As we venture into a new season, it is a time to reflect about our health.

Winter brings with it a new feeling. I love the smell and the difference in the feel of the air and the anticipation of change. But for many, those changes, those feelings, are not as pleasant. With the cold, comes achy joints, frequent flu, colds or lung infections. It is accompanied by stress, running ragged preparing for the holidays, attending holiday events or shopping. With that stress comes other health issues - anxiety, depression, digestive complaints and flaring up of auto-immune challenges. For too many, this is not a good time of the year. So how can we make it more enjoyable?

First of all, as we feel increasingly more stressed, busier or emotionally low, we typically do the very actions that exaggerate those feelings - we abandon the very routines that keep us emotionally balanced. We stop exercising because we "don't have time" or because the weather is no longer conducive to exercise; we stop eating at home and eat out more - foods that typically don't support our health; and we eat "emotionally" - typically foods that stress our bodies more, rather than support them when it is needed the most. Our sleep takes second fiddle to our preparations and "down time," is just the opposite.

So how can we stay balanced when the cold weather, the holidays and the cloudy days seem to combine against us?

Sleep. Get eight hours in. You need this rejuvenative time and you'll find that adequate sleep doesn't compromise your time, it adds to it. That's because when you feel rested, you have more energy, more motivation and therefore, can get more done.

Eat well. Start out the morning with good solid nutrition. Protein is key. Empty carbohydrates like cereal, pancakes and muffins give you false energy, and you'll crash later. Eggs are great and so are turkey burger patties. Don't skip meals. Eat as many vegetables as you can. They will sustain you better than carbs and contain vital nutrients that help your body's emotional and energy systems operate more effectively. Stay away from sugar!

Breathe. Take yoga, pilates, meditation or other classes (yes, I know, you're too busy!) - classes that will hold you accountable to quiet time. Remember kindergarden?

Resolve health issues. Acupuncture, nutrition and herbal medicine are wonderful treatment modalities that have proven effective in the treatment of many inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, pain anywhere in the body, gastro-intestinal disorders, weakened immunity as well as auto-immune disorders and more.

As a patient said to me last week: "I've always dreaded this time of year. I always get sicker, more stressed and the world seems to close in on me. This year, I feel great, and for the first time, I'm looking forward to the winter and to the holidays! It feels great to feel great!"

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 32 years of experience. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.