12 Days of Christmas -- Winter Wellness for the Whole Family

The colder months can bring both coziness and health challenges. There is the abundance of seasonal stress, sniffles, fatigue, tension, dry skin, lowered immunity, emotional heaviness, and less sunlight. But winter is also nature’s invitation to slow down, rest deeply, nourish gently, and intentionally care for our families.

Winter wellness is not just about not getting sick...it's also about strengthening the body’s resilience. Our immune system doesn’t simply depend on supplements as many wellness supporters would have you believe. Our body thrives when we support sleep, emotional wellness, hydration, movement, and nourishment. We influence our health by experiencing joy, laughter, stress, connection, and rest.

Winter wellness foundations for families:

• Keep rhythms steady -- consistent meals, movement, light exposure, and bedtime help regulate hormones, mood, and immunity.  

• Support Vitamin D & sunlight exposure -- even eight minutes of morning sun or using full-spectrum lighting helps combat Vitamin D deficiency and seasonal mood dips. If you choose to add in a supplement, we encourage having your blood work done before starting.  

• Nourish with warm, mineral-rich foods and limit the sugars --bone broth, oatmeal, lentils, sweet potatoes, winter greens, herbal teas, citrus, and elderberry provide mineral and immune support.  

• Hydration matters! This is actually more true in winter months than during summer. Dehydration worsens winter fatigue, constipation, headaches, and irritability...especially in children.  

• Emotional warmth strengthens physical health --laughter, rest, hugs, and calm surroundings support vagal tone and immune resilience.

Hands and Hearts Wellness has many herbal and homeopathic winter supports available.

• Elderberry, elderflower, eleuthro for viral support  

• Nettle and Red Raspberry Leaf for mineral nourishment  

• Chamomile, Lemon Balm, or Linden for sleep and emotions  

• Homeopathic Bryonia and Drosera for dry or spasmodic coughs, especially with a tickle in the throat

• Aconite for sudden colds

• Nux vomica for stress-related illness

• Bach Florals like Mustard, Olive, and Elm for emotional winter heaviness

Families don’t have to do all the things and go to all the places. Winter is not about perfect wellness routines, it's about seasonal alignment -- slow, nourishing rhythms, and responsive care. Stop by during one of our Open House dates and let's help you prepare for winter by adding a few remedies to your family medicine cabinet. And check back with us in January and February for some pop-up Healthy Make & Take classes!