‘Tis the season for sniffles, sneezes, and sleepless nights! As soon as the days get shorter (and colder), we seem to find ourselves reaching for the tissue box, whipping up a batch of chicken soup, and hoping to feel better soon.
While coughs, common colds, and other illnesses are part of life — especially if you have young kids who carry home all sorts of germs from school or work in a busy public setting — you can fight back against the winter blues with easy wellness tips the whole family can put into practice, even your pets. You’ll spend less time on the couch and more time exploring the joys of this beautiful, magical season.
Wash your hands… a lot.
It sounds really elementary, but washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and your family from germs. This doesn’t just mean after you use the restroom or before you make dinner. Wash your hands as soon as you return home from school, pickup, the grocery store, or other errands. Wash them whenever you wipe your child’s nose or cough into your hands. Hot water and soap are the best defense, but hand sanitizer works well when you’re on the go. Teach your kids to practice the same hand-washing habits, because kids tend to bring in all sorts of germs!
Go outside!
Get a little more vitamin D during the day by increasing the time you spend outdoors. Even just a quick walk can help your body soak up more sunlight, which can help keep your immune system at the top of its game.
Yes, we know it can be less than pleasant to spend time outdoors when it’s really chilly outside, but it can also be invigorating. Plus, if you have a dog, they need regular walks to burn off energy and stay in shape, just like people do. Bundle yourself and your dog up in warm layers and get out there.
Eat lots of color.
The weather outside may be frightful or dull and gray, but your dinner plate should be as bright and colorful as a summer day. It can be tempting to only eat heavy comfort foods when you’ve got the winter blahs, but enriching your meals with lots of vegetables, fruits, and spices will help fuel your body and provide all those delicious nutrients your body needs all year long, but especially in the winter.
Move your body.
Try winter-specific workouts like cross-country skiing and snowboarding. Hot yoga feels great on a chilly day, and outdoor running can be invigorating, as long as you weather-proof your workout clothes and watch out for ice.
Slow down when you need to.
If you’re feeling under the weather, listen to your body instead of trying to push through. It’s OK to take a rest when you need it! If possible, take the day off and get lots of sleep. Stay hydrated with tea and water; warm water with lemon and honey is simple and soothing. Nourish your body with soups and smoothies, and catch up on that streaming show you’ve been watching. Take a hot shower or bath to clear up congestion, then go to bed early. Sometimes a short break is all you need to bounce back.
