Winters are a time for festivities, enjoying the cool weather, and having cosy conversations over a simmering cup of tea! However, the flipside of this season is the unwanted colds and flu that one needs to deal with.
While enjoying the weather, we can stay healthy and fit by following these easy-to-follow tips.
- Exercise regularly: Winters are usually a time when we get lazy and inactive. Despite the cold winter mornings and dark evenings, it is a good idea to adhere to a regular exercise routine in some form or another. You may not fancy going for a jog or running outside in the cold, but you can head to the gym instead. Exercises in any form will help you maintain your overall well-being and de-stress.
- Keep warm during winter: To keep yourself from falling prey to seasonal colds and flu, ensure that you are adequately protected with warm clothes. Drink hot drinks of your choice throughout the day to stay warm.
- Stay hydrated: Exercises can leave you sweating, as a result of which you lose water and important electrolytes from your body. During winter, staying hydrated is all the more important because the weather is cold and we are covered in layers of warm clothing despite the sweat. So, remembering to replenish your body fluids is vital during this season.
- Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables: As winter sets in, there are a lot of options in terms of seasonal vegetables and fruits. The more variety there is, the more vitamins and minerals that can be consumed, which boost the immune system. It is also recommended to include a lot of ginger and turmeric in your daily diet during the winter.
- Take vitamin D3 supplements: Winter means less exposure to sunlight as the days are shorter and colder. To avoid depriving your body of vitamin D, it is important to include this essential vitamin in the form of supplements.
- Improve the airflow: While winter may appear to be a difficult time to leave the house, it is critical to monitor your indoor air quality. Allowing stale air to leave your home creates a germ-free environment and keeps seasonal colds and flu at bay. To improve airflow in your home this winter, you can open your windows, turn on ceiling fans, add houseplants, rearrange your furniture, and check your air filter (air purifier).
- Rest adequately: Getting 7 hours of good sleep every night is very important to keep yourself stress-free. After a good night’s rest, you will wake up refreshed and rejuvenated. Avoid watching television and consuming caffeine before going to bed.
Despite the drop in the temperature, it is important to focus on staying active and consuming a well-balanced diet in order to ward off seasonal infections. The key to staying healthy and fit during the winter lies in keeping yourself motivated to follow a healthy and active lifestyle!
References:
- 10 ways to stay healthy during winter. Western Cape Government. 2015. https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/10-ways-stay-healthy-during-winter.
- 10 ways to stay healthy this winter. High 5. https://highfive.co.uk/blogs/news/how-to-stay-healthy-this-winter.
- How to stay in shape when the wind is cold and the nights are long. The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/know-your-body/how-to-stay-fit-in-winter/.
