As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, the following are a few things we can do to shore up our immune system and maintain our health.

Adding food that is warm, sweet, and seasonal is a good place to start. Cooking at home rather than eating out is another. Avoid cold drinks and food. Include cooked fruit vs. raw when possible. Try to stick to a regular eating and sleeping schedule; get to bed early if possible. Keep warm and stay out of drafts.

To help with sound sleep, try this ojas-building, rejuvenating tea: to a cup of milk (almond, rice, or hemp) add a pinch of cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add up to a tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter). Include a teaspoon of raw honey if desired. Heat to a low simmer (do not microwave) then sip just before bedtime.  

Yes, this is mostly common sense. But it's in the doing, not the knowing, that makes a difference. Taking a few minutes to include these activities into your daily routine is a way of honoring the transition of the seasons.  And in doing so, we rejuvenate our bodies, minds and spirits.  

Namaste, 

Debbie