5 simple tips and ACTION steps to lighten up FEBRUARY
Jan 01, 2023
FEBRUARY 2019 -
”The dark does not destroy the light; it defines it. It's our fear of the dark that casts our joy into the shadows.” - Brene Brown
Valued Patients, Colleagues, Family, and Friends,
Thank you for being on this journey with me. If I have learned anything in the last few years that has really enhanced and focused my purpose - it is that NO ONE and I mean NO ONE can do this alone….and by this, I mean LIFE.
We all need community.- people we can be our whole, real selves with. Loved ones, sisters - real and chosen, people with a similar vision, that are going to lift us up, and who we can help rise…It's key. It allows us to be ourselves, fully - which then leads to transformation on all levels.
February is a HARD MONTH - likely the hardest, darkest, coldest, grayest of the whole entire year. It can trigger your own dark thoughts, energy, and emotions. The darkness that exists in all of us, is really illuminated at this time. We tend to isolate more, hibernate more, and be a little bit more internal. There is a purpose for this time though. By touching and moving through these emotions, we come out the other side, with that much more light, empathy and gratitude for self and others.
It is all important. It all has a purpose. The deeper the darkness the deeper the light - I believe that wholeheartedly….
I wanted to share 5 things that are important to do daily (if possible) through February to improve and nourish your mood, sleep, and energy!
In no particular importance, they all will enhance and inspire your WHOLE health:
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Take at least 1000 IU of vitamin D daily. This is KEY, and if you are going to choose only 1 action item from this list of 5 - this should be it. And it should be it for everyone - your kids, parents, siblings, and colleagues! It will help to improve your mood, immune system, and just overall health through the winter months when we lack sun. TAKE THIS until the warmth comes back…
My fave brand. St Francis Herbs liquid d drops
ACTION STEP - commit to starting this tomorrow - PUT the bottle somewhere you will see daily to remember.
2. MOVEMENT IS KEY. It is a challenge when all you feel like doing is cozying up on your couch with Netflix….but if you are starting to feel achy and sluggish - you have to move! Even a little bit each day. 10 minutes of yoga or walking outside, or even 50 jumping jacks is better than nothing! If you find yourself in the EXTREME mentality of all or nothing with exercise. Try to adapt it and just move…a little goes a long way
My fave gyms and classes these days: Philosophy Fitness - barre and HIIT classes
ACTION STEP: COMMIT TO MOVING more then you have been - find a class, ask a friend, find a free youtube yoga video - just do something - ASAP
3. Please try to be aware of your refined sugar and caffeine intake!
I know sugar is “comfort” food and we all crave more comfort in the winter, but PLEASE trust me on this the more sugar you eat, the less serotonin you have. Less serotonin means lower mood, energy, sleep and impulse control over your cravings. This is not IDEAL. We want to increase serotonin to boost our mood and energy, and sugar really destroys this! It is the antidote to your health goals. I empathize with how addictive it is. So that is why I am here to support you. If you are ready to give up sugar, but can’t on your own, please take an actual ACTION step towards reaching your goal and reach out to me [email protected] for ideas and solutions for you. You can also join one of my cleanse for life 10-day groups - that will give you the accountability and support to obtain the goals you deserve! The power of community is truly magic!
Next group is the end of March (after March Break) - more details here:
https://www.jodilarrynd.com/bookings/10-day-cleanse-november-2018
4. Nourish your body with wholesome foods that will give your bones and muscles what it needs in the winter. During the winter, we need to consume a lot more warm drinks. Herbal teas, elixirs, hot water with lemon, matcha lattes, ginger turmeric tea specifically should be a winter staple - all these warm drinks help to keep your immune system strong and your body feeling vital. See below, for an amazing recipe from Carolyn Cohen of Delicious Dish.
TURMERIC GLOW TEA
INGREDIENTS
2-inch piece of ginger, sliced in thin rounds (not peeled, see note at the bottom)2-inch piece of fresh turmeric, sliced in thin rounds (not peeled, see note at the bottom) or 1/4 tsp dried ground turmeric.1 Tsp. raw honey or liquid unpasteurized honey, more to tatse2 grinds of black pepper TINY shake of cayenne, optional
16 oz boiling water
DIRECTIONS
Place the ginger pieces and turmeric pieces on a small pot, top with water and bring to a boil for 10-15 minutes. Let it then steep for a few more minutes.
Add honey, cayenne and black pepper.
I like to make a large pot (a quadruple recipe) of this tea ahead of time and rewarm it through the day, the longer the ginger and turmeric are allowed to steep, the better.
1 serving
For full recipe and enhanced details, click here: https://www.deliciousdish.ca/2018/10/04/ginger-turmeric-glow-tea/5.
5. Lower your expectations of yourself and know that your mood, energy, and zest for life is not going to be the same in February as it will be in July! Adjust your expectations, be kind internally and connect with others when you are meeting your darkness through this month. Know that all things shift and change, and embrace what you can learn from these more internal seasons.
What action step can you take right away after reading this to enhance your whole health? Every action - big or small matters towards your ultimate goal.
With gratitude, love, and inspiration,
Atha.
Dr. Jodi
