When it comes to colder weather, and sometimes even harsh conditions (depending on where you reside,) there’s one thing we all face together: the risk of getting sick.
Think about it– unless you’re very well equipped for handling cold weather or you participate in a lot of outdoor activities, there’s a good chance you spend more time indoors during the winter than you do during the warmer months. As more people gather in enclosed spaces, this increases the risk of infection for all.
Additionally, viruses tend to live longer in colder temperatures with little humidity. This is why the winter months are also notoriously known as flu season, as cases of the flu typically rise from October to May.
The good news is, much like we have seen with COVID-19, there are ways to prevent illness during the winter months.
1. Eat healthy
When it comes to eating healthy, the thought can be overwhelming. Your diet is essential for good physical, emotional, and mental health. When you don’t eat well, you immediately feel the repercussions like tiredness, indigestion, stress, and can lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and numerous other health problems.
As discussed last month, there are 7 factors to a balanced diet. Read our blog post, The Ultimate Guide to a Balanced Diet, for more insight on the best foods for your body to prevent illness.
2. Exercise
A great way to fight off illness is to continue to exercise throughout the winter months. This keeps your body resilient and in the best shape possible for fighting against viruses.
Not to mention, working out is ideal in the winter since we spend much less time outdoors walking and enjoying fresh air. It’s a great thing to ensure you incorporate into your daily plans!
3. Wash your hands
This goes without saying, but we’re still going to remind you anyway. Wash your hands often, especially when at work, leaving the house, and especially before prepping food or using the bathroom. If you ever wonder if you should wash your hands, the answer is yes!
This is a great way to ensure you are staying clean and not passing germs onto anyone else unintentionally. Bring hand sanitizer for when you’re on the go, too.
4. Get adequate rest
Not allowing your body to get enough rest makes you more susceptible to contracting illness. When your body isn’t well-rested, your immune system weakens. Additionally, you could take more time to recover from illness if you don’t get enough rest.
Be sure to prioritize sleep especially during winter, and year-round! Adults should get 7 or more hours of sleep per night. Make sure of it!
5. Stay hydrated
Hydration is the key to wellness. Drinking water flushes toxins from your body, and promotes good cognitive function. Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, confusion, and/or dizziness.
Be sure to find your daily recommended intake of water here and stick with it! Drinking water is one of the easiest ways we can stay healthy.
This winter, prioritize your wellness and do your best to prevent catching an illness. No matter what your lifestyle looks like, these factors are a great start to staying healthy in the months to come.
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