5 Tips For Maintaining Your Health This Winter

How often do you get sick when the weather gets colder?

Pretty much everyone gets the sniffles, colds, coughs, and the flu (not to mention the dreaded C-word that isn't Christmas!).

There is such a focus on wellness being a commodity when actually, it's an essential part of living!

So what can we all do to stay well this winter with so much uncertainty?

Encourage your body with the right foods.

Focusing on boosting your body's resistance to colds and flu season can help protect you from getting the sniffles and becoming ill.

Seasonal food contains all of the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to fight any germs you may come into contact with.

Eat foods that strengthen your immune system:

Add these three foods to your diet to boost your immune system and ensure you'll be fighting colds for the next three months:

1. Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale.

They have a high nutritional density and low glycemic index, which will help you feel full without packing on unwanted pounds. 

These leafy green vegetables are also rich in vitamin C.

2. Leeks.

Leeks contain sulfur compounds that help decrease inflammation and help fight colds.

3. Protein.

Protein has enormous repairing qualities, so it is essential to include it in winter wellness diets.

Get enough sleep 

A cold can spread quickly, and if you are asleep, you can't get up to blow your nose or cough into your hand.

Try really hard to get at least seven decent hours of sleep per night (easier said than done, I know!)

A good sleep includes REM cycles, and if you don't get them, you may wake up with a stuffy nose and feel very tired.

Research shows that a sleep deficit causes a build-up of mucous in the lungs that makes you more susceptible to common respiratory illnesses like colds and respiratory allergies.

Sleep gets more challenging in the winter because your body is in a state of fight-or-flight, which makes it really important to get enough rest to avoid colds, leading to more severe illnesses like bronchitis or pneumonia.

Give up hot drinks and alcohol at night (Yes, really!).

Hot drinks and alcohol stimulate your body and don't allow your body to rest.

Stay warm and dry

Rain and wind can cause ill health in winter.

Keep your feet and head warm and waterproof by wearing hats, scarves, and gloves to protect you from the cold. Take your dry boots with you when you go out if you are going to get wet; this is essential winter protocol!

Drink lots of fluids

It's actually easier to remember to drink more water when it's cold, believe it or not!

Make your own hot or cold beverages with hot water, tea, coffee, or a carry-out superfood warm mocha.

They are so easy to carry around and can warm you up.

If you're already feeling poorly, have some hot soup or drink a superfood hot chocolate.

Don't smoke

Smoking has been shown to cause respiratory infections and other cold-related diseases.

Work in a warm environment, ask for heaters where necessary!

Make sure you have a hot drink or cup of soup after you've been outside for a while, both for warmth and nutritional value!

Make sure you wear a warm coat, cosy gloves, and scarf at all times!

Keep your immune system strong. 

One of the most important ways to maintain your health during cold and flu season is to keep yourself as healthy as possible.

Preventative measures, regular exercise, and a healthy diet with additional supplements are just a few ways to do this.

It's not just about preventing illnesses; it's about maintaining your health.

Put the phone down

It's so easy to get uber distracted when you have a big project at work, and you can't spend every minute with your kids. Still, happiness releases hormones that can boost your immune system naturally. Turning your phone off is easy but so hard to do.

Get outside

It might be that sitting inside is just plain dull. You need to get outside to enjoy a little fresh air.

Even the cold weather isn't bad for this.

Stay active

You'll get plenty of exercise by taking a walk with your kids, going on a nature hunt with them, or finding a nice local and heated pool for some water fun!

Get moving

Cold weather does not stop the return of daylight, but it does affect many things, including activity levels.

Get your blood pumping with a short, brisk walk outside each day if possible.

An easy way to get started is to increase the number of steps you take throughout the day.

Keep yourself hygienic!

Winter brings many viruses and bacteria into your body, not to mention pandemic-inducing viruses!

A single sniffle can mean that you're out of commission for the entire season.

Always wash your hands often and really well with soap and water and take steps to maintain good hygiene, such as using a hand sanitiser.

Stay well-hydrated!

Winter months are usually dry, which means that your body needs to drink more water to stay hydrated.

Take steps to stay hydrated throughout the winter by carrying water bottles and travel cups to fill along the way, so you maintain hydration levels.

Conclusion

Common colds and flu are caused by viruses. They can be treated with over-the-counter medicine or having a vaccine that can reduce its harsh effects.

The flu, however, is not so easily treatable with drugs or a vaccine, but they can help.

You can also easily build up a resistance to the flu by washing your hands often and staying away from those people who are sick.

How can you prevent catching the flu or a cold? 

Keeping your immune system fully charged with everything it needs to fight germs is always going to be the best preventative measure!

Over-the-counter medication or medication prescribed by your doctor can also treat cold and flu symptoms.

Get an annual flu vaccine if you are eligible!. 

It's better to get the flu vaccine sooner rather than later because the flu vaccine is recommended for nearly all adults ages 6 months and older.

However, children younger than 6 months and adults 65 years and older are at higher risk of severe complications from the flu, so make sure they are super protected with additional vitamins, minerals, and warmth!