A Cup Of Tea And A Little Self-Care: Strengthening My Immunity Before Winter Arrives
- Daphne O
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
October 21, 2025 | Daphne Oh
"...the most powerful immune-boosting habit of all might simply be this: honoring the rhythm of rest and renewal."
There’s something about the shift between fall and winter that always makes me pause. The air grows colder, mornings feel slower, and the world seems to whisper, “It’s time to take care of yourself.” I can almost feel my body asking for more rest, more warmth, and more nourishment.
Towards the end of autumn of last year, I started building what I call my “immune-boosting and self-care rituals.” They’re not complicated…just small, steady habits that help me stay grounded, healthy, and calm before the winter winds roll in. They have changed a bit this year as I am a work in progress, but please allow me to share these routines with you.
A Quiet Sip Of Sunshine Before The Rush Begins
I’ve learned that the way I start my day often sets the tone for everything that follows. On crisp mornings, open the blinds, and let the sunlight touch my skin while sipping something warm…usually lemon water or green tea. I always like to start the day with sunlight in my eyes and watch the trees. It helps stimulate the happy hormones…dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins.
That quiet moment of stillness feels like medicine for both body and mind. It helps me remember that slowing down isn’t laziness…it’s strength. It’s giving my body the chance to recharge before the day begins.
Feeding My Body With Kindness And My Soul with Self-Care
Food has become one of my favorite forms of self-care. Those who follow me on social media know that I love food 😂. When the temperature drops, I crave warmth…soups, roasted vegetables, herbal teas, and plenty of vitamin-rich fruits. I try to fill my plate with color: oranges, spinach, sweet potatoes, and berries. Sweet potatoes and soups are favorites during the autumn and winter months.
Lately, I’ve been adding ginger and turmeric to everything such as tea, smoothies, even stir-fries. They’re not just flavorful; they’re full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits that support my immune system. I make ginger and lemon juice at the beginning of every week that lasts me throughout the week. It can be sipped warm or enjoyed cold.
I remind myself eating well isn’t about restriction. It’s about giving my body what it needs to thrive, not just survive, and finding foods that I enjoy that allows me to do just that.
Warming Up To Wellness: Little Movements That Keep My Spirit Cozy
When it gets colder, I used to lose motivation to exercise. However, now I’ve shifted my mindset and it's quite the opposite. I gain motivation during the colder months and have less motivation during the warmer months. I believe the heat affects my walking term. However, I've realized movement doesn’t have to mean pushing myself. It just has to mean showing up for myself.
Some days that look like a brisk walk in the cool air, watching the trees lose their leaves. Other days, it’s gentle stretching with calming music and a candle flickering nearby. Movement reminds me that my body is strong, capable, and worthy of care.
Resting Gently: Because My Body Deserves The Same Care I Give Everything Else”
My sleeping habits aren't always the best. Late nights and early mornings lead to some very unhealthy sleep deprivation. However, I'm learning to be more intentional in all aspects of my life and this includes my downtime. I’ve started treating sleep like a ritual instead of an afterthought. Cozy pajamas, dim lighting, a short gratitude journal entry. These tiny habits signal to my body that it’s safe to rest.
Quality sleep is one of the simplest ways to strengthen immunity, and yet, it’s the first thing we often sacrifice. I’ve learned that true productivity comes from rest, not from burnout.
A Soft Heart And A Slow Breath: Finding Calm Through Self-Kindness
Sometimes boosting immunity isn’t just about vitamins and sleep…it’s about peace. Chronic stress weakens our defenses, and calm strengthens them.
So I light candles that smell like vanilla and sandalwood. I listen to music that soothes my mind instead of scrolling through endless noise. I say no often lol 🤣. It's not a crime to say no to favors when you are not feeling up to them. It doesn't make you a bad person. It's about knowing and respecting your boundaries. I laugh when I can. I forgive myself when I can’t do it all.
Healing, I’ve found, doesn’t just come from what we eat or how we move. It comes from how we love ourselves through the changing seasons. It's a constant process. There's always things taking place that require us to heal. That's why I am huge on resetting and refocusing often. It shows me where I need to work on myself personally.
“Unhurried Moments, Quiet Joy: My Heart’s Reminder To Just Be”
There’s beauty in preparing for winter. Like nature itself, we’re meant to slow down, store energy, and find warmth in simple things.
This year, my goal isn’t just to stay healthy. It’s to stay present. To breathe deeper, rest easier, and remind myself that taking care of my body is also taking care of my spirit.
As the days grow shorter and the nights stretch longer, I’m learning that the most powerful immune-boosting habit of all might simply be this: honoring the rhythm of rest and renewal.
Because when I nurture myself with intention, I’m not just preparing for winter. I’m preparing to thrive.
❄️Self-Care Winter Wellness Reflection & Immune-Boosting Checklist
Use this as a gentle reminder to slow down, reset, and strengthen your body before the colder months arrive. You can journal your answers, or simply reflect on them while sipping something warm.
✨ Reflection Prompts
What is one daily habit I can add to feel more energized this winter?
How can I make rest a bigger part of my wellness routine?
What foods make me feel comforted and nourished?
How can I make my space feel warmer, calmer, and more healing?
What do I need to let go of before this new season begins?
🕯️ Immune-Boosting Habit Checklist
Drink water and herbal tea throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Eat colorful, whole foods (especially greens, oranges, and berries).
Add immune-supporting herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, and turmeric.
Take a short walk or do light stretching daily to keep energy flowing.
Keep a consistent sleep schedule and unwind before bed.
Practice one stress-relief ritual every day (journaling, meditation, or reading).
Take quiet moments for gratitude and deep breathing.
Let sunlight in or step outside for a few minutes of natural light each morning.
I hope this blog has found you in good spirits and that you have enjoyed reading my thoughts and personal experience on immune boosting routines for the winter months. I truly appreciate everyone's support. Please leave a comment and share any of your experience and knowledge about how you boost your immune system during the winter months. You never know who you may be inspiring. Wishing everyone peace, happiness and favortism. There will be a slight change in my future blogs. Instead of posting once a week, I will be posting twice a month. Although I truly enjoy writing and sharing my blogs, my plate seem to be overflowing lately and I had to make some adjustments and set some boundaries for my own mental wellness. I appreciate your understanding. There will still be blogs. Just not every week. Please check back weekly for my latest blogs and any that you may have missed. Some will be personal, others will be about spreading awareness and some will be a combination of both. Until next time...
-Daphne Oh
Kay Bea Presents
"Same World, Different Perspective
References
Harvard Health Publishing. How to Boost Your Immune System. (health.harvard.edu)
Cleveland Clinic. 9 Ways to Boost Your Immunity Naturally. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
National Sleep Foundation. Sleep and Immunity Connection. (sleepfoundation.org)
Healthline. Turmeric, Ginger, and the Immune System. (healthline.com)
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