While it’s essential to stay healthy throughout the year, it’s especially important to be mindful of this in the winter months. Cold temperatures and reduced activity can make us susceptible to illness, which means healthy habits are an even bigger priority. And we can't forget about all the sweets, alcohol, and fattening foods we are surrounded by during the holidays.
If you’re keen to stay healthy this winter, try the cold weather wellness tips below.
1. Boost Your Immune System
One of the best defenses against viruses and colds in the winter is to boost your immune system. This includes eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and ensuring that you’re eating a variety of colors, too. Try to get as much vitamin C as possible through foods such as citrus fruits and make sure you’re not eating too much refined sugar. Supplements including zinc, vitamin D, and selenium are also great for boosting your immune system.
2. Stay Warm
This might sound like a logical point, but many people don’t consider the importance of keeping warm in the winter. If your internal body temperature is consistently cool due to having too many cold drinks, for example, this can hinder your body’s ability to fight off illnesses. By keeping yourself warm, you enable your internal heat to perform the job of keeping pathogens at bay. After all, there’s a reason your body naturally produces a fever when you have a virus. To stay warm this winter, visit https://valpak.com/coupon-codes/aliexpress.com to take advantage of AliExpress coupons and gear up with some thermal clothing.
3. Engage in Moderate Exercise
It’s no secret that exercise is excellent for keeping us healthy and strong. However, it’s important not to engage in too much rigorous exercise because it can have the opposite effect. Not only can it lead to burnout, but it can also exhaust your body’s resources and offset your hormone levels. While bursts of intense exercise are good occasionally, make sure you aim for regular exercise that oscillates between light and moderate.
4. Wash Your Hands More Often
This year’s pandemic has certainly taught us the importance of washing our hands and it’s a practice that should continue through the winter period. Regular handwashing will help prevent the risk of colds, flus (and the coronavirus), and will keep you healthier during the colder months. While more people are focusing on masks and vaccines, washing your hands is still important for reducing Coronavirus and the flu exposure.
5. Prioritize Relaxation
Many people are too busy to prioritize relaxation but it’s one of the most important ways to stay healthy. By giving yourself time to unwind and relax, you allow your body and mind to rest. Too often we fill our schedules with work and everyday tasks, which only increases our stress levels in the winter time. Try where possible to schedule in relaxation at least an hour each day, preferably in the evening so that you can prepare yourself for sleep.
6. Get Plenty Of Sleep
Another key way to stay healthy this winter is to ensure you get plenty of sleep. Experts recommend at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, so if you’re getting less than that, you may need to revamp your schedule. Persistent lack of sleep leads to weakened immunity, weight gain, foggy thinking, and a range of long-term health issues such as heart disease during the cold weather months.
Winter Wellness
Winter doesn't have to be a time of weight gain and sickness. Keep these tips in mind for better winter wellness!
