bitter greens; but it still wants warm, cooked foods, such as soups, stews and roasted vegetables. Try a Hearty Lentil Soup or a Mediterranean White Bean Soup - loaded with vegetables, legumes, and greens.
Eat lighter protein, such as fish or poultry; and avoid, or cut down, on wheat, red meat, sweets, and dairy, because these foods may add to the mucus congestion and heaviness that you may be feeling.
Lastly, be sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. I encourage you to try warm water because it keeps your digestive fire strong. You can add a slice of fresh ginger to your water to further aid digestion.
Herbs
Add warming spices like ginger, black pepper, turmeric and cinnamon to your meals to keep your body warm and to aid digestion. Enjoy a mug of Masala Chai with cinnamon, cardamon, ginger and cloves; but if you’re congested, use a milk alternative instead of cow’s milk.
Also, include lemon, fennel, nettles, and liver herbs, such as burdock root, dandelion root, and milk thistle seeds.
Lifestyle
If possible, exercise in the morning between 6:00 and 10:00 am. To limber up and lubricate your joints, give yoga a try. Add cardio to your routine like jogging, walking, or dancing. Either way – get moving.
If you’re prone to sinus congestion, use a neti pot to keep the nasal passages clear. I sometimes add several drops of an Echinacea Tincture to the saline mix in my neti pot. It helps to ward off a sinus infection. However too much neti pot use as well as indoor heating can dry out the sinuses. To prevent this use Nasya Oil.
Take care of your skin. The cold, dry winter air as well as indoor heating can dry out your skin. Get some winter skincare tips and if you're up to it, make a batch of Calendula Lotion.
Have a happy and healthy February!
Comments