Winter is coming, which means it’s time to bundle up, wrap yourself in a warm scarf, and get ready for the cold. It also means you’re going to be spending more time indoors as well as less time exercising outdoors. This can be tough on your health since being inactive makes it much easier to gain weight or develop other health problems. In this article, we’ll give you 11 tips that will help keep you healthy this winter.
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Get outside
Even if it’s cold outside, bundle up and go for a walk, run, or ski. The fresh air will do you good, and the exercise will help keep you fit. Activities you can do in the cold include:
- Walking – A quick 30-minute walk each day is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air.
- Running – Winter is a great time to go for a run outside; make sure you dress warmly.
- Skiing – If you have the chance, go skiing! It’s a great workout, and it’s fun too.
- Curling – Curling is a winter sport that is growing in popularity. It’s a great way to get some exercise and have fun simultaneously.
- Snowboarding – Snowboarding is another fun winter sport that will help keep you fit.
- Snowshoeing – If you want to get outside, but it’s too cold for other activities, try snowshoeing instead. It’s a great way to spend the day in nature and stay active at the same time.
Stay hydrated
It’s easy to become dehydrated when you’re not sweating as much during the winter. Make sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids each day, especially if you’re going to be drinking hot tea or coffee. Dehydration can lead to health problems such as headaches, fatigue, and even constipation.
Some tips to stay hydrated during the winter include:
- Make soups – Soups are a great way to stay hydrated during the winter because they’re made with broth high in water content.
- Drink plenty of water – Make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water each day.
- Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol – You should also avoid caffeinated soft drinks like cola, energy drinks, and coffee high in sugar content. Alcoholic beverages may seem relaxing, but they’re dehydrating, so limit how much you drink this winter season.
Find indoor activities
If you can’t get outside or the weather is bad, try lifting weights or doing yoga at home. These activities are a great way to stay fit and healthy during winter. Be sure to check online to see if you can find videos that will show you how to do the exercises correctly or if there are online classes you can join.
Some indoor activities you can do include:
- Take a dance class – If lifting weights and yoga aren’t your things, why not take a dance class instead? It’s an excellent way to stay fit at any age. Dancing is incredible for both physical fitness and mental health, which makes it even better.
- Weightlifting- Find a gym with weight machines so you can lift inside during the colder months of the year. This type of workout has been shown to have similar benefits on your health compared to running.
- Yoga- Another way to stay active and fit is by doing yoga at home or in a studio. It’s an excellent workout for your body, and it can be done anywhere, even inside during the winter months.
Ease into exercise
If you’re not used to exercising in the cold weather, try easing into it by first starting with some light exercises indoors. Once you’ve gotten used to that, gradually begin moving outdoors into colder temperatures. This will help prevent any injuries from happening due to the cold weather. Make sure to exercise regularly this winter, even if it’s just a little at a time. Exercise can help regulate your metabolism and keep the cold weather from affecting you.
Some easy ways to start exercising include:
- Yoga – Yoga is an excellent way to start your day and can be done indoors.
- Walking – Taking regular walks is an easy way to get some exercise, especially if you live in a cold climate.
- Jogging/Running – If you’re more adventurous, go out for a jog or run outdoors. Just make sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
- Swimming – Swimming is another excellent exercise to do during the winter because it’s low-impact and can be done indoors at a pool.
Drink tea
Sipping on some hot tea is not only enjoyable but can also give your immune system a boost this winter too. Some research has found that drinking green tea may even prevent colds and the flu. Try drinking a cup of green tea each day and see if it helps you stay healthy this winter.
Other teas you can try are:
- Turmeric tea – This type of tea is excellent for your immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Chamomile tea – Chamomile tea is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a soothing drink that can also help improve your sleep quality.
- Echinacea tea – Echinacea is an herb that has been shown to help boost the immune system. If you feel like you’re coming down with something, try drinking some echinacea tea to help fight off the infection.
Avoid stress
Stress can take a toll on your health and wellbeing, especially during the winter when there are already so many things going on. Make sure to take some time each day to relax and de-stress. This may include yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises. Taking some time for yourself each day will help keep you healthy and happy this winter.
Some tips to avoid seasonal depression include:
- Practice gratitude – Be thankful for the things you have in your life, even if they seem minor. This will help keep your mood elevated and positive.
- Stay connected – Spend time with family and friends, or connect with people online who make you happy. This will keep you from feeling isolated during the winter season.
- Keep a routine – Try to stick to your regular daily routine as much as possible, even if it’s busy. This will help keep you organized and stress-free.
Stay warm indoors
When you’re not outside, try to keep your home as warm as possible. This will help keep you healthy and comfortable this winter. You don’t have to crank up the heat all the time, though – wear a few extra layers of clothing and make sure your living space is well insulated.
Some tips to stay warm indoors are:
- Put on a sweater – An excellent way to keep warm is to put on a few extra layers of clothing. Sweaters are a great option because they can help trap heat close to your body.
- Close the curtains – Closing the curtains will help keep the warmth in your home and prevent any cold air from coming in.
- Use a space heater – If you’re feeling cold, try using a space heater to help heat the room. Just be sure not to leave it unattended and always follow the safety instructions.
