Did He See His Shadow?

I plan on wrestling this coming week, as I'd probably go crazy if I waited any longer, but this weekend I had to miss out on Amherst College's annual Groundhog's Day Invitational.  Although not on February 2nd, this tournament is always held the first or second weekend of February.  I have no idea whether or not the groundhog saw his shadow on Thursday, and I'm not too concerned because it's just a legend, but right now is usually the coldest time of the year.  It is at the point in the season when lots of guys get sick and have to miss time from practice or competitions.  Unfortunately our immune systems are more prone to it because, as one of my freestyle coaches put it: "We should be sitting at home eating soup in the winter, but instead we're cutting weight."  Each February from 2007-2009 I got a really bad cold, but I'm going to tell you how I've avoided that the past three years.

One of the most important changes I made is opening my window every day, even if just for a few minutes.  As another health-minded student told me freshman year, it isn't cold weather that gives you a cold, it's breathing the same stale air over and over that gives you a cold.  This is especially true in a dorm where over one hundred people crammed into one building are breathing the same air.  I like to leave my windows open if it's warm enough for me to stand it, and in the winter I suck it up and open my window for a short while each morning to let some fresh air in.

Another change I made is adding raw, local honey to my diet.  It is somewhat high in sugar, but the raw and natural varieties aren't bad for you, and a tablespoon or too won't hurt.  If the honey is local (made within roughly 50 miles of you) it will help relieve allergies.  You can eat a spoonful plain, or you can add it to tea, yogurt, smoothies, cereal, protein shakes, or anything you please.

Last but certainly not least, I learned the importance of deep breathing through the nose.  The nose is a natural air filter, so you get cleaner air than if you inhaled through you mouth.  Get in the habit of being aware of your breath at all times.  Make each inhale and exhale last several seconds so that you can completely fill your lungs and then completely empty them.  Also, pause for a few seconds and hold your breath between each inhale and exhale.

I hate cold weather, so thank goodness our sport is indoors (with the exception being occasional outdoor tournaments in the spring and summer).  I like to joke around and say that it's always wrestling weather, no matter what it's like outside.  Anyways, bundle up this season and give those tricks a try.

Stay healthy,
Jeff