Nuvou's winter guide to keeping winter health issues at bay.
Canadian winters can be brutal. With unpredictable weather conditions, dark gloomy days, and winter illnesses such as the flu and the onslaught of various COVID-19 strains. Navigating the colder months can take a toll on not only our physical health but our mental health as well.
However, steps can be taken to help minimize winter ailments, and ensure you stay healthy during this season. Here are our top health tips to minimize winter illnesses.
1 - Vitamins are your best friends
During the colder months, we tend to be exposed to less sunlight, compared to warmer months, therefore, leading to less vitamin D levels in our bodies. Taking about 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily helps regulate your immune system and may even keep you from developing respiratory illnesses during the colder months.
2 - Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is just as important during the colder months as it is during warmer months. We tend to not sense thirst as much when it is colder outside, which leads to water loss in our bodies caused by breathing in cold, dry air. This, in turn, can cause mild dehydration, which can affect our mood and mental performance. To combat this, drink as many fluids as possible. You can keep a refillable bottle of water with you at all times, whether it be flavoured water, or a warm fluid, such as tea. You can also get fluids from fruits and vegetables, such as cucumbers, melons, and berries.
3 - Keep active
We find it difficult to stay active during the winter. Cold temperatures keep us inclined to stay warm, specifically the warmth of our blankets. Who wants to work out when you can get cozy? Right?
Staying active, and exercising has many benefits, such as reducing the risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and maximizing your fat burn.
Take regular walks, join a class (zumba, ski, dance, etc.), start a sport, or try fun activities with family and friends such as ice skating, to keep your energy levels up and your health in check.
4 - SLEEP! It's important
Rest is essential, whether it's cold outside or not. Getting adequate sleep helps your body recharge and reset to take on each day. It is recommended that adults get between 7-9 hours of sleep daily to ensure proper cognitive and behavioural function. Without enough sleep, we are at risk of developing mood swings, reduced reaction times, and possible dire illnesses such as high blood pressure and heart disease. To ensure adequate sleep, set realistic sleep goals for yourself. A daily bedtime, exercise, and environmental comfort are great ways to establish positive sleep habits.
Canadian winters can be harsh but it doesn't have to be hard on your health.
Taking the above steps can dramatical improve your mental and physical well-being. Let's keep winter illnesses at bay together, by taking the necessary steps to guarantee proper mental and physical health.