When the seasons change, we can sometimes forget to adapt ourselves. This is what usually leads to us falling ill during the colder months. Perhaps we aren’t dressing correctly or just have a case of the winter blahs. Here are some handy tips to keep yourself in tip-top shape for winter.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Yes, that’s right. Good old H2o can help with staying fit and healthy. As our bodies are mostly made up of water, we need plenty of it going in on a daily basis. We’re told we should be drinking half of your body weight. It seems a lot, but when you break it down into cups, it becomes much more manageable.
Drinking plenty of water also helps with keeping the skin hydrated, which is essential during winter. The cold tends to dry up our most vulnerable body parts such as the lips, knees and elbows. Water might not be the cure for chapped lips or dry knees, but it will sure help contribute to avoiding them! This simple liquid can, flush out toxins, boosts the immune system and prevents headaches, and you can read more here.
Transition Your Wardrobe
It’s hard to admit it, but summer is over. No more sunshine or warm weather for a while, so the sooner you transition the clothes in your wardrobe to match the season, the better. Start by bringing in some warmer layers but keep in some of last season’s attire for those odd days when we get a glimpse of what was. As we get further into the end of the year, make sure you have gloves, scarves and hats on. These accessories are essential to keeping your body warm and will ensure you avoid catching a common cold.
Even if it’s looking like a pleasant day, always check the temperature before going out as a seemingly sunny day can be bitterly cold.
Use Skincare Products
Our skin needs that extra layer of protection against the battering it gets from the wind, rain and bitterly cold temperatures, so investing in skincare products is recommended. A basic would be a daily moisturiser and a night cream to help repair the skin while your sleeping. Exfoliating scrubs are useful to do every so often so that dead skin is buffed away. Acids have also become popular as part of a skincare regime such as hyaluronic acid. This acid helps grab moisture from the air and holds it on the skin to provide deep, hydrating moisture all day long.
Skincare products needn’t cost the earth but having a basic selection can be a great help to defending the skin. You just need to find the right ones that work for you.
Take Your Vitamins
Vitamins and other supplements can help with boosting your immune system and providing the right amounts of vitamins and minerals your body may be lacking with the change of weather. Vitamin C and D are useful to have when there’s a lack of sunshine. Vitamin C can help shorten the amount of time you’re ill if you do catch a bug and Vitamin D is an essential supplement for the lack of sunlight.
Always consult your doctor before taking vitamin tablets or supplements, as they may suggest an alternative.
Eat The Right Food
It can seem very easily attractive to gorge on takeouts and eat junk food, but this can end up adding to any fatigue or low energy you may experience during the winter. If you don’t like taking vitamin tablets or supplements, certain foods contain the vitamins you need too. Here are just a few examples of foods that have these all important vitamins.
- Vitamin D – fatty fish like tuna, mackerel and salmon. Cheese, mushrooms, orange juice and soy milk.
- Vitamin C – parsley, spinach, green vegetables like broccoli and sprouts. Kiwis, lemons, strawberries and oranges.
This is just a small selection of foods, so you’ll be sure to find something you like that has the nutrition you need for your body.
Get Regular Exercise
The last thing that’s on your mind when it’s cold outside and dark is to go to the gym. But doing light exercise whether that’s once a week or maybe even every other day, it can have a significant effect on your mental state of mind. Find a type of exercise that you enjoy doing otherwise, you’ll give up or become demotivated. Perhaps you enjoy swimming or running on the treadmill. Maybe you prefer yoga or weightlifting. Whatever the exercise is, doing it regularly can boost your mood and also your health.
Have A Consistent Bedtime Routine
A lack of sleep or an inconsistent sleeping pattern can play havoc on your body. Some people can fully function on three to four hours sleep but if you know you need six to seven hours sleep to feel human, don’t deprive your body of that. It’s only going to make you feel worse, and that has a knock on effect with other aspects of your life. Find a sleeping pattern that works for you and your body. Make sure your bedroom is a sanctuary, with no technology allowed. Adapt your space to help you fully relax and drift off so you can have a good night’s sleep every night.
Pamper Yourself Often
One thing we all don’t do enough is giving time to ourselves. Giving yourself a little self-love and care will go a long way in making you feel good in yourself. Whether that’s taking a long, hot bubble bath or indulging in a glass of wine at your local bar, do it. During the winter, we tend to overwork ourselves and a lot of that stress and long working hours can contribute to running your body into the ground. Take time out for yourself, no matter how long.
Staying healthy is important to both you, and those around you so use some of these tips to help keep you and your body, happy. Read up on how to be a Healthier and Happier Mama!
