Maintain a Healthy Body During the Winter Months

Winter conditions can be hard to deal with.  From the grey, overcast days to the dry indoor air, it's easy to feel as if you're being hit from all angles.  The following tips will help you maintain a healthy body during the winter months.


Get as much sunlight as you can.

For many people, the most challenging aspect of winter is the reduced sunlight.  The shorter days and reduced light aren't just unpleasant; these conditions can have a very real impact on your mood and emotional well-being. 

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Try to get as much sunlight as you can; make the most of sunny days by bundling up and getting out for walk.  Note that even if you take advantage of those sunny days, winter sunlight levels aren't sufficient for your body to manufacture vitamin D, so you can benefit from taking a daily vitamin D supplement.
 
 
Counter dry air with a humidifier.

It doesn't take long before dry winter air starts to take a toll:  your hair is crackling with static, your skin is dry, your lips are chapped, and you start experiencing little "shocks" when you touch something metal.  Indoor heating only adds to the problem. 

Counter the dry air by investing in a humidifier and run it as often as needed.  The added moisture in the air will make a huge difference and leave you feeling a lot more comfortable.  Tip:  check the humidity level in your home by purchasing an inexpensive hygrometer—you might be surprised by how dry it is! 
 
 
Drink enough water to stay hydrated.

Drinking enough water to stay hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer.  Your body is approximately two-thirds water, and adequate water intake is needed to support a multitude of bodily functions.  Even if you're not sweating as heavily as you do in the warmer summer months, you're still losing water throughout the day; even the basic act of breathing causes steady water loss.  Drinking water that's close to room temperature (as opposed to icy cold) will be easier on your system.

Tip:  adding the juice of half a lemon will make things more energizing and flavourful, while also supporting healthy liver function.
 
 
Work some physical activity into your day.

If most of your winter evenings are spent sitting on the couch binge-watching movies, it won't be long before you're feeling sluggish and lethargic.  You might also find yourself gaining a few unwanted pounds as well.  Keep your energy up and your weight down by working some physical activity into your day.  It may be challenging at first, but you'll experience better energy levels in the long run, improved concentration, and you'll be left feeling better overall. 

There's no point taking up an activity that you don't really like, as it will just feel burdensome and you'll struggle to stick with it.  Instead, find something that you genuinely enjoy.  It could be a winter sport, a class at your local gym, a workout that you do at home, or a brisk daily walk.
 
 
Make sure you're getting a good night's rest.

Poor quality sleep can lead to a host of problems, from mood swings to increased appetite.  Take steps to make sure your bedroom is conducive to a good night's rest.  It shouldn't be cold, but it shouldn't be too warm either, as that can prevent you from getting a good night's rest.  Do you wake up feeling dry and parched?  Run a small humidifier overnight to moisten the air. 

Note that a stuffy room can also interfere your sleep.  If you've been keeping the windows closed to keep the heat in, remember to open up your bedroom window occasionally (even if just for a brief period) to get some fresh air flowing through.