10 Tips for Staying Healthy this Winter
For us here in Colorado, Fall doesn’t last very long. It’s like you blink, and suddenly, summer has turned into winter! The cold usually hits around Halloween, and we all scramble to get our flu shots, stock up on cold meds, and hunker down for the winter months.
As winter approaches, so does the cold and flu season, making focusing on health and wellness even more important to ward off bacteria and viruses and reduce the likelihood of getting sick.
In this blog post, we’ll look at why keeping healthy in winter is important and share some tips on remaining full of vitality as the cold weather hits.
The Importance of Healthy Habits During Winter
As the temperature drops, our immune systems can be compromised as our body works hard at keeping warm. Seasonal viruses tend to be more prevalent in cold weather, increasing your risk of contracting a respiratory infection.
In addition, cold air also tends to be dry, which dries out the membranes in the respiratory system, making it easier for viruses to find their way in. Colder temperatures mean you might spend more time indoors instead of out and about, and the shorter daylight hours don’t help.
Winter can even lead to a decline in mental health and cause some winter blues or a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The reduced exposure to the sun also means you might lack vitamin D, which is essential in supporting immune function.
To stay healthy, it’s important to understand the challenges posed by the impending winter and be more conscious of our lifestyle choices to prevent illness. Here are some winter health tips for the upcoming 2024 season to help you do just that!
10 Winter Health Tips for 2024
Stay Hydrated
Cold weather causes dehydration, so remember to drink plenty of fluids. The recommended daily amount is 2.7 liters for women and 3.7 liters for men. This means women should drink 8 glasses, and men should drink 12.
Moisturize
Winter can dry out your skin and lips. Make sure to slather on lip balm and moisturizer on the dry areas to ensure that your skin and lips don’t flake or crack.
If you can, try using natural ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil, especially on your face. The harsh chemicals in commercial products often do more harm than good.
“Stock” Up on Soups and Stews
Soups and stews are excellent winter comfort foods, so stock up! Chicken soup, beef stews, minestrone, and shrimp or chicken gumbo are all low-calorie stews that are great for cold weather.
Some stews take longer to make than others, so you can make up a big batch and freeze or refrigerate them to enjoy a hearty bowl of hot soup anytime.
Stay Active
Physical activity continues to be important despite the cold temperatures making it difficult. Even a light workout will increase your body temperature, raise your heart rate, and improve blood flow and energy levels.
If you’re exercising outdoors, be sure to layer up enough. Be careful when you’ve finished your exercise, and try to stay warm. The evaporative cooling from wet clothes can cause you to feel even colder and put you at risk of falling ill.
If heading outdoors is not possible, try home workouts like a one-hour power yoga session or some calisthenics as part of your exercise routine. You can also invest in an exercise bike or treadmill to regularly get a good cardio workout in the comfort and warmth of your own home.
Layer Up
If you’re planning to get outdoors, be sure to layer up with warm clothing. Overexposure to cold can result in several nasty conditions like hypothermia, frostbite, or cardiovascular stress. Check the temperature and ensure you have enough layers to stay warm.
If you just moved to a cold climate, a good way to layer the top is a base, a thick fleece, and an outer shell to protect yourself from the wind. You’ll probably be able to get away with jeans for the bottom unless it’s freezing, then ski pants it is!
Don’t forget a beanie and some gloves. Your head loses about 30% of body heat, so protect your noggin!
Use a Humidifier
You can use a commercially available humidifier for your home to keep the air less dry, which will help with chapped lips, dry skin, and dehydration. Try to find an energy-efficient humidifier that is the appropriate size for the room you intend to use it in.
Also, note the maintenance cost and safety features like the automatic shut-off when the water runs out to prevent damage.
Get Plenty of Rest
The shorter days might mean you sleep longer, which isn’t necessarily bad! Resting more during winter is one of the best ways to boost your immune system and reduce the risk of illness.
You’ll have the perfect excuse for going to bed early and sleeping in the following day!
Take Supplements
Consider adding some supplements to your diet to help your body’s immune system out. The shortening days and more indoor time mean you might lack vitamin D so you can incorporate that into your routine.
Vitamin C is essential for the immune system and contains antioxidants crucial for your health, so you might want to take those as well, especially if you aren’t getting enough fruits and veggies.
You can also consider incorporating CBD into your routine for overall wellness*, as the cannabinoid will help maintain your body in a state of homeostasis or balance. CBD is available in many forms, like oil, capsules, or gummies.
Wash Your Hands Often
This is an all-around healthy habit, but in winter, we are more susceptible to germs and viruses, making good hygiene even more important. Use a hand sanitizer if you don’t want cold hands.
Visit the Doctor Immediately When You Get Sick
If you do fall sick, see a healthcare provider before it gets worse! Also, take the necessary steps to limit your contact with others to avoid passing the bug around.
Maintain Winter Wellness Naturally with NuLeaf Naturals CBD
Maintain wellness naturally* and incorporate NuLeaf CBD products in your daily routine. All our products are of the highest grade, with a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes working together to create an entourage effect for optimal results.
Our products are made under the most stringent manufacturing standards in our Colorado facility. They are independently verified by third-party labs to ensure they are completely safe and free of pesticides, herbicides, mold, fungi, heavy metals, and mycotoxins.
Take charge of your winter wellness* with CBD from NuLeaf Naturals!
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). NuLeaf products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.