Winter is the time when all we want to eat is unhealthy food, challenge the chilly winds, and enjoy the weather overall. It cannot be said that the weather in winter brings any health benefits. In fact, it is the time when most of us fall sick more than ever. Cold weather leads to decreased body temperature and as a result, we experience some kinds of winter diseases. While many of us struggle to cope with the temperature changes, we should always try our best to stay fit. Below are the best ways to stay healthy in winters. Follow them and spend this season without falling ill even once.
Take good care of your diet
Winter may affect our health in a bad way but all we want to eat at that time is oily and junk food. We keep on craving things that we should not eat that often. Therefore, eating a well-balanced diet that includes whole grains, lean meat, fish, proteins, legumes, nuts, and seeds is important to boost the immune system. Also, one can eat foods that contain Vitamin C that helps to increase your immunity and keep your body healthy.
Apart from that, adding proteins to your diet can help you to stay energized throughout the day. When the weather outside is cold, we feel sleepy now and then. So, taking a well-balanced diet is also important for the well-functioning of your body.
Regular Exercise
It is obvious that the chilly weather does not let you do much. And so, most people skip on their exercise in this season. But there are so many ways to stay active and warm. Join a fitness class, if you like to dance, join a dance class or simply lift weights whenever you can. Shedding calories in winter is very important.
If you do not want to do any such physical activity then you should do yoga in the morning. Yoga helps to boost the immune system and keep us energetic throughout the day. So, exercising is a must in winter.
Taking good care of your skin
Winter means more dry skin, more cracks than ever, and skin that is hard to repair. So, it is so important to take care of your skin in winter. For that, you can use a good moisturizer that suits your skin type. Do not go out without applying a moisturizer because the chilly winds harm your skin more than you can ever think of.
Apart from that, do not skip your skincare routine but do remember that the products you use in summer should not be the ones you use in winter. Our skin needs more attention in winter and hence you should choose the products wisely. Several good skincare products are available in the market that are worth your money including WowSkin and Mamaearth that do not harm your skin and replenish the dead cells. Beyond that, the winter sun may seem good but do not forget to use your sunscreen if you are going out.
Drink lots of water
When the weather outside is cold, we forget to drink water because we do not feel thirsty. But it is important to drink the required amount of water to stay hydrated. Water also helps to clean our systems and removes all the toxins from the body.
No wonder sugary drinks taste better than water but trust me, they do no good to your health in any season. So, try to replace all those drinks with water to save money and reduce the number of calories you intake throughout the day.
Eat more fiber
Soluble fiber is mostly found in fruits, grains, nuts, and seeds, vegetables which are very helpful for digestive problems, particularly in winter. Fiber is also helpful for reducing cholesterol levels that prevent obesity.
Apart from that, it is also beneficial for reducing inflammations and strengthening the immune system by increasing anti-inflammatory proteins. You can add foods like oats, apples, and nuts to your diet and your health will be fine this winter.
Good night sleep
No matter what season it is, a good night’s sleep is very important for everyone. Although the winter brings laziness with itself which urges you to sleep longer than usual. An average adult requires 7-8 hours of sleep every day. You can change the timings but do not sleep less than that. It is evident that in winter we do not feel like leaving the cozy blanket and the bed. So, adjust your sleep timings according to your mood and sleep for at least 7-8 hours a day.
Also, try to avoid sleeping during the day. The reason is, if you sleep after having lunch, you will be wide awake till late at night and that will completely ruin the following day for you.
Cut down carbs from your diet
Yes, carbs are also important for your body but not in access amount. You should include only a certain amount of carbs in your diet. The cold season stimulates your carb cravings and comfort food. So, eating such food may increase the chance of compromised health and obesity as well.
Therefore, try to avoid foods like French fries and other deep-fried food, sodas, potato or corn chips, gummy candy, doughnuts, processed cereal, and other unhealthy options like that.
Bath daily
As bad as it sounds, taking a bath daily is in winter is as important as it is in summer. Taking showers daily improves your immune system and it has a hyperthermic effect on your body, which makes you feel relaxed and calm during winters. Also, make sure that the water is not too hot because it damages the skin.
Apart from that, bathing does not mean that you have to use a lot of cleansers to clean yourself. Try to use the smallest amount of cleanser possible to clean the skin. It reduces the chances of extreme dryness.
Chill for a while
Stress is the main reason for falling sick these days. While everyone is under a lot of stress these days, you can do something you love to avoid such things. You can go out for a walk, listen to your favorite music, watch the things you like the most, spend time with your friends and colleagues, cook for yourself for a change, and whatnot.
Do not indulge yourself in work or some other thing that stresses you out. Make sure to take out time for yourself as well. If the mind is at peace the body is at peace.
Follow COVID-19 norms
Last but not the least, following COVID-19 norms no matter what. We all should remember that in spite of getting the vaccine people are still falling ill and therefore we should take care of ourselves. Cover your face and mouth, practice social distancing, and sanitize your hands frequently.
These are imposed by the government for your own safety. The virus is still out there and so, stay at home as much as you can. Also, if you have not taken the vaccine yet, get your shot as early as possible as it reduces the chances of getting extremely sick.