The winter season comes with a variety of challenges. Roads can become harder to navigate, the weather gets chillier, and staying healthy can become more difficult. As the days get shorter, we have less time outside, which can lead us to spend additional time indoors. All of these changes call on us to be aware of the different risks to our health we may face. Locking indoors with others at work all day can lead to greater exposure to the bugs that inevitably will travel through any workplace. Thankfully, we can take steps to keep healthy during the winter months.
Keeping Healthy During The Winter
Visiting your healthcare provider can be an important first step in learning how to protect your health during the winter. While scheduling that appointment, consider incorporating some of the following steps into your day to help you stay healthy.
- Stay Flexible To Change – Most of the year, we rise from bed to be greeted by the risen sun. However, during the winter, we often wake up in darkness instead. Rather than stacking more caffeine on top of your daily routine, consider some herbal help. Eleuthero, ashwagandha, and Rhodiola are herbs for boosting and sustaining energy. They’ve also been shown to benefit stress management and boost physical performance.
- Stock Up On B Vitamins – One of the primary defenses in anyone’s winter kit should be an abundance of Vitamin B Complex. These vitamins are known for their ability to battle stress, promote good moods, and help manage Seasonal Affective Disorder. In addition to taking vitamin supplements, consider eating more eggs, salmon, oysters, beans, yogurt, and poultry.
- Boost Your Immune System – The most important thing we can do to protect our health during the winter is to support our immune system. Staying physically active is an integral part of this, as is getting sufficient sleep. Studies have found that preparing more meals at home can go a long way toward maintaining your immune health throughout the winter. While preparing those meals, consider working with more zinc, Vitamin C, and magnesium.
- Take Time To Rest – While winter may be a colder, less busy time of the year in many ways, it sees an increase in other activities. Spending time with family, traveling, and spending significant time busy and on the go in other ways can wear us down. Be sure you take plenty of time to recharge and get the rest you need. You may need to spend more time destressing if you’re experiencing respiratory issues, insomnia, exhaustion, or digestive concerns.
These tips demonstrate essential ways to continue supporting your immune health throughout winter.
Speak To Your Health & Wellness Specialist For More Tips
Keeping healthy during the winter will ensure we get to make the most of this special time of year. By being conscientious of our habits and how the seasonal change impacts them, we can adapt as the year grows cold. Work with your health & wellness specialist to develop a plan that suits your lifestyle.
