In my last post I talked about hydrating to keep healthy this winter, and I’ve heard from many of you that you’re finding creative ways to get more hot water and healthy oils into your body. Good for you!

Another aspect of this season is the increasingly cold weather. Growing up in Chicago we took the cold seriously. We wore really warm clothes like down, wool, corduroy and we layered those over long underwear. Even though it can get quite cold in Oklahoma, I’m shocked to see people running around wearing hoodies in 25-degree weather! Come on, people, let’s take this cold weather seriously because cold and dry are the recipe for weakened immune system which allows viruses to take hold.

Ayurveda offers these simple suggestions:

Continue to add hot water into your diet. Avoid cold, icy drinks and sip hot water all day. Add some fresh lemon and raw honey to detox the upper digestive system.

Add warming spices to your food and drinks: turmeric, garlic, ginger, licorice, black pepper

Cover your head and neck. We lose a lot of heat through the top of the head, so a scarf, hoodie or beanie can keep us warm when we’re outside even for short periods of time. Plus, if you’re prone to congestion, earaches or sore throats, wrap a scarf around your throat and cover your chest.

Wear a coat when it’s cold or dress in layers. Layers are actually pretty nice because you can take them off one by one as needed. Going outside? Wear three layers. Getting into a car or bus? Take one layer off.

You can be well this autumn and winter by taking care of yourself in these little ways!

You’ve probably already seen the signs of dryness—itchy skin, cracked cuticles and dry nasal passages. And if you’re dry on the outside of your body, you are also dry on the inside of your body. This dryness can lead to many more problems, such as constipation, headaches, lower immunity to illness, nose bleeds, anxiety, and digestive distress.

Yoga and Ayurveda are all about keeping you healthy this winter, so follow these guidelines to stay hydrated this season:

Drink ½ your weight in ounces each day (150 lbs = 75 oz). Choose room temperature to hot water and herbal tea. Limit caffeine and alcohol.

Add 1 teaspoon of organic coconut oil to your coffee or tea each morning. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil on steamed veggies.

Massage ½ oz of warm sesame oil into your skin after your shower.

Use a warm mist humidifier in your bedroom.

Get to yoga class each week and supplement with a few mindful stretches or centered deep breathing every day. You don’t have to be sick this fall and winter. Stay healthy and strong by taking care of yourself!