Brrrrrr! If you’re one of the many people who live in Melbourne- it got cold quick!! Winter is usually considered the time of the year when you easily get sick. But, does it really have to be like that? Although your immunity tends to weaken in wintertime, there are many things you can do protect your health. In order to find out how to be healthier and spend this winter without calling in sick at work, this article brings you 11 easy tips you should follow. Let’s start!
- Get enough sleep
Experts recommend about 8 hours of sleep every night. However, we usually sleep 6 hours or less. Lack of sleep is associated with various health risks including weakened immunity. On the other hand, in winter we naturally sleep more due to longer nights and you should use this as your chance to get recommended amount of sleep regularly. Sleep is essential for good health.
- Eat fruits and vegetables
In cold winter days and nights it can be tempting to eat comfort food which is usually unhealthy. But, in order to improve your health, you have to supply your body with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. What is the best place to find them? The answer is simple; fruits and vegetables, particularly produce that are rich in Vitamin C.
- Be physically active
Just because it’s cold it doesn’t mean you should spend your time tucked in and watching endless movies on Netflix. Make sure you’re physically active every day. You can go to gym, go skiing or ice skating, taking a walk around your park or neighbourhood etc. There are numerous ways to introduce more physical activity to your life.
- Eat your breakfast
Eating a well-balanced breakfast helps boost intake of healthy proteins and fibre. Consumption of fibre is linked to digestive health and it also keeps you full for a longer period of time thus preventing you from eating frequently.
- Wash your hands
In order to prevent cold and flu, you should keep bacteria and viruses off your hands so you don’t transfer into your mouth etc. The best way to do so is by washing your hands regularly and using hand sanitizer.
- Stay hydrated
Yes, you have to stay hydrated during wintertime as well. Start by drinking water the first thing in the morning and frequently throughout the day to have more energy, mental clarity, and improved digestive function. It’s needless to say that water will flush toxins from your body.
- Socialise
Socialising counteracts harmful effects of stress hormones. According to experts, the more friends you have, the healthier you’ll be. Therefore, don’t let winter and cold temperatures stop you from spending quality time with your friends or signing up for some class.
- Get a massage
Massage improves immune system and energy levels. It’s needless to mention that receiving a nice massage also increases levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are mood boosters. Plus, there’s no better way to relax after a long day at work than getting a nice massage. It’s healthy and feels good. What are you waiting for?
- Take multivitamins
Most of us don’t get recommended daily value of vitamins and other nutrients from our diet. Since they’re necessary for immunity, you can get multivitamins. Ideally, you should look for the one with 100% recommended daily value of vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, as well as minerals like calcium, chromium, copper, folic acid, selenium, and zinc.
10. Drink tea
Teas are very healthy and you should drink them throughout the year. However, if you’re not a type of person who likes tea, you should at least make sure you drink it during winter. Sipping on some tea is an excellent way to supply your body with vitamins and antioxidants. It helps to warm your body at the same time.
11. Get Adjusted
Getting adjusted over winter is a good way to get your body and nervous system functioning optimally. After all, if your nervous system is in tune, it can adapt to stresses faster it means it will react faster when bugs are knocking at the door.
Conclusion
Although we tend to get sick during winter, there’s no rule which says you can’t do anything about improving your immunity. This article listed eleven easy ways to protect your health this winter. Remember, healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity and well-balanced diet is always beneficial regardless of the season.
References
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/winterhealth/Pages/Healthywinter.aspx
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/health/health+advice/20+easy+winter+health+tips,24683
http://www.prevention.com/health/winter-health-guide/slide/9