Eat less meat
Plant-based diets are usually healthier than their meat counterparts since they’re lower in saturated fat, which is linked to cardiovascular problems. Try eating more vegetables or beans instead for at least one meal per day. This will help protect your heart health during the winter months when it’s harder to exercise outdoors.
Some popular meals you can try include:
- Vegetable stir-fry – This is a quick and easy dish to make that can be packed with any vegetables you like.
- Black bean soup – This soup is hearty, healthy, and flavorful.
- Quinoa bowl – A quinoa bowl is a great way to mix up your usual dinner routine. It’s filled with healthy ingredients and can be customized however you like.
Take breaks from the computer.
Spending too much time in front of a computer screen can be bad for your health, especially during the winter when there are fewer daylight hours. Make sure to take regular breaks away from the computer and get some fresh air and exercise outdoors.
Some of the cons of looking at a computer screen all day include:
- You may feel tired – Staring at a computer screen for too long can cause eye fatigue. This means you may start to feel tired and have difficulty focusing on things.
- You may get a headache – Another symptom of computer vision syndrome is getting a headache. This is usually caused by the eyes focusing on one spot for too long.
- Your neck and shoulders may ache – Sitting in the same position all day can cause your neck and shoulders to ache. This is because you’re not giving them any time to rest and relax.
Maintain good skin health
The winter weather can be tough on your skin, especially if you’re not used to it. Make sure to keep your skin moisturized and protected from the cold wind and snow with a good quality moisturizer. If you start experiencing dry, irritated skin, make an appointment to see a dermatologist. They will give you some tips on how better to take care of your skin during the winter.
Some tips for maintaining good skin health include:
- Drink plenty of water – This is important all year round, especially during the winter when you’re more likely to become dehydrated.
- Avoid hot showers – Hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils, so try taking cooler or lukewarm showers instead.
- Use a humidifier – A humidifier will help add moisture back into the air and keep your skin from becoming too dry.
- Wear sunscreen – Even if it’s cold outside, you should still wear sunscreen on any exposed skin since the sun’s UV rays can still cause damage.
Take Vitamin D supplements.
This winter, you’re probably spending more time indoors than usual and less time outdoors in the sun, which means it’s easy to get vitamin D deficiency. Make sure to take a supplement or eat foods rich in vitamin D, such as salmon, eggs, soy milk. This will help keep your bones healthy this winter season.
Other supplements you can take to keep healthy during the winter include:
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an excellent supplement to take during the winter because it can help boost your immune system.
- Zinc – Zinc is another mineral that can help keep your immune system functioning properly. It’s also beneficial for keeping your skin healthy.
- Fish oil – Fish oil is a good source of omega fatty acids, which are beneficial for maintaining heart health and preventing inflammation.
Get a good amount of sleep.
It’s easy to get behind on your sleep during the winter when it’s darker outside, and there are more distractions indoors. Make sure to get a good amount of quality sleep each night so you can stay healthy and energized during the winter months.
Some tips to gain a good nights rest include:
- Go to bed at a consistent time – Try going to sleep and waking up around the same time every day. This will help regulate your body’s natural clock or circadian rhythm.
- Keep electronics out of the bedroom – The light from electronic devices can disturb your sleep, so try keeping them in another room overnight. This includes TVs, phones, tablets.
- Avoid caffeine late in the afternoon/evening – Caffeine is a stimulant that reduces drowsiness, which means it should be avoided when you’re trying to go to sleep.
Bundle up
Wearing extra layers of clothing can help keep you warm and cozy this winter. Make sure to bundle up with a hat, scarf, mittens/gloves, coat /jacket before going outside in the cold weather. Having layers allows you to adjust your warmth as needed.
Some clothing pieces you can accessorize and stay bundled with are:
- A beanie – A beanie is a great way to keep your head and ears warm during the winter.
- A scarf – Wrapping a scarf around your neck can help keep you warm and protect your neck from the cold weather.
- Mittens/gloves – Wearing gloves or mittens will keep your hands warm during those long walks outdoors.
- Sunglasses – Even when it’s cold outside, the sun’s UV rays can still cause damage to your eyes. Make sure to wear sunglasses whenever you’re outside for extended periods.
Focus on the present
It can be easy to get worked up over new year’s resolutions or things you need to do in the future. But try to focus on the present as much as possible and take things one day at a time. This will help keep your stress levels down and make winter less daunting.
Some ways to stay in the moment include:
- Meditating – This can be done by sitting in silence with your eyes closed for a few minutes each day.
- Yoga or stretching – These activities can help you connect with your body and release any tension you may be holding onto.
- Journaling – Writing out your thoughts and feelings can help you process them better and understand them more fully.
Conclusion
Winter often brings with it a lot of changes to our daily routines. Staying healthy and fit can be difficult during the winter months, but it’s still possible if you follow these tips. Though the winter months get a bad rap, there are plenty of things to enjoy about them too. So try to take advantage of the activities you can do indoors and make sure to keep your immune system strong by eating well and getting enough sleep. We hope these tips help you have a healthy and enjoyable winter season!
