5 Tips on Staying on Top of Your Health this Winter
The winter season can be filled with excitement and comfort from watching the snow fall to spending quality time with the ones you love. However, winter can also be extremely draining on you physically and emotionally if you don’t stay on top of your health.
Here are five tips that will keep your health on track this winter!
Watch Your Mouth
With the holiday season kicking off the winter weather, you might find yourself indulging more often than you would regularly, and although there is nothing wrong with satisfying your sweet tooth, if you find yourself sneaking the fourth donut of the night you might want to take a step back. Comfort food during the winter months can be hard to turn away from, especially if it’s too cold to do anything other than eat, but be aware of the effect food might be having on your health.
Focus on seasonal veggies such as carrots, parsnips, or beets to assist you in cutting down on overly processed foods such as baked goods or salty snacks. If you’re stuck on meal ideas, create a food plan that incorporates a variety of healthy foods, or join a meal subscription service that includes all ingredients needed to prepare the meal. Making small alterations to your diet can provide you with a nutritious balance and also introduce yourself to new dishes and fun meals you may not have thought of previously.
Get Moving
This may seem like an obvious one, but with the harsh cold, you may find yourself prioritizing a cozy night under the covers over working out. However, exercise can do a lot more than help you keep off any unwanted winter pounds. Shorter days in the winter mean less sunlight, which can cause laziness, exhaustion, and even depression. Giving yourself at least 20 minutes to work out can boost energy and improve overall mood. If the cold weather is keeping you from the gym, then break a sweat by giving at-home workouts a try!
Break up your routine by working out outdoors, and although it might sound like torture, exposing yourself to sunlight will pick up your mood with some much-needed vitamin D to help strengthen your bone health. If you aren’t sure how to get started, give yourself a fitness goal, and start small by dedicating at least 20 minutes of your day to moving to increase mood and ease the winter blues. Remember, it’s important to create a habit, which in turn will make it easier to transition your workout during the summertime.
Treat Yourself
Winter can be a hectic season for most people with family, friends, and work, so it can be difficult to find a moment for yourself. However, winter is the perfect time to take things slow and self-reflect on your well-being. Self-care doesn’t only benefit your body, but it also helps you, emotionally, and psychologically. First, do things that make you happy, whether that’s taking a day trip to your favorite museum or grabbing a latte at your favorite coffee shop.
If you’re needing to renew yourself or shake things up, attempt to tackle any insecurities that might be keeping you down. If you’re a man struggling with hair loss due to hormonal changes, try a topical medication like finasteride to stimulate hair growth. If you’re a woman struggling with a pale or dull complexion due to the drying weather, try a facial oil containing Rosehip Seed for a more radiant and bright complexion.
The Snooze Button
Although you might expect sleeping patterns to regulate during the winter season, you might find yourself fighting to fall asleep or even staying awake. Due to the limited light exposure nights are longer during the winter, giving people a sense of exhaustion or a feeling of restlessness throughout the day. Diet and exercise also have a direct effect on your sleeping pattern, if you’re eating habits worsen and you’re barely moving, you will find it harder to fall asleep.
Striving for eight hours a night is ideal, but anything over can actually have a negative impact on your mental well-being as well as make you feel more fatigued throughout the day. If you are having trouble finding peace of mind before bed, try decluttering your bedroom before hitting the sack! The organization can relax the mind and refocus on getting a good night’s rest. If personal stress is keeping you up, try meditation or mindfulness techniques to ease the mind for a night of peaceful sleeping.
Try Reaching Out
Shorter days make it seem impossible to get everything done on time, whether that be school or work, you might find yourself stressing more than usual. If you find you’re struggling to keep up with your daily routine, consider reaching out to a family member or friend. There are many explanations for why people feel sadder during the winter; like lack of vitamin D or a drop in serotonin. Seasonal affective disorder, or commonly known as SAD, can be a real and scary thing to cope with. Symptoms of SAD include fatigue, hopelessness, and lack of energy. Commonly found in women, SAD affects more than an estimated 10 million Americans.
If you’re experiencing seasonal affective disorder, there are many avenues to combat negative emotions from more social interactions, leaving the house, or even speaking to a therapist or psychologist. Reaching out to a professional can help you talk through and develop a plan to help you achieve a resolution.
Your health is an essential aspect of your happiness and it should never be compromised, regardless of the season. So, before you cuddle up by the fireplace with your warm cup of hot cocoa, allow yourself to reflect on your mental and physical health, and make sure you’re the healthiest you.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
