Days are getting shorter and colder and you’re probably starting to rotate your wardrobe and considering what you can do to boost your body’s immunity as winter approaches. Whether you’re a lover of the outdoors or an indoor person, winter is challenging time for colds and flus and even more concerning as we are coping with a worldwide pandemic. Even with social distancing, it’s good to know how best to keep yourself healthy and energetic!
Here are 6 great tips on how to cope with winter and stay away from illness in the run-up to Christmas.
Don’t be SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is one of the top factors contributing to depression and making a big impact on our mood and overall wellbeing in winter. This is brought on by the additional hours of darkness, lack of vitamin D and shorter days which also make us anxious as it feels we are constantly running out of time.
To combat SAD, make sure you do get some vitamin D by taking some supplements if you live in a region where sunlight is in short supply over winter, or include a brisk break of 20-30 minutes of walking over lunchtime. The fresh air will also help your mood and concentration.
Consider also using a SAD light therapy lamp, or a simple desk lamp that adds an additional burst of light to your corner while you work.
Hydration is still important
Although we’re used to thinking we need to stay hydrated in the summer as we sweat in the heat, this is equally important in winter. On the one hand, indoor heaters and air conditioners dry out our skin and eyes, making it uncomfortable to carry on working at computers. On the other hand, we’re still sweating even if the cold air wicks it away! So, when you’re outside skiing or running in the cold weather, stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle with you.
At your desk, ensure you are staying hydrated with a glass of water by your side at all times.
Ward off the flu
Flu vaccines are still a great idea if you are at risk of catching the flu in winter, and these are offered free of charge by certain health providers, depending on your country of residence.
To stay in great shape, you can also watch your vitamin C intake over winter by adding citrus juices to your diet or taking a supplement.
If you start to feel a bit under the weather, there are some great supplements you can take such as Echinacea, a natural plant-based capsule which works wonders for getting over the flu, or preventing it from developing fully. Of course, this all depends on your body and health situation, so a good advice from your doctor is also essential.
Keep moving
Staying active and exercising during winter is just as important as all year round. On average, we tend to exercise less in winter as the shorter days and cold air make us want to curl up inside after work rather than brave the winter nights. If you cannot find the motivation to go out for a quick run, do an indoor exercise like yoga or Pilates to get your limbs moving and stretch your body after a long day sitting down.
Alternatively, signing up for a challenge (there are lots of virtual options now online) or registering for a race are good ways to get yourself motivated to train.
Get enough sleep
Ensuring your energy levels don’t dip in winter is also contingent on sleeping well and long enough. Make sure you don’t spend too long in front of TV, laptop or phone screens before bedtime and set your alarm to alert you 30 minutes before you want to be in bed, so you can get started on your evening routine.
Sleeping the same amount of time every night and sticking to a good schedule will help you wake up more energised and ready for the day ahead. Additionally, being well rested will help your body ward off any germs, too.
Hygiene is key
We’ve all been sticking to these rules all year, but it bears repeating that keeping good hygiene is key to staying healthy all winter. Make sure you wash your hands regularly and thoroughly and that you carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser with you everywhere you go, to touch up on the go.
Moreover, don’t share drinks or food, as that’s more likely to help pass germs from one person to another. Make sure you’re not sharing towels, either. Some offices and public spaces may have more eco-friendly cloth towels in bathrooms, but we suggest avoiding these and using your own paper towels in that case.
As winter draws near, it’s no reason to worry about your health. Instead, stay away from germs and keep healthy and active with these simple and useful tips.
