As the temperature drops, there’s a tendency to wrap ourselves in comfort clothes, eat an abundance of comfort foods, and get comfortable on the couch. Yet a comfy attitude can lead to discomfort — we’re more apt to get sick, gain weight, and fall away from fitness. Adopting a middle ground makes us feel snug without getting smug about neglecting our health, so try our tips to weather the cold while staying healthier.
- Get a flu shot According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently, but millions of people get the flu every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized, and thousands or tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year.”
It takes about two weeks after receiving the flu vaccine for your body to get in gear, so go to your doctor or pharmacy as soon as possible to be vaccinated.
For further information, including advice about who should not get a flu shot: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
- Go outside People who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (commonly known as SAD) during months with less sunny hours need medication and other forms of treatment. However, there are non-medical methods to counter Vitamin D deprivation that make us all feel better — get outdoors whenever possible and switch out the lightbulbs in the area where you spend the most time during the day with full-spectrum bulbs. If your car has a sunroof, turn on the heat and drive with the roof open occasionally.
- Wear sunscreen UVB rays are weaker this time of year, but UVA rays may damage skin year-round during a daily commute, sitting by a window, and the reflective glare from ice and snow. Keep using full-spectrum sunscreen on all exposed areas.
- Move Though I’m a fan of fries and love a cushy sofa, I don’t want to look and feel like a couch potato when spring arrives. Moving as much as possible avoids that outcome, so participate in an activity you don’t have time for during boating season. In addition, take the stairs when you can, park at a distance from a store or building and sprint towards the door (dashing is easier the chillier it gets), and move around during TV commercials. On mild days, stroll on the beach, join a nature walk, and chase your kids and dogs around the park.
- Don’t move Holidays and other pressure-packed situations stress out our bodies as well as our minds. Sit still for five minutes per day. No screens, no chatter, no thinking about your to-do list. Just breathe evenly and say, “I’m here now.”
- Eat to thrive Though the landscape is bleak, keep your plate colorful. Green, yellow, red, and orange vegetables and fruit should make up a big part of your meals (frozen works when fresh isn’t available). These provide nutrients, aid in digestion, and boost immunity. Add some nuts for a healthy fat and enjoy a bit of dark chocolate for its health benefits.
- Eat a bit less Swap friendly get-togethers at restaurants for movement-based activities. Socialize while bowling, ice skating, learning line dancing or pottery, and supporting local live theater.
- Drink water Less sweating doesn’t mean we can skip drinking water. Stores of water are depleted through breathing, sweating, and elimination, so drink a tall glass of water to clear morning fogginess and exchange a second cup of tea or coffee for a mug of warm water with a slice or two of your favorite fruit.
- Check your walkways and stairways Wet leaves or ice will cause slips and falls outside, so clearing stairs and walkways is essential. Inside, slushy shoes or boots may make us tumble, too. Create a spot to leave wet footwear and exchange slippery socks for something grippy, or invest in stair treads and non-slip rugs for high-traffic areas near your doors.
- Moisturize Inside air is drier when the heat comes on, so do your skin a favor and slather on the gel, lotion, or cream that works best for you. Don’t overlook your fingertips and lips.
