We bring you few Simple Tips to Stay Healthy this Winter. In winter, our immune systems usually take a hit and health problems become more widespread. Winter ailments are many and diverse and include cough, cold, sore throat, asthma, painful joints, dry skin, winter allergies, and the flu.
Here are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself and also boost your body’s immune system, so that you can stay healthy during the winter season.
- Unhealthy eating habits are common in winter. It is hard to resist the temptation of having hot deep-fried snacks in the cold weather.
- However, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can help strengthen your immune system and protect you from several winter illnesses.
- Make an effort to include fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds, and fresh herbs in your diet. These provide fibre, enzymes, vitamins, and disease protective antioxidants, which help keep your immune system strong.
- Avoid too much white sugar and flour, which not only contribute to weight gain but can also weaken your immune system.
- You may not feel very thirsty in cold weather, but it is important to drink enough water throughout the day, to prevent dehydration.
- Keeping your body well hydrated helps to keep your skin healthy, improve digestion, flush out toxins, and prevent winter illnesses.
- If you don’t feel like drinking cold water, try hot herbal teas and soups. Avoid alcohol and sodas. They can lead to dehydration.
Wash your hands frequently
- Winter is the cold and flu season. Many of these common infections are spread by germs on your hands.
- Therefore, regular hand washing throughout the day is one of the most effective ways to prevent getting sick or passing infections on to others.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating and after you go to the toilet. Use a hand sanitizer when you can’t get soap and water.
- Cold temperatures can bring increased illnesses, mostly respiratory problems. Cold weather is especially dangerous for older people, children, and people with pre-existing health conditions.
- Therefore, take care to stay as warm as possible. Keep your house warm. Have hot meals and regular hot drinks. Dress appropriately in warm clothes when going outside.
Look after your skin
- Cold weather can cause a number of skin problems, such as dry, flaky and itchy skin, eczema, as well as chapped lips and cracked heels.
- These problems usually arise due to change in temperature, less moisture in the air, and drinking less water.
- Hot water showers are great during winter, but they can also dry your skin. Prefer to bathe with lukewarm water.
- Moisturize your skin by applying a rich, nourishing lotion, especially after showering. Don’t forget your hands and feet. Use lip balm to heal cracked lips.
- Stress is an unavoidable part of our daily lives. Excessive stress weakens the immune system making you more susceptible to catching colds and flu.
- When you start to feel anxiety and stress, it’s important to know how to deal with it in a healthy way. Spend time with family and friends, go for a walk or practice deep breathing, yoga or meditation.
- Just because it’s cold, it does not mean that you avoid exercise. Exercise supports the immune system and may actually prevent you from getting sick.
- Regular exercise through the winter helps you stay fit, boosts your immune system, decreases stress, and keeps your weight down.
- If you have no desire to go outdoors, in the cold weather, shift to indoor activities. Yoga, stretching, dance, and aerobics can all be done in your living room.
Get plenty of sleep
- Good quality sleep is vital for good health. It helps to keep the body’s immune system healthy and ready to fight off colds and other infections.
- The average person requires around 8 hours of sleep each night. When you are sick, try to sleep for a few extra hours. Resting can help your body heal.
- Avoid smoking, caffeine, and alcohol that can affect your good night’s sleep. If you are experiencing sleeping troubles, then try some relaxation techniques, like listening to soothing music.
- To know more about how to stay healthy this rainy season click here.
Keep these Simple Tips to Stay Health this Winter in mind to keep your immune system strong, so that you can stay healthy and well during the winter season.
Disclaimer: All material on Hidoc is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical or health advice. Always seek the advice of your physician for any questions regarding your symptoms or medical condition and before taking any home remedies or supplements.