As the days get colder many people start to feel the urge to just stay curled up and hibernate for the winter months. While winter can be a wonderful time to relax and cuddle up, it can also be a time when healthy habits go out the window. However, it doesn't have to be that way. With a little planning, you can stay healthy and enjoy you winter days.
How to stay healthy over the winter
Taking steps to physical wellbeing can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be a complete life overhaul. Small changes make a huge difference. Whether it’s making sure you get extra hours sleep every night, upping your fruit and veggie intake or increasing your daily dose of H₂0.
These things can boost your physical and mental wellbeing, helping you to feel happier and healthier over the winter. Remember that consistency is key, so keep at it!
To help with this, here are some tips to staying healthy over the winter months:
Eat a balanced diet
One of the most important aspects of staying healthy over the winter months is maintaining a balanced diet. It's easy to fall into the trap of eating junk food and desserts when to cold to get up, but it's important to fuel the body with nutritious foods. Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins or even a hearty soup will provide the energy and nutrients needed for active winter days.
Hydration
It's also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. When we’re dehydrated, we don’t function as we should. Even when we're slightly dehydrated our memory, mood and energy levels decrease. These effects can dramatically alter the way we experience our day to day lives.
Make sure you’re drinking at least 6-8 glasses of fluid per day and try to make this mostly water where possible. When we’re hydrated, we’re happier, our skin looks better, and we have more energy to take on the day – all it takes is a few more glasses here and there. Try taking a reusable bottle with you around the office or home and everywhere you go so you can keep up the habit.
Stay active
Another way to stay healthy over the winter is to stay active. Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and promoting physical and mental well-being. Winter offers a wealth of physical activities for such as hiking, biking, and indoor sports. You can also attend a dance or fitness class with friends. It's important to remember to take breaks when in engaged in sports and stay safe by wearing appropriate protective gear if needed while playing sports or being active.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep is also important for overall health. Although winter may make you feel more inclined to sleep, it's important to maintain consistent sleep habits. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and avoid staying up late or sleeping in too much, as this can negatively affect your sleep-wake cycle.
Self-care
Finally, mental health is just as important as physical health. Winter can be a great time to recharge and focus on self-care. Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can reduce stress and anxiety. Its also important to stay connected with friends and family, or try new hobbies and activities that you find enjoyable.
