Wellness Tips for the Cold Weather: How to Stay Healthy in Winter

As we all know, the winter can be tough on our physical and mental well-being. The shorter days, colder temperatures, and lack of sunshine can all take a toll on our bodies and minds. But fear not, there are things we can do to stay healthy and thriving during these winter months.

Get moving!

First and foremost, it's important to keep moving. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean we should stop exercising. Regular exercise is even more crucial during the winter to boost our mood, energy levels, and overall health. Even just a brisk walk around the block or a quick yoga session at home can make a big difference.

Diet matters

Another important aspect of staying healthy during the winter is to focus on nourishing our bodies with nutritious food. When we say "diet", we don't mean cutting your calories. On the contrary, you need the energy to keep nice and warm during the chilly season.

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Although it can be tempting to reach for comfort foods and indulge in heavier meals, it's important to remember that what we eat directly affects how we feel. So, ensure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet to keep your body fueled and strong.

How to make hearty winter meals

One of the best ways to make healthy winter meals is to focus on seasonal produce. Winter fruits and vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, persimmons, pomegranates, and citrus fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals and can be used in a variety of delicious and satisfying dishes. Roasting them with a bit of olive oil and herbs, adding them to soups and stews, or using them in a salad can be a great way to incorporate them into your meals.

Another great way to make healthy winter meals is to focus on warm, comforting dishes that still offer plenty of nutrition. For example, you can make a hearty chili or stew using lean proteins such as turkey or chicken, and incorporating lots of vegetables. You can also make a big batch of soup and freeze it for easy, healthy meals later. By incorporating whole grains and legumes, you can make your winter meals more filling and nutritious.

Mind over winter

It's also essential to pay attention to our mental well-being during the winter months. The lack of sunlight and the holiday stress can take a toll on our mood, so it's important to take time for self-care and relaxation. This can include things like reading a book, taking a warm bath, practicing meditation, or journaling.

Stay connected

When it's freezing outside, going out and socializing may be the last thing you feel like doing, but you can only watch Netflix for so long. If nothing else, you'll eventually run out of seasons of your favorite show to watch.

We can't stress enough how important it is to stay in touch with loved ones and engage in activities that bring you joy. And you don't have to go hiking in the blizzard to do so. If you're a homebody, you can always plan a cozy night with friends. If you are an athletic type and staying home is making you a bit stir-crazy, consider joining a winter sports league, or taking a trip to a warm destination. Whatever the activity, prioritize the things that make you happy and fulfilled.

Wash your hands regularly

Mom was right, washing your hands can go a long way to keep you healthy year-round but particularly in winter when we are most susceptible to picking up a nasty virus as well as 2 liters of milk at the grocery store.

During the winter, colds, flu, and other illnesses are more prevalent and can easily spread from person to person through physical contact or by touching contaminated surfaces. By washing your hands frequently, especially before you eat or touch your face, you can greatly reduce your risk of catching or spreading germs.

In addition to preventing the spread of illness, washing your hands also promotes good hygiene and can help you feel clean and refreshed. It's especially important to wash your hands after being out in public, doing outdoor activities, or coming in contact with people who are ill. By making hand washing a regular habit, you can help ensure that your hands are clean and healthy all winter long.

Get your flu shot

Getting a flu shot is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from respiratory infections. The flu is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. During the winter, when the flu is most prevalent and hanging around in the dry winter air, getting a flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy in the colder weather as it can greatly reduce your risk of getting sick and can also help prevent the spread of the flu to others, especially those who are at high risks, such as young children, older adults and people with certain medical conditions.

In addition to protecting yourself, getting a flu shot is also a responsible and considerate thing to do for others. The flu can be especially dangerous for certain groups of people, such as pregnant women, young children, and people with underlying medical conditions. By getting a flu shot, you are not only protecting yourself but also helping to protect those around you who may be more vulnerable to the flu.

Stay hydrated

We all know it's important to stay hydrated, right? We tend to remember to drink more water when we're sweating in the blazing hot summer sun, it can be more of a challenge to remember to drink up come December, but you don't have to guzzle down liters of water to stay hydrated.

One of the most important things to remember is that hydration doesn't just come from drinking water. You can also get hydration from eating fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and strawberries. Additionally, warm drinks like herbal tea, hot chocolate, and soups can all contribute to your daily water intake.

It's also important to remember to drink water throughout the day, not just when you're thirsty. The dry air and indoor heating during the winter can dehydrate you faster than you realize. Try carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day and set reminders to drink water at regular intervals. Also, you can try adding a slice of lemon or a few berries to your water for a refreshing change of pace.

Get your vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining strong bones and teeth, supporting a healthy immune system, and helping the body absorb calcium. During the winter months, when there is less sunlight, many people's vitamin D levels may drop. This can lead to a host of health problems, such as weak bones, fatigue, and a weakened immune system, which can make you more susceptible to colds and flu.

That's why it's important to make sure you're getting enough vitamin D during the winter. You can do this by spending time outside when the sun is out, even if it's just for a few minutes, or by taking a vitamin D supplement. Certain foods, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms, are also good sources of vitamin D, so you can also consider incorporating them into your diet.

Wear the right sportswear

We all love a cute pair of leggings and a sports bra, right? You may think there's no point in investing in some nice leisurewear if you've nowhere to go, but seeing yourself slay in a nice outfit can be the motivation you need to get out there, get moving, and frankly, keep off the winter pounds that no one wants. Working out is the best way to keep your body warm and keep it that way, so going for an early morning jog in your favorite sportswear is the perfect way to set a positive tone for the day. We love these leggings and sports bras from https://luxeladyfit.com/, it's still the early days of 2023 and winter is here for a while yet, why not treat yourself to some workout inspirational gear and enjoy your healthiest winter yet?