“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.”
– Aristotle
Winter is a season that brings with it a lot of joy and excitement, with Bonfire Night, Christmas and those dark evenings providing the perfect excuse for staying home.
But it’s a time when our health might not be at its best. The weather and the lack of sunlight can have a detrimental impact on our health and our well-being too.
❄️ Here are our top tips for staying healthy this winter ❄️
Winter Diet
Mother Nature is telling us we should hibernate! We can’t help but feel it is the time to cuddle up on the sofa with a hot chocolate or indulge in the comfort of a hearty, heavy meal. And let’s not even mention all of the festivities that encourage sugary, calorie-laden food 🫣
Choose seasonal recipes but without the processed junk. Make soups, curries and casseroles that the whole family will enjoy whilst ensuring everyone is consuming those much-needed veggies.
Keep up with your vitamin intake, and don’t forget to add a vitamin D supplement to your daily routine!
Protect Your Skin
The cold, dry air of winter can be harsh on our skin, causing it to become dry, itchy, and even cracked. To prevent this, it is important to moisturise regularly. Choose the best moisturiser you can afford and apply immediately after bathing.
Limit exposure to the elements by wearing warm, protective clothing and don’t forget to still apply your SPF as UV rays can still cause damage to our skin in the winter.
Stick To A Sleep Schedule
Sometimes, those dark nights and mornings mean that we can get out of a healthy sleep routine. Keep your sleep schedule as consistent as possible. You must ensure you have enough rest but not fall into unnatural sleep patterns, such as staying in bed too late in the morning. A good sleep schedule is conducive to good mental health and is incredibly important.
Keep Moving
Resist the urge to be sedentary this winter. Don’t shy away from your usual exercise routine, whether that’s a morning run or a Pilates class at your local gym.
If nothing else, ensure you include a brisk walk three times a week. Wrap up warm and take a short walk in the evenings after dinner. It will prevent the urge to eat sugary desserts, aid digestion and actually help you sleep better too.
When we’re actively making healthier choices, we’re also more likely to protect ourselves from those seasonal viruses that pop up.
As always, if you’d like some personalised advice or if you’d be interested in our winter health blood testing, please click reply or call us at the clinic to book an appointment.
