Old man winter is coming back! Soon we will be sipping some hot chocolate, snowboarding, and making snowmen. It is true we are prepared enough to withstand the cold, and we have enough food supplies to last the entire winter. But, most of us forget one crucial thing, and this is our health. Whether we plan to spend the entire winter indoors or continue with our regular schedules, we often tend to ignore or forget to take care of the body.
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Failing to look after the body is a huge mistake that is also costing the economy a lot of money. In fact, in the USA alone winter infections cost employers more than 20 billion dollars in paid sick days, and more than 200,000 people have to visit the hospital each winter season. Although winter is a fun-filled season, our immune systems take a hit meaning flu and colds become very prevalent. But, the good thing is that there are some effective natural steps that we can adopt to keep our bodies healthy throughout the coming season.
And so, if you want to stay healthy in the coming winter you should take the following essential steps.
#1 Get that Flu Shot
We all hate shots, but the body cannot do without them, and this is more so give the high prevalence of viruses. As you prepare for the fun winter activities, it is also important to take a flu shot as it will help keep colds and flu at bay. Statistics from the government shows that taking an influenza shot will reduce the likelihood of getting a flu illness by up to 60% and in case one gets sick the side effects will not be very severe. It is also significant to keep in mind the fact that the best time to get your shot is between October and November before the onset of the flu season.
#2 Drink Plenty of Water
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Our water intake slumps at the onset of winter because we rarely feel thirsty. But, the fact that one does not feel any thirst does not mean that the body requires less amount of fluid. Failure to take enough water during winter can lead to dehydration which in turn makes the body more vulnerable to ailments. Water gets rid of toxins and also carries vital nutrients to the cells, and it is important to take enough of it every day. Doctors recommend taking at least half your weight in ounces which means that if one is 140 pounds he should take at least 70 ounces of water.
#3 Wash Hands Frequently
Even if one spends the entire winter indoors, it is still almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with bacteria and viruses, and so it is important to wash your hands as many times as possible. Make sure to clean hands after visiting the bathroom and also before any meal. However, washing hands does not mean passing them through running water for a couple of seconds. To make sure that the hands are super clean one should soap up for at least 30 seconds before rinsing. Also, do not forget to clean under the fingernails because this is the favorite hiding place for germs.
#4 Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
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The cold and darkness outside during winter come with many temptations, and one of the main ones is the need to eat some comfort foods. Nothing is more satisfying than a plateful of French fries and fried chicken, but it is vital to make sure that one still maintains a healthy diet. For this to be so, it is important to eat some winter vegetables like parsnips, carrots, roasted turnips or a swede soup. It is also a perfect idea to explore different fruits and vegetables even if you would not take them in other seasons.
#5 Keep Active
Winter does not mean that we should discontinue our gym sessions and spend days lazing around. Although it is always hard to find motivation to exercise during winter, this should not stop us from keeping active. Workouts are a vital step in ensuring that the body stays healthy. Some outdoors winter activities are good for the body, but they are not always enough because we do not engage in them as often as required. The best idea is to maintain your usual exercise routine. But, make sure to dress well before you go for the morning runs.
#6 Take Enough Care of Your Skin
The skin is one of the organs that are affected most by winter, and if one does not take enough care of it, winter will not be very enjoyable. One of the easiest ways to care for the skin is to increase the humidity level in the house. To do this one needs to have a humidifier in every room or adjust the furnace gauge to ensure that the humidity level is at least 40 percent. Moisturizing after a short shower is also an excellent idea but use jarred moisturizers and not pump ones
#7 Keep Stress in Check
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Research shows that the cold winter climate comes with some hormonal changes and this can lead to stress and anxiety. Yes, that is very true, and it is the reason why most of us will feel stressed during winter and not understand why. This “winter stress” is not good for the body because it can lead to ailments. First, stress means that your immune system will not perform well and this increases the risk of illnesses. Secondly, one is more likely to engage in unhealthy activities to get rid of the stress. It is important to practice things such as yoga and meditation as they are very helpful in getting rid of stress and anxiety.
#8 Sleep Well and Enough
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Sleep is essential for the body because it allows for the cells to get repaired. An adult should always sleep for at least eight hours every day. Enough sleep helps to keep the immune system healthy, and it is also essential for fighting off the flu that comes with winter. The quality of sleep is also important and to make sure that you get the best it is important to avoid alcohol and caffeine. A heated mattress pad is also an excellent idea because it will help make the bed extra comfortable.
In Summary
Winter changes many things, but this does not mean that our health should take a back seat. Whether we are on a skiing holiday or at home our health should always come first. There are many ways to stay healthy this winter but for any of them to work we have to be committed and understand that the health of our body is paramount.
Author Bio:
Jane Collins is a blogger at g9sleeptight.com, a blog dedicated to providing tips and solutions to help you have a good night’s sleep. Follow Jane on Twitter: @g9sleeptight