You should always be thinking about your health, but it is especially important during the winter months. It can be hard to stick to an exercise regimen and healthy diet in the winter because all you want to do is curl up under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and a plate of cookies.
With everyone indoors, it is a little easier for viruses to spread from person to person, leading to an increase in colds and flu symptoms. You should try to keep yourself healthy in winter in every way if possible when your body is at its most vulnerable.
This can be critical this winter, as COVID-19 surges in multiple locations, and staying healthy can play a big part in helping to keep things under control.
Do not let the cold deter you from exercise. Staying active during the winter months will give you energy and keep your body toned. You don’t want to risk losing muscle or strength.
If you usually work out outside, consider adapting your routine to feature exercises to do inside. Social media also provides a wide variety of influencers who can give you exercise plans that fit your needs.
Consistency is key. Plan to work out for 30 minutes to an hour every day. Make sure it happens at the same time of day so you can get used to your new schedule.
Early mornings work the best for most people, but this is circumstantial. Many people also find it helpful to have other people to exercise with. Enlist your family members in working out with you or set up a virtual workout with your friends.
Even just scheduling a quick walk every couple of hours can get your blood pumping and give you the added bonus of being more focused at work.
Practice Good Hygiene
Your physical well-being is not limited to your exercise, but also relates to illness prevention. While it is not guaranteed you will not get sick, you can protect yourself by practicing good hygiene.
Washing your hands regularly has been proven to protect you from the majority of germs, making it one of the most important things you can do. Not only should you be washing your hands after you use the restroom, but you should also do so before eating, when you get home, and any other time that feels appropriate.
If you are out in public, make sure you wear a mask and use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available. Transmission of COVID-19 is more likely to occur before symptoms manifest, which makes these precautions a matter of public safety.
You should also avoid touching your face and hair as much as possible, especially in public. If you do manual labor and often get dirty while working, you should shower as soon as you get home from work. It may seem like extra, but washing off any potential bacteria is important for your health. It also means people will want to be around you more, which is an added bonus.
Get Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an excellent way to keep yourself healthy. It strengthens your immune system response and can assist in fighting mental health problems.
Unfortunately, the sunlight is one of the most reliable ways to acquire this important vitamin, so most people find that their anxiety and depression worsen in the winter. Many people work indoors and with the sun coming up later and setting earlier, during the week, they may only see the sun through a distant window.
While most people experience some form of the “winter blues,” more severe cases are known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and can be very serious. If you feel like you are suffering from SAD, you need to talk to your doctor about getting treatment for your condition.
If you are struggling with lower energy but don’t feel like it needs medical attention, there are still effective ways to combat the lack of vitamin D. Eating foods such as fish and eggs that are rich in vitamin D can help your body deal with the shortage.
You can also take vitamin D pills to supplement what little sunlight you do see (this is necessary if you live in a colder climate). You can also use light therapy to combat your low energy and anxiety. However, it will not impact vitamin D production, so make sure you couple this with other methods.
Staying healthy can mean different things. Mental health, physical health, and emotional health are all important, and depending on your situation, you might feel the need to focus on one.
Look for ways to improve your life during the winter, and the rest of the year is likely to be better. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in accomplishing your health goals.
Read this next: Who is Helping Develop a Vaccine for COVID-19?