4 Winter Wellness Tips
With the winter season in full swing, it’s important to prioritize your health during these cold, gloomy days. Both your mental and physical health can feel challenged during this time of year, follow these four wellness tips to promote overall health throughout the wintertime and beyond.
Boost Your Immunity
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 to 20 percent of Americans come down with the flu virus every winter. This cold and flu season, take extra precautions to bolster your health by boosting your immunity. From washing your hands frequently to maintaining a balanced diet and supplement routine, there are plenty of steps you can take to stay healthy this winter.
Practice Good Hygiene
One of the simplest steps you can take to avoid succumbing to the cold and flu season is to wash your hands frequently. Prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria by washing your hands with all-natural soap and warm water. Be sure to scrub around your fingers and nails — germs can hide in these tight spaces!
Eat Healthy
Important in every season, but especially during the colder months, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been shown to nourish our bodies with vitamins and minerals and support a healthy immune system. By following a primarily raw, plant-based diet and incorporating immune-boosting supplements into your routine, your body will be better equipped to fight off any illnesses and heal itself in no time!
Stay Hydrated
Between indoor heating and dry, winter air, hydration is especially important during the winter. Keep your days filled to the brim with water and herbal teas this season to naturally flush out any bacteria and toxins that could otherwise cause infections or illnesses. Plus, staying hydrated with herbal teas can help you stay warm, improve circulation, boost energy, and alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
Stay Active Indoors
Exercise is an important component of any healthy lifestyle, but colder weather can add roadblocks to your fitness routine. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor options to maintain your workout regimen, even during the winter months.
No matter your abilities or preferences, the Internet offers a wide variety of virtual workout classes to keep you active. With little to no equipment required for many, change up your workout routine this winter by tuning into classes for yoga, pilates, strength training, and more — the opportunities are endless!
Winter may seem like a good time to take a break from exercising, but we recommend that you keep moving throughout the colder months. Regular exercise has health benefits that reach far beyond toned muscles and physical strength, it also supports mental health by releasing feel-good endorphins that can lift your mood.
Get Good Sleep for Good Health
The winter season brings shorter days and longer nights, and with that, a renewed importance for the restful hours we spend sleeping each night. Quality sleep contributes to more than just energy and cognitive focus. Healthy sleep — in both quality and consistency — plays a critical role in our overall health, especially during the winter.
During the winter, you may need to adjust your sleep patterns. Studies have shown that, on average, people sleep for an hour longer during the winter months. Many factors can contribute to this, including diminishing sunshine, creating an influx of melatonin; an increase in illnesses, requiring extra sleep to heal; exposure to colder temperatures, stimulating our metabolism; and any changes in eating or exercise habits, affecting energy levels.
This winter, indulge in additional hours of restorative sleep and establish a relaxing bedtime routine. Turn off the television, put away your cell phone, and unwind with a cup of herbal tea, a good read, or a daily prayer. By avoiding stimulus before bedtime and engaging in these restful rituals, you’ll be able to create a more relaxing environment, conducive to quality sleep.
Practice Self-Care
Remember to put your mental health first, during the winter and always. During this time of year, many of us can struggle with mental health and feel the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being by engaging in activities that bring you joy and happiness — lean into your faith with weekly gatherings, call a loved one, or practice your favorite hobby.
Conclusion
Don’t let the cold weather put your physical and mental health on ice! Follow these simple winter wellness tips to boost your overall health and activate your body’s self-healing power. Take care of yourself — both mentally and physically — to thrive during the wintertime.
