The Ultimate Guide to Winter Wellness in 2022
As the days get shorter and temperatures start to drop, many people dread the onset of another long, cold winter. Whether you love winter or hate it, you may have noticed that staying healthy during the colder months of the year can be surprisingly challenging. Luckily, it’s possible to not only survive the winter but to actually thrive in it no matter how much snow is outside your door.
Spend Time Outdoors
We know what you’re thinking — the last place you want to be during winter is outside, right? Unless you’re an avid skier, winter isn’t exactly the best time of the year to be outdoors, but getting outside is actually extremely important.
Many people experience a depressed mood or even seasonal depression as the days get shorter due to the reduced amount of sunlight.
Getting out into the sun, even for just 15 to 30 minutes per day, can boost your vitamin D levels, improve your mood, and help ward off seasonal depression. Grab the leash and take your dog on a quick walk around the neighborhood. You might be surprised how quickly you warm up while you’re moving.
Support Healthy Skin
The cold, dry winter air can do a number on your skin, especially if you’re forced to keep the heat running in your house constantly.
Take preventative measures to support healthy skin by making sure to drink plenty of water and using a quality moisturizer on your skin daily.
You can also support healthy skin by mixing collagen peptides into your morning coffee. Collagen peptides promote youthful, radiant-looking skin, healthy bones and joints, and strong hair and nails.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Many people reach for comfort foods in the winter, but sweater weather is not the time to slack off on your nutrition.
Research shows that eating a healthy, balanced diet supports a healthy mood and is key in supporting your immune system as it battles cold and flu season.
While you may be fixated on consuming as many carbs as possible (Christmas cookies, anyone?), making sure you take in plenty of protein and healthy fats is critical in making sure your body has the nutrients it needs to stay well.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s the importance of washing your hands regularly. This is particularly important in the winter, when cold temps and dry air allow viruses like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 to spread even more rapidly.
Make sure to wash your hands regularly, including after using the bathroom, touching common surfaces in public places, or shaking hands with someone new. If you’re able to get vaccinated, getting the flu vaccine and your COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you from getting sick as the winter drags on.
The Bottom Line Winter wellness is possible when you implement lifestyle choices like eating a healthy diet, getting outside for 15 to 30 minutes each day, supporting healthy skin, and washing your hands regularly.
Sources:
Seasonal Depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder) | Cleveland Clinic
Understanding nutrition, depression and mental illnesses | National Library of Medicine
