A Guest Post by Marie-Christine Lochot, NCTMB (republished with permission)

We are almost half-way through this winter season. Some people enjoy each day while others struggle to maintain their physical health and mental well-being. If you are counting the days until springtime, then try these 10 easy tips to help you be well this winter.

1. A good night's sleep is more important than ever. Studies show that half of Americans are sleep deprived. Eight hours a night is the goal. Interestingly, the hours spent sleeping before midnight are the most beneficial.

2. Eat warm, nutritious food. Cold foods like ice cream, salads, and iced drinks use a lot of energy to digest.

3. In traditional Chinese medicine, winter is "kidney" season. A few of the most beneficial foods to eat at this time are: shellfish, black beans, toasted walnuts. {Please avoid these foods if you have allergies.}

4. Keep exercising, especially walking, even when it is cold outside (or visit your local mall and window shop as you walk indoors). Try to take the stairs instead of the elevator. Short on time? Remember that taking mini-exercise breaks of 5 or 10 minutes several times a day is very effective.

5. Keep stretching. Establish a 10 minute routine every day of slow, easy stretches.

6. Think you are coming down with something? Using your fingers, tap the sides of your body for 1 to 2 minutes.

7. Laugh and have fun with family and friends. This will boost your immune system.

8 & 9. Keeping a positive attitude and expressing gratitude - inwardly and outwardly - are two of the most powerful things we can do to take care of ourselves. 

10. Treat yourself to a massage or an energy balancing session!

Like a lot of things, the more of these tips you practice, the better you will feel. Start today and enjoy the rest of the season, it will be over before you know it!