How excited are you for the upcoming holidays? Unfortunately, falling ill at this joyous time of year is a real possibility. Because of the drop in temperature and the arrival of winter weather, the likelihood of catching a cold or even the flu increases.
To make sure you keep your health in top shape over the cold winter months, check out our tips.
Prioritize sleep
It may be difficult to find the will to get out of bed on chilly winter mornings. It’s common knowledge that people tend to sleep more during the colder months. The most important thing is to sleep no more than 10 hours a night. However, others have issues falling asleep no matter the season.
During winter, our immune systems are put to the test. To be the healthiest possible, it’s critical you get enough sleep. Make sure you take the tech out of your bedroom and have a consistent night routine to lull yourself to sleep. Plus, it’s important to have comfortable bedding, mattress, and pillows. If you’re shopping for a new mattress, check out the Anatomy Of Sleep. They have dedicated their lives to reviewing mattresses so you can easily order the best one for your needs.
Keep warm
There are a number of cold-related health problems that might arise if you spend a lot of time outdoors without proper protection.
Wear a sweatshirt and cover yourself with a blanket if you feel the cold. Always be aware of the forecast and plan your outfits accordingly. If you don’t already have one, invest in a heavy winter coat and stock your vehicle with essentials, just in case.
Get flu and Covid shots
Millions of people become sick every year, and thousands of people die from complications of the seasonal flu. In 2020, the world also had to deal with one of the most devastating pandemics in recent years due to Covid-19.
Everyone aged 6 months and above is encouraged to vaccinate against the flu. Each year, vaccinations are improved to counteract the spread of novel flu viruses that may have emerged during the previous year. It’s also key to have your Covid boosters in check.
Don’t skip breakfast
Eating breakfast may curb your appetite and keep you from bingeing later. A good breakfast may help you feel refreshed and even improve your health. Make sure to have a balanced breakfast too. Protein, fats, and carbs are equally important. A fine example of breakfast is eggs on whole wheat toast with some avocado spread and salad on the side. Sounds lovely right? And it will take you just 15 minutes to make!
Vitamin D is important
The risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency increases in the winter. This is because the amount of time we spend inside increases, meaning we don’t get the sun exposure we need. In order to maintain strong bones, vitamin D is required.
Fortified breakfast cereals, and low-fat dairy products like yogurt and cheese, salmon, and eggs are all good food choices that provide vitamin D. However, it is important to get a vitamin blood test to help determine if you have a vitamin D deficiency and if you need a supplement.
Exercise regularly
In order to maintain fitness and health during the winter, it is essential to engage in regular physical exercise. Doing yoga, or any other sort of physical exercise, on a daily basis can assist in keeping you warm and strengthening your immune system. If you hit the gym during the winter months, you will be more resistant to seasonal illnesses like the flu and cold.
Drink a lot of water
Water intake is often emphasized during the warmer months, but being hydrated is crucial year-round.
Therefore, it’s important to drink around two liters of water a day. Contrary to popular belief that coffee and tea dehydrate you and shouldn’t be included in your daily water intake, new research indicates otherwise. So, you can have warm liquids such as tea and be perfectly hydrated in the cold. Of course, going overboard with caffeinated drinks isn’t recommended.