Although winter brings many joyful festivities, it can be challenging too. The days get darker and colder, you seem to be ill every month and your mood might even drop. But hope is not lost – there is plenty you can do to keep your body and mind in good condition. Follow these five tips to supercharge your defences this winter.
1. Take vitamins
Eating a healthy and varied diet provides the vitamins and minerals you need to boost your immune system during winter. Still, with a lack of sunlight and more viruses, it’s also a good idea to invest in some vitamins, especially vitamins D, B and C!
Vitamin C is vital because it contributes to the normal function of the immune system. Colds, flu and Covid will be rife over the next few months, so arm yourself with a natural defence.
Vitamin B gets less press but is also very important for supporting your mental health. Reports show that vitamin B12, in particular, can help alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. Some people suffer from the ‘winter blues’, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), so taking a B12 supplement will help boost your mood and energy levels when they need it most.
Vitamin D is essential for winter because you no longer get adequate sources of sunlight. Vitamin D supports the maintenance of healthy bones, helps to regulate mood and helps your body fight against some diseases. There has been a lot of discussion within the medical industry about society being in a vitamin D deficiency pandemic, so it’s worth to prioritising this all year long too. Do your research and find a brand that meets your needs.
2. Check in with your body
When was the last time you saw your doctor? If a particular issue has been bothering you, book an appointment and get it checked out.
Winter is also when many people hunker down after a summer of dating, so it’s worth going for a sexual health check-up too. If you don’t want to see a professional, there are options available to receive testing and treatment with companies such as Chemist Click, who can provide services discreetly. Whatever route you choose, don’t ignore any concerns you have.
3. Go for walks in the daylight
It’s dark when you wake up and dark when you finish work. Finding time to walk outside is important for wellbeing and general health, so make a late morning or lunchtime walk a priority every day. Even 15-20 minutes in the fresh air can significantly affect your mood and health.
4. Stay warm
This is especially important in the UK during the complex cost-of-living crisis. Many people are being much more cautious about putting the heating on, so stay warm by wrapping up in extra layers and investing in a hot water bottle.
When out and about, wear a warm coat and woolly hat (when winter truly kicks in!).
5. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is important for a number of reasons, including delivering nutrients to cells, preventing infections and illness, and improving sleep and mood. Not drinking enough can also cause terrible headaches.
Studies indicate that people can be up to 40% less thirsty in winter, so ensuring you drink enough water is another way to stay healthy in the winter.
