5 Tips to Maintain Your Health During the Cold Winter Months.
The holidays are over and the cold winter months stretch before us like a chilly doormat. With wind, rain, and snow in the forecast, we're never going to get out of this one unscathed. We're going to be bundled up in our warmest clothes and we'll probably be in front of the fireplace for a lot of hours.
This can put a damper on your health when there's so much more time left to spend indoors. However, it doesn't have to stay that way. Here are some ways you can start living healthier during the winter months:.
Stay in Shape
It's difficult to stay in shape when we're constantly bundled up and spending time inside. There are many ways you can still find a way to keep yourself active, even during the winter.
There are indoor running routes that will keep you warm and help you maintain your fitness routine. You can also do some indoor cycling, which is great for your heart's health. And if you're up for it, there's always Zumba.
We all know how much easier it is to be lazy and stay home when the weather outside is frightful and uncomfortable. But don't let winter weather take control of your life! The more you exercise, the healthier your body will be and the better you'll feel.
Get More Sleep
When it's cold and dark outside, we're more likely to spend time inside. This makes it easy for the days to blur into one another and before you know it, you've been up for hours - but not doing anything productive.
One way to combat this is by getting more sleep each night. Studies show that we need an average of eight hours of sleep a night and many people don't get close to this during the winter months.
If you can't find time to get all your sleep during the day, try going to bed and waking up earlier than usual so you can squeeze in more hours before work or school starts in the morning.
Another tip? Try not to take naps during the day. They'll just mess with your natural sleep cycle and make it harder for you to fall asleep at night.
Increase Your Vitamin D Intake
When the sun goes down, it's time to get your vitamin D. You can't get enough of this healthy nutrient during the winter months. Vitamin D is crucial for many bodily functions and also plays a big role in maintaining your immune system.
There are some great sources of vitamin D that you can find during the winter months:
1. Get outside more often!! Just 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure on your face and hands will give you about 20-30 percent of your daily vitamin D requirements.
2. Take supplements! There are many brands available, so you're sure to find one that suits you best.
3. Eat foods high in vitamin D! Oily fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, or tuna are all good options. Eggs, cheese, and fortified milk products are other good sources of this nutrient..
Drink Lots of Fluids
It's no secret that we're supposed to drink plenty of fluids during the winter months. Due to the cold and flu viruses that seem to proliferate during this time, it's important that we replace all that lost fluid and keep our immune system strong.
If you're feeling dehydrated, make sure you drink at least 3 liters of water a day. That can be hard to remember! Try setting an alarm on your phone or computer to remind you every hour or two to drink some water.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
While your diet probably changes during the holidays, it's important to stay consistent with your food choices.
The last thing you want is for your body to be in disharmony due to extreme fluctuations in your diet. It's best to stick to the same healthy foods you usually eat so you can keep up with all your vitamins and minerals.
However, if you really want to change things up, try adding some seasonal winter vegetables like kale or squash into the mix. These foods are rich in vitamin C and will help boost your immune system when it feels like its getting weaker.
Don't Give Up on Yoga
Believe it or not, there are ways to stay fit even in the winter, and yoga is one of them. It's a terrific way to maintain your strength and balance throughout the colder months.
Yoga may be done indoors while bundled up in thick sweaters and pants, but you'll still be feeling great when you're done. Your body will be warm from moving around, your joints will feel looser, and your mind will feel more relaxed. With all these benefits, you'll want to continue practicing yoga year-round!.
Conclusion
The cold winter months can be a tough time to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But don't worry! We've got you covered with six tips to help you stay healthy during the winter.
Stay in shape by going on a run or taking a class.
Get more sleep by turning off electronics an hour before bed.
Increase your vitamin D intake by adding more fish, eggs, and fortified foods to your diet.
Drink lots of fluids by drinking water and herbal teas, but don't forget your coffee!
Maintain a healthy diet by stocking up on fruits and veggies.
Don't give up on yoga by getting creative with your practice.
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