Winter is all about curling up in your warm blanket, relishing a cup of coffee, sunny afternoon picnics and so much more! All this becomes more fun if you’re at the top of your health! So, here are a few simple winter self-care tips that will keep you in good form this winter so that you can make the most of this season.  

When it is cold, your body has to work harder, which leads to increased endorphin production. More endorphins in your body give you a happier state of mind while at the same time relieving stress. The cold can help you to get more energy and boost your concentration.

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1.  Wear warm clothes

Is it very cold outside? Get your woolens out to keep yourself warm. Woollen and flannel-based clothes can keep you warm and prevent you from catching a cold. If you are travelling, then carry an extra jacket/shrug/cardigan and a Woollen cap with you so that you can slip into them if the temperature drops.

2.  Start the day with this brew

What should be the first thing you should do on winter mornings? Make yourself a cup of cinnamon and honey tea. Simply boil some water and let a cinnamon stick soak in it. Then pour the fluid into a glass (use a strainer). Take a spoonful of organic honey and mix it into the liquid.

It has these health benefits-

  • Boosts immunity so that you don’t catch a cold.
  • Keeps your heart healthy.  
  • Keeps your blood sugar and pressure steady.
  • Provides you with energy throughout the day.     

3.  Draw yourself a warm bath

Does the thought of taking a shower on a cold winter morning seem unpleasant? A warm bath is a good way to stay in good shape this winter.

Warm showers in winter will instantly make your immunity stronger. Your body will be able to fight off germs and viruses that cause sore throat and cough.

A warm bath will also strengthen your heart. The steam rising from warm water clears your airways and lungs. This relieves the symptoms of respiratory problems such as a common cold.

4.  Exercise daily

Exercise more this winter to build stronger muscles and keep your body warm. When you work out in winters, your body burns more calories than usual to generate heat and make the body warm. This means you can lose fat and any excess weight in a short time.

Not just that, exercising daily in winter also improves blood circulation and strengthens your immune system. This way you can say goodbye to winter sicknesses like the flu or the cold.

5.  Moisturize your skin

This advice applies to both men and women – because grooming oneself in winter is supremely important! Winter is a very dry season. So naturally, the cold air draws out the moisture from your skin. That is why your skin feels flaky and itchy in winters. If you do not moisturize and hydrate your skin, soon your skin may split and start bleeding (like chapped lips). This may also lead to an infection.

How can you prevent this? Simply invest in a good moisturizer. You can purchase a bottle of coconut/sesame/olive oil or you could opt for moisturizing body lotions- whichever suits the needs of your skin.

Do not forget to moisturize your scalp with hair oil/conditioner/serum to prevent flaking and dandruff.

6.  Drink plenty of water

We don’t feel very thirsty in winters and often forget to drink water. But this is not wise, because, without water, your airways and sinuses become vulnerable to infections like cough and cold. Always stay hydrated and drink plenty of water! Put a reminder on your phone if you tend to forget!

7.  Eat smart

Do you eat processed food? If yes, then you need to control this urge during winters. Since chances of falling sick increase in winters, unhealthy eating can weaken your immune system and make you feel low. So, eat healthily, consume winter-specific vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, carrots and beetroot to keep yourself hale and hearty!

8. More Sunlight

Winter time is usually accompanied by less sunlight, this leads to people getting less sunlight overall when coupled with the fact that most people spend less time outdoors. Lower exposure to sunlight can lead to depressive symptoms as well as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Additionally, the body is not able to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D unless you are exposed to sunlight. This winter, make sure to go outside and get some sunlight, and if required, speak with your doctor about vitamin D supplements.  

9. Fix Your Sleep Routine  

Due to less sunlight, the body begins to produce more and more melatonin as the season progresses, this hormone is responsible for making you feel sleepy. To avoid feeling tired and sleepy throughout the winter, ensure that your sleep schedule is fixed with 7-8 hours of sleep every day. Avoid oversleeping, as this can also have negative effects on your mood and health.  

10. Socialize

Being isolated and alone can lead to negative mental health effects as well as cause long term effects on the brain. Meet with your family members, hang out with friends and play some board games together. This can help you combat any winter blues and keep your mind sharp. If you find yourself facing mental health issues, speak with a professional or reach out to someone you trust for help. Winter self-care isn’t only about being physically healthy but also about taking care of your mind.

Stay healthy with these winter self-care tips so that you can always enjoy that winter breeze, a hot cuppa and make the most of this beautiful season.

11. Eat a lot of proteins 

Protein is an essential nutrient to keep yourself healthy. Protein-rich foods can increase your energy levels throughout the day. Proteins help to build tissues, bones and also boost the metabolism of the body. Having plenty of meat, poultry food, dairy products, nuts, and seeds can provide you with proteins in winters and also keep you warm.  

12. Get your flu shots on time 

Don’t be afraid of needles, getting a flu shot before winter reduces your chances of getting affected by 50%. The ideal time to get it is just before the onset of winter, which is around October–November. Another important winter tip is to get checkups regularly during this season if you are susceptible to winter bugs. Try and keep you and your surroundings clean to minimize the risk of flu causing bacteria.

Reference: pharmeasy.in