Tips for A Healthy Winter

Winter: the time of chilly weather, open fires and warm jumpers, can also be the cause of lots of illness and unhappiness. It is cold, rainy and the time of year when everyone around you seems to be sick, especially if you tend to catch a lot of public transportation.  Here are some winter tips to keep you happy and healthy this season until the sun comes out again:

• Wash Your Hands (More than normal). Studies show that people who consistently wash their hands are often the healthiest. If washing your hands isn’t possible carry around some hand sanitizing liquid and be sure to use it after the train, or touching public surfaces where germs are deposited the most.
• Eat a Balanced Diet. Unhealthy foods seem to pop up on menus more commonly during the winter. Monitor your food intake and make sure you are eating foods high in proteins, good fats and carbohydrates. Just remember moderation is the key. Eat foods that won’t come back to haunt you come swimming time.
• Stay Active. Winter seems like the best time to lie around and take advantage of the warm indoors but that won’t necessarily help your health. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. Whether it is braving the cold outside at a park or joining a fitness class. Exercise boosts endorphins which make you happy and healthy.
• Make sure to get enough vitamins. Vitamins help to keep your body regulated. Vitamin D can be obtained from getting a simple 15-20 minutes of sun daily. It is tempting to hibernate during the winter but getting outside a bit on sunny days will help you fight the sickness.  Vitamin C can be obtained by eating citrus fruits like oranges, and lemons which enhance the immune system.   Vitamin supplements are also a great way to get vitamins during winter.
• Catch up on your sleep. Getting enough sleep is important in any season but it is critical in winter. Sleep is the way the body renews and heals itself so catch up on that beauty rest since it will be getting darker early anyway.
• Eat more Soup. Soup is perfect for those wintery days. Not only are most soups packed full of vegetables, they also provide balance which is essential to any diet. Hot liquid also helps break up congestion. Soups are said to help reduce food intake by 20 percent.
• Control Stress. This is another tip that can be practiced year round. Controlling stress or the things that cause stress will lead to a healthy and happier you. Take daily time for you to unwind maybe by listening to music, reading or taking a bundled up stroll.
• Drink Water. Water is sometimes forgotten in the winter months but it is just as essential to the body as during the summer. Winter months cause dry skin and drinking enough water (recommended at least 2 litres a day) can restore skin’s health. Not to mention it helps the body to function and fight off disease as well.
• Enjoy the Winter. Winter can be a fun season full weather and warm indoors. Take the time to plan a fun winter party. For Winter Party Tips click here. It will be fun to unwind with a party or event. Just remember these tips as well.
• Plan for Spring. This may seem a little silly but spend some time planing a holiday or activities to do with your mates for when the warmer months are here. Make it a winter night activity to plan out the festivals and fun things you can attend during the spring. This will give you a chance to connect with your mates, or significant other, as well as build anticipation for the seasons to come.

Enjoy the winter months full of warm indoors and woolly jumpers. Have any tips for a healthy, active and fun-filled winter? We want to hear from you.