The winter season is normally filled with fun, travel, and excitement. Unfortunately, winter is not always positive. The cold weather, unhealthy eating habits, and stress can take a toll on your health. As the days become shorter, people often find it challenging to stay motivated enough to keep up with a fitness routine or stick to healthy eating patterns. Without these pillars of health, however, you run the risk of a weakened immune system. It’s up to you to be proactive about staying healthy this winter. The following are a few steps you can take to prioritize your health and safety over the coming months.
Wash Your Hands
Although you may hear this suggestion often, it is certainly worth repeating. Washing your hands regularly, especially before you eat, is one of the best preventative measures you can take. According to the CDC, hand-washing education reduces colds and other respiratory illnesses in the general population by 16-21 percent.
Washing your hands doesn’t only protect your immune system, but it also helps protect those around you, such as your family and friends.
Start Taking Supplements
Another important step you can take towards staying healthy is incorporating vitamin supplements into your daily routine. Vitamin C may help you boost immune system function, while vitamin D supplements the reduced hours of sunlight you receive during the winter. The benefits of vitamin D don’t stop there. This vitamin also helps your body better absorb vitamin A, iron, and calcium.
Exchange Sugary Drinks for Tea
During the winter, you may find yourself turning to sugary drinks such as hot chocolate or coffee with excessive cream. Do yourself a favor by switching these beverages out with a healthier option: herbal tea. There are many health benefits to tea. For example, green tea is a powerful source of antioxidants. Teas such as chamomile help calm your nerves and relax your body, which can help relieve stress.
Practice Mindfulness
When the business of the holidays starts to cause anxiety, prioritize handling the stress in a healthy way. If the weather is nice, spend time outside going for a walk. You can also practice deep breathing or begin meditating. Be intentional about relaxing your muscles. Unclench your jaw and drop your shoulders when you feel yourself getting tense. These small actions will help you feel more at ease and ready to enjoy the winter season!