It is that much-awaited time of the year when we all get a respite from the scorching heat and humidity. Winters are a time to enjoy the outdoors and eat all the foods that you love. But with winters comes the risk of falling ill due to low temperatures and lack of mobility.

So, how do you take care of your health during the cold months and enjoy them at the same time? This article will take you through why your body need special attention during winter and five ways to ensure winter well-being.

How Does The Cold Weather Affect Your Health?

While we all are aware of the kind of health problems that affect us during the winter months. But have we ever stopped to think about why we get all these specific health issues during winter?

Here are some ways in which the cold weather affects your health:

·      During the colder months, people usually prefer to stay indoors. This lack of exercise not just has an impact on your weight but also increases the risk of poor immunity. It also lowers your resistance to contagious diseases, especially those that spread between close proximities.

·      Lower temperatures can wreak havoc on people with respiratory problems. Cold air can trigger sinus infections and asthma. Not just this, staying indoors for long hours also increases one’s exposure to mould and dander.

·      Since most winter days are sans sunshine, the grey, and gloomy weather may also affect some people’s moods. This phenomenon is known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder), which may lead to mood swings and even stress and anxiety.

·      People tend to eat richer foods during winter months. This may lead to obesity and have an adverse impact on your overall health and wellness. Eating too many comfort foods during the winter months may also increase your blood sugar levels.

·      The winter air is usually very dry. Add to this constant exposure to heating systems and you have a serious case of dry skin. Some people also experience mild irritation and redness, winter eczema, and rashes.

·      During the winter months, there is an increase in the barometric pressure in the air. This often leads to joint stiffness and pain among people suffering from arthritis.

Which Are The Five Most Important Things to Consider During Winter?

Now that you know the different ways in which cold weather affects our health, it is important to know the ways in which you can make sure that you stay healthy during these harsh months.

Let’s take a look at the five most important things to take care of during winter:

1.    Prepare for the winters

It is that time of the year when most illnesses strike, especially when your immune system isn’t at its strongest. However, the good part is that we can pre-empt health issues and ward them off for good.

What you can do:

One of the most important things that you can do is to be proactive and take the necessary steps to boost your immune system. To do this, you can start eating nourishing foods that are high in antioxidants. Deficiency in certain nutrients may make you more susceptible to diseases.

You can also consult your doctor and take additional vitamins and supplements depending on your specific health needs.

2.    Stay hydrated

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated during the summer. It helps keep away fatigue, enhances immunity, regulates body temperature, and keeps your skin and hair healthy and beautiful. However, drinking adequate water is equally essential in winter also to prevent winter dehydration. This usually happens because of using indoor heating systems for a long and layering up with woolens.

What you can do:

To stay hydrated, you can keep a water bottle handy near your workplace. This will help in reminding you to drink enough water throughout the day. If plain water feels boring, you may include low-fat milk, juices, coconut water, etc. Another thing that you can do is to always include a glass of water in your meal times.

3.    Exercise regularly

Winters are a time when most people skimp up on exercising. All the layers of clothes and frigid temperatures are major deterrents to heading to the gym and working out. Having said that, exercising during winter is critical for your health. Exercising in colder months makes your cardiovascular system stronger, improves your mood, and helps you burn more calories.

What you can do:

To create a regular workout routine, you can take several steps. For instance, you can work out with a partner or join an exercise group. Try to be more mobile during your work breaks and have your fitness at the core of everything that you do.

4.    Catch up on your sleep

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every three Americans is sleep deprived. Adequate sleep is essential for not just preventing fatigue and stress but also keeping several chronic health problems at bay. It is as essential as working out regularly and consuming a balanced diet. However, cold temperatures can make your sleeping patterns go topsy-turvy.

What you can do:

To improve your sleep patterns in winter, make sure that you get adequate daytime light in the mornings. Keeping yourself active throughout the day and avoiding daytime naps also helps improve the quality and quantity of sleep. Avoid overeating during the day and make sure that you consume a light meal before hitting the sack.

5.    Take care of your skin

Skincare does much more than make your skin look youthful and beautiful for longer. When your skin is dry or broken, it increases your chances of catching infections and causing diseases. A good skincare routine also increases your confidence and impacts your interpersonal relationships. The cold and dry winter months impact your skin in more ways than one. Chafing, dryness, rashes, and itchiness are common winter-related skin issues.

What you can do:

One of the best ways to take care of your skin during winter is to adjust your skincare routine to cold weather in time. Moisturize your skin immediately after washing it and don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Using sunscreen is important because even though there is less sunlight, harmful UV rays can still damage your skin. Use a humidifier to prevent your skin from getting too dry. If your skin is dry or cracked, go easy on exfoliation.

6. Stock up on winter herbs

Winters are often a time when your immunity is impacted, making you more prone to the common cold and other cold-weather-related diseases. This is also a time when with all the rich food, your digestive system gets affected. Not to mention, the colder months make you feel lethargic and fatigued due to low temperatures and all the bundling up in woolens.

What you can do:

Include herbs like shilajit and ashwagandha in your routine. Shilajit has been used for centuries to gain relief from fatigue and increase endurance. It is also helpful in treating mood swings and excessive sleepiness, which are common in winter.

Ashwagandha is a very potent herb that benefits people suffering from anxiety during the cold months. It also helps boost stamina and regulate your body temperature to help you withstand the cold weather. 

The Bottom Line

Cold weather leads to several changes in our bodies. These tips will help you not just get through winters easily but also look forward to the beautiful weather and the holiday season. Just practice these regularly and you will find yourself safe from any illnesses or injuries throughout the winter season.