How To Stay Healthy During Winter
Winter is one of the most important times to emphasise our health. Especially if you are living in a country that faces the extremes of both winter and summer. Winter brings a large number of health risks, and taking the correct precautions to avoid such risks is the key to having a happy and healthy winter.
If you are looking for the best tips to minimise the inevitable problems, and avoid detrimental illnesses altogether, look into the following steps:
Get Your Flu Jabs
Winter means one thing, flu season. Flu season usually ranges from December to February, but depending on your country’s climate it can last even longer. Flu shots should be considered as soon as the winter season hits, and you will likely be able to get one for free under health care. Flu jabs are prioritised usually for those people who are aged 50 and above, but if you are susceptible to getting flu then exceptions are likely to be made.
Keep Active
If you have found that during the winter months your motivation has dropped, then you are not the only person. When we wake up in the early mornings in pitch-black weather, the natural response would be to stay curled up in bed. It is important to exercise during this time of the year predominantly to work your respiratory system, and this can help avoid illnesses like the flu and the common cold. Also, you should keep all your muscles moving during this time, as keeping key muscle groups moving will help prevent falling into a lazy slump and prevent weight gain.
Focus On Nutrition
Aside from exercise, your diet will play a key part in your overall health and wellness through the winter months. Diet is key, especially for getting the right nutrients to keep your immune system strong. Make sure to include a variety of fruits and vegetables into your diet within these months. Stews, casseroles, and soups are quick and easy ways to get a large chunk of nutrients and minerals into one meal. Avoid processed foods as much as possible, and opt for natural homemade dishes when possible.
Drink Fluids
Drinking fluids should not be neglected during the colder months. This means that even in the minus temperature, you should still be drinking your 2 litres of water a day. If you are struggling to get this intake, try to drink a lot after or during your exercise routine. It will be much easier to rehydrate and reach the intake if getting most of it in during your workout. If you are looking for alternative ways to hydrate whilst keeping warm, you should start drinking more herbal teas. Herbal teas hold lots of nutrients from plants which contribute to immune boosting and reducing the risks of some diseases.
Wrap Up
This might be deemed as one of the basics, but making sure you are wearing enough layers is essential for avoiding health risks during the icy season. Of course, a winter coat is essential, but you should also be layered with thick thermal materials with hats, gloves, and scarves. If you have the expenditure to buy thermal clothing you should do so or perhaps you might simply layer your clothing with luxury hoodies, tops, and other things. Your hands and feet have the most nerve ending, so make sure you have thermal socks, gloves, and suitable shoes to keep everything as warm as possible.
Get 8 Hours Of Sleep
If only we were like the animals who get to hibernate during winter, but unfortunately we are not. Some responsibilities require optimal focus, but this can not be achieved without a sufficient level of sleep. When we sleep our bodies learn to re-energize as well as prepare us for the next day. Adults should be getting at least 8 hours of sleep at night and this way they can avoid needing to stay in bed all day.
Moisturise Your Skin
The dry and cold winter months can leave our skin feeling dry and cracked. Many people neglect the importance of keeping their skin hydrated, and as a result, find they face painful skin problems that require medical attention. Avoid the fuss, and make sure you moisturise your body after each shower. Our hands and face are most susceptible to dry skin due to their exposure to the weather, so consider bringing a small moisturiser around with you for when you are feeling a little dry in these vulnerable areas.
Take Vitamins
If you are looking for a quick way to get your vitamins in if you do not have time to make nutrient-rich meals everyday, you should consider getting daily supplements. There are loads of immunity booster ingredients to consider during the winter months, but some of the most important include vitamin C and Vitamin D supplements. Vitamin C supports our immune systems which are at risk when the weather gets cold. Vitamin D is extremely important in winter due to the lack of sunlight we see during these months, which can lead to vitamin D deficiencies. You can purchase vitamin packages online and in shops to achieve your daily nutrient intake.
Maintain Your Mental Health
The maintenance of your health in winter should not only include your physical health, but also your mental health. Mental health is estimated to be at an all-time low for the population that suffers with depression and anxiety during these months. Taking the correct steps to avoid falling into a bad mental state during winter is important. Measures such as making sure you get as much daylight as possible if it’s around, reducing your time on social media and reading more, and also prioritising your exercise routine are all proven to boost your mental health.
Final Thoughts
The busy buzz of winter can often leave our health on the back burner, which unfortunately catches up with us when we least want it to. Even if you are not susceptible to getting ill, you should make sure you are carrying out the recommended precautions to avoid having issues altogether. Our health is the most important thing we have, but only accepting this when it is too late is the worst thing we can do to ourselves. Take the right steps, and also protect yourself from external risks that others can bring. Perhaps you might be doing all the right things, but if you surround yourself with poor people without sanitising your hands or wearing a facemask you might be furthering your risk. Take every precaution, and enjoy the festive frozen season with great health.
