Even when not faced with a global pandemic, we are all always doing our best to stay healthy during the winter.
However, now it is especially important to preserve our health so that we can take some pressure off the hospitals and medical workers that are slowly reaching their limit.
If you’re on the lookout for some tips when it comes to fighting off the cold and staying healthy this winter, keep on reading.
Remember to wash your hands
Proper and regular handwashing was always key to preventing the spread of germs but COVID-19 put a real emphasis on this practice.
So, to protect yourself and other people from various diseases, learn how to wash your hands properly.
Use water and soap and wash for at least 20 seconds. Do this after sneezing, coughing, blowing your nose, and being out in public.
What is more, seeing as how you will not always have access to water and soap, practice carrying hand sanitizer with you everywhere you go.
Eat a well-balanced diet
During this season, you want to boost your immune system and nurture your body. There is no better way to do that than by eating a well-balanced diet.
So, start incorporating lean meats, poultry, fish, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, and fresh fruits and veggies into your diet.
In order to get enough vitamins through your food, you should steer clear of unhealthy comfort foods and opt for healthier alternatives.
From swedes to satsumas, there is a wide variety of winter foods that you might not normally eat but could try.
Drink milk and eat more dairy foods
Besides fresh food, you should also up your intake of dairy products. In addition to milk, you can also have more yogurt and cheese as these foods are a great source of calcium, vitamins A and B12, and protein.
Calcium will keep your bones strong so that you don’t have to worry about breaking anything due to a slip and fall.
Opt for skimmed, semi-skimmed, or 1% milk and low-fat plain yogurts instead of the full-fat alternatives.
Make sure you get enough physical activity
Just like a healthy diet is important for your overall wellbeing so is exercise. That is why you have to find ways to get as much physical activity as you can.
While gyms are still closed in some places, you can always use the great outdoors to get a workout in.
So, no matter if you opt for jogging, hiking, or cycling, you can surely get the necessary 30 minutes of moderate activity that we all need on a daily basis.
Alternatively, in the event that it’s cold and icy outside, you can still do some exercises inside your home.
If you don’t have any gym equipment, plenty of YouTube tutorials will teach you how to make the most of what you do have.
Get vaccinated
While the COVID-19 vaccines are still not available to everyone, you can get a vaccine for the seasonal flu.
Millions of people experience the symptoms of the seasonal flu and many of them have to be hospitalized.
Seeing as how the flu vaccines are updated on a regular basis so that they can protect us from various new strains of the flu virus, you should set up an appointment and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
So, finding a trustworthy facility that has a quality pharmacy fridge and other essential equipment is vital.
That way, you know that you are protected and you’re helping lessen the impact that your hospitalization could have on the local hospital.
Take care of your skin
You’re probably familiar with the fact that cold weather can damage your skin and make it dry, itchy, and cracked.
To prevent this from happening and keep your skin soft, you want to include a moisturizer in your daily routine and apply it regularly.
Something else that you should not overlook even during the winter is sunscreen. The harmful sun rays can still impact our skin so you need to use a sun protection cream every time you leave your home.
Don’t forget to hydrate
Increasing your water intake during the winter is another great way to care for your skin. In addition to soft skin, staying hydrated will help you get rid of toxins.
Water also carries nutrients to the body cells so if you don’t drink enough, all the healthy eating will be for nothing.
Plus, water helps you keep a normal body temperature as well as lubricates and cushions your joints. Women should go for around 11 cups of water per day while men need about 15.
From washing your hands and getting vaccinated to getting plenty of exercises and eating a balanced diet, there are many precautions you can take to ensure you stay healthy during winter.
Finally, you should do your best to reduce the spread of germs by wiping down surfaces, keeping your distance from people that might be sick, and wearing a mask.
