Some Winter Time Questions I need Answers 2

[Master X]

Why is it that I always get extremely lazy in the wintertime and don’t even do important tasks?

Why is it that after a few days of being cold I feel sort of sick and have a slightly scratchy throat but am not sick yet and can move about normally?

Does weight lifting and running really help to prevent colds?

[NotesMaeve]

1) I don't know. That's a "you" thing. I live for the winter and it makes me feel alive.

2) Because your throat is irritated from the temp change. Irritation doesn't feel so nice!!!

3) Yes, regular exercise does strengthen your immune system.

[Master X]

Originally Posted by NotesMaeve

1) I don't know. That's a "you" thing. I live for the winter and it makes me feel alive.

2) Because your throat is irritated from the temp change. Irritation doesn't feel so nice!!!

3) Yes, regular exercise does strengthen your immune system.

Thanks notes

[openeyes]

Originally Posted by Master X

Why is it that I always get extremely lazy in the wintertime and don’t even do important tasks?

time to hibernate?

[NotesMaeve]

Originally Posted by Master X

Thanks notes

No problem, babe.

[CoolStuff]

Also what's a good way to stay happy in the wintertime with the lack of sun?

[Ilya]

Originally Posted by Master X

Why is it that I always get extremely lazy in the wintertime and don’t even do important tasks?

You seem to be sensitive to the yearly cycle. In the areas with strongly defined seasons, we naturally follow the cycle of spring, summer, autumn and winter.
The difference of seasons is pretty obvious. There is a most suitable mood, the most suitable activities that go with every season.
Winter is the time of temporary death in nature. The achievements of the previous cycle are left behind, the leaves are shed on the ground and new life seems so unlikely.
Spring is the time of rebirth. New ideas, enterprises, relationships thrive in spring.
Summer is the pinnacle of the year, the time of growth and development. Anything started in sprint takes its shape in summer.
Autumn is the time of the harvest. All that was conceived in spring and has developed during summer takes shape and has to be collected and stored for the future. The seeds are laid down for the next cycle, but will not emerge until after the winter.
This agricultural metaphor can be applied to the different areas of our life.
To business, to study, to relationships. In the modern world these cycles are wrecked. We have a New Year in the middle of the winter, we are supposed to work hard through the winter and be lazy during the summer.
Also each person can have his own micro-years that can last weeks or even days. Small springs, summers, autumns and winters and again springs.

You seem to be sensitive to this natural cycle. Take a rest. Don't push yourself. Let the winter freeze your soul for a while. The deeper you go into winter state the faster it will turn into the new spring.

[Ilya]

Originally Posted by CoolStuff

Also what's a good way to stay happy in the wintertime with the lack of sun?

You may want to have a look at this thread in Emotional Mastery forum: The nordic lack of light makes me moody and sleepy!

[bdp]

Immune system strength: healthy diet.

My wife and I are both elementary school teachers -- we got colds, sore throats, and the flu from the kids several times a year until we stopped eating animal foods. We haven't been sick once since that very day.

[Matthew Shea]

Originally Posted by Master X

Why is it that after a few days of being cold I feel sort of sick and have a slightly scratchy throat but am not sick yet and can move about normally?

Dry air. Cold winter air can't hold humidity like warm air can. Then we take that cold air and heat it up, which lowers the relative humidity and you wind up with very dry air. It can easily be as dry as a desert indoors unless you re-humidify the air. Even if you do that, it can take some adjustment, but that's what's making your throat dry and scratchy.

[WanderingOak]

Originally Posted by Matthew Shea

Dry air. Cold winter air can't hold humidity like warm air can. Then we take that cold air and heat it up, which lowers the relative humidity and you wind up with very dry air. It can easily be as dry as a desert indoors unless you re-humidify the air. Even if you do that, it can take some adjustment, but that's what's making your throat dry and scratchy.

Right. If you use a wood stove for heat, it's probably a good idea to keep a kettle full of water on top at all times. Not only does it humidify the air, but you will always have hot water ready for tea .

[4Mind4Life]

Originally Posted by Master X

Why is it that I always get extremely lazy in the wintertime and don’t even do important tasks?

Why is it that after a few days of being cold I feel sort of sick and have a slightly scratchy throat but am not sick yet and can move about normally?

Does weight lifting and running really help to prevent colds?

It could be S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Whatever the problem is, it is probably from lack of sunlight. I recommend getting a good "LightBox" to help with this. I use a lightbox in the winter to help give me more energy. I definitely recommend buying one.

Weight lifting and running are definitely good for keeping the body healthy and boosting the immune system. Running definitely helps clear out the sinuses and phlegm...

Hope you found my advice helpful!

[Addict]

Why is it that I always get extremely lazy in the wintertime and don’t even do important tasks?

Why is it that after a few days of being cold I feel sort of sick and have a slightly scratchy throat but am not sick yet and can move about normally?

I touched on a theory I have concerning this in an article I wrote:
4 Ways to Never Get Sick Again » I’m an Omnivore

Basically, I'm thinking Vitamin D plays a large role in immune system strength, depression, and overall wellbeing. I'm certain that many people are bordering on Vitamin D deficiency, especially in the winter.

If it's not that, I wouldn't really know. Nothing else really changes. The weather obviously changes, but most people don't spend their time in the cold anyway.

Does weight lifting and running really help to prevent colds?

I'm not sure. Diet probably plays a greater role, but I think exercise helps you stay healthy in general. It's definitely not a bad idea.

[openeyes]

Originally Posted by Addict

Basically, I'm thinking Vitamin D plays a large role in immune system strength, depression, and overall wellbeing. I'm certain that many people are bordering on Vitamin D deficiency, especially in the winter.

More and more people are discovering the potential value of vitamin D:

"A four-year clinical trial involving 1,200 women found those taking the vitamin had about a 60-per-cent reduction in cancer incidence, compared with those who didn't take it, a drop so large — twice the impact on cancer attributed to smoking [...]

One of the researchers who made the discovery, professor of medicine Robert Heaney of Creighton University in Nebraska, says vitamin D deficiency is showing up in so many illnesses besides cancer that nearly all disease figures in Canada and the U.S. will need to be re-evaluated. "We don't really know what the status of chronic disease is in the North American population," he said, "until we normalize vitamin D status." "

globeandmail.com: Vitamin D casts cancer prevention in new light

As for where to get it when the sun is barely out, Carlson's lemon flavored Cod Liver Oil is great for vitamin D and omega 3s.

[eblight]

Yes, exercise as others have said really helps your circulation , keeps you warm, and fit and helps your moods if you are prone to feeling lethargic in the winter months.