I love summer (I also love fall, spring and winter) and sometimes it’s tough to say goodbye to summer. But, winter is coming whether we like it or not, and you know what that means – cold and flu season. But before you start stockpiling tissues and chicken soup, let’s talk about some simple at-home methods to help you steer clear of those pesky winter bugs and stay as healthy as ever.
Boost Your Immune System:
First and foremost, it’s all about boosting your immune system. A strong immune system is your first line of defense, much better to not get sick at all than just having to deal with the symptoms, right? And, it’s not really that hard, a few changes to your routine may be all it takes to fortify your body against those nasty viruses.
Start here:
Eat Right: When it comes to vegetables, think color. Add a mix of all types of veggies to your daily diet. Each type of veggie can provide different vitamins and minerals so mixing up the vegetables you have each meal can give you the most comprehensive protection.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your body’s systems healthy and can keep toxins at bay. If you prefer herbal teas, that can work too.
Get Enough Sleep: Get your rest. Most people require between 7-8 hours of good quality sleep nightly. Your body replenishes and heals itself while you’re asleep, so enough sleep allows your body to do what’s it made to do – keep you health.
Get Some Exercise: During the cold, overcast winter months getting exercise, or even working up the enthusiasm to exercise, can be hard. But, it’s more important than ever during those winter months when we’re cooped up inside. So, no matter the weather, try to move. And, as much as possible, try to get outside for some much needed fresh air. And, for those days you just can’t muster up the energy, or it’s just too cold, to go outside, you can still workout at home. There are many at home pieces of exercise equipment that can provide you with some cardio.
Don’t Forget About Good Hygiene:
Our moms used to always tell us to remember to wash our hands. Most of us now are on our own but this is still just as important to do as when mom told us.
Wash Your Hands: Keeping your hands washed is the top way to keep healthy. A thorough, 20 second, hand washing between the fingers and over every part of your hand up to the wrist, does wonders. Make sure to wash your hands not just after using the bathroom but before every meal, and honestly, just at odd times during your day.
Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer isn’t a replacement for hand washing but it’s better than nothing in a pinch. It’s a good idea to carry a bottle with you in your purse and car, when you’re on the go.
Cover Your Sneezes And Coughs: Up until pretty recently we were always told to cough or sneeze into our hand. But a better way, I think, is to cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow. That way you’re not coughing into your hand and than using that hand to touch things or to shake hands with people. Yuck!
Keep Your Home Germ-Free:
Your home is your sanctuary, even from germs:
Disinfect Often : Frequently disinfect the most commonly touched surfaces in your home: doorknobs, toilet handle, light switches, etc. Just think about how many times these surfaces get touched during the typical day by everyone in your house!
Bring in some Fresh Air: I live in a cold, Midwestern climate so having my windows open during the winter may seem impossible. And for most of the winter it is. But there is almost always a few days scattered throughout the winter where the temperature gets above freezing. On those days I try to open up a few windows, only for a few minutes, around the house to get in some much needed fresh air. I think it really helps clear out the viruses and yuckies (not a technical term!) in the air.
Humidify: This is so important. Have you ever woken up and your mouth was so dry you couldn’t hardly swallow or speak. I have. It’s not at all comfortable. A humidifier can do wonders for your health during the dry winter months. It helps keep your respiratory tract moist and less susceptible to infections.
Stay Warm and Cozy:
Winter is the season of warm sweaters, hot cocoa, and crackling fires. Keep the chill at bay:
Layer Up: Dress in layers to trap warm air close to your body. A warm scarf, hat, and gloves should be part of your outside ensemble whenever you leave your home.
Stay Active: Physical activity generates heat and can help you stay warm. Plus, the endorphin boost will keep you in high spirits. This can include fun games for the family too.
Mind Your Mental Health:
Winter can be tough on our mental health, too. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real thing, and staying mentally healthy can help your body stay physically healthy. Here’s what you can do:
Stay Social: Even if you can’t physically go out, maybe due to illness or just really lousy weather, you can still stay connected through video calls, chats, or a good old-fashioned phone call.
Get Some Sun: When the sun does make an appearance, spend some time outside to soak up those precious rays. Sunlight can improve your mood and combat the winter blues.
Practice Relaxation: Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. They can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can weaken your immune system. Self care is even more important during the long, cold, dark winter months.
Staying healthy during the year, especially during those long, cold winter months, is really just a matter of making some simple changes. No need to go overboard; it’s about finding a balance that works for you. So, eat well, rest up, and keep warm, and you’ll be on your way to a healthy and happy winter season. Stay well!