10 Health Tips for Wintry Weather

As the days get shorter – and colder – you can make some easy adjustments to your lifestyle and routine for optimal health and well-being. Awareness and self-discipline are key. Your body will thank you for incorporating these tips throughout the wintry months.

Get Vaccinated: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting the annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Sleep Consistently: Rise and shine at the same time on a daily basis. As the sun goes down earlier, it can throw off your natural circadian rhythm. Try to maintain a sleep schedule of at least seven hours and keep your normal bedtime and waking hours the same as the rest of the year.

Avoid Germs: Wash your hands several times each day with warm soapy water (or hand sanitizer). Sanitize your most touched items, such as your cell phone, keyboard and remote, on a regular basis.

Stay Disciplined: During the holidays, it’s easy to overindulge. Balance your appetite with a good dose of discipline. Eat as healthy as possible — fruits, vegetables, lean protein and complex carbs. Your body needs the proper nutrients to function optimally.

Keep Hydrated: Your body consumes more energy in colder weather, and you will sweat more with heavier clothing. Ensuring ample water intake will keep you hydrated – and keep your skin supple.

Take Vitamin D: When fall arrives, daylight – an excellent source of vitamin D – is less available. Take a supplement or eat a varied diet to maintain appropriate levels of vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. You may try cod liver oil, salmon, tuna or milk.

Go Green: Liven up your living space with some lush greenery. Not only are houseplants great for home decor, they can remove pollutants from the air, improve your mental well-being and even boost your productivity.

Schedule Annual Check-Up: Maximize your healthcare benefit with an annual physical. Get bloodwork and preventative tests done to be proactive with your health.

Strengthen Immunity: It’s important for your immune system to be strong, particularly during flu season. Eat healthy foods with vitamin C, like limes, oranges and clementines, to ward off infections. Garlic, ginger, spinach and almonds are also great options that fortify your immunity.

Embrace the Cold: Just because it’s not warm and balmy doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the outdoors. Dress warm, breathe in the crisp air and absorb the daylight. Go for a nature walk or a jog in your neighborhood to boost your mood and creativity while relaxing your body.