The Secret to Good Winter Health
By Sara Butler
Winter is here and it can be a tough time of year to keep your energy and mood up. You’re spending a lot more time indoors than you did in the summer, the sun isn’t out as much, and people tend to get a bit fluffier in the winter, too. It can be very hard to maintain healthy habits in the winter, but with a few tips and tricks, you can be on your way to an energized and healthy season!
Avoid Illness
This may be easier said than done, but you should try to avoid illness as much as possible – because nothing saps your energy more than being sick! In the cold and flu season, people spread germs indoors by touching objects and then touching their face. The best way to defend against illness in the winter is to simply wash your hands. Rub those paws together with some soap under warm water and do it as frequently as you can. Carry around hand sanitizer too, and remember to wipe the handles of the cart off at the store before you use it.
You can also work to support a healthy immune system by eating right and seeing the chiropractor regularly. Proper hydration will also help to keep those mucous membranes supple so they can act as the first line of defense in keeping bacteria and viruses out!
Stick to Your Exercise Routine
Exercise has been shown to support a healthy immune system and to help lift your mood when you’re more likely to be down in the winter. Maintaining an exercise routine helps offset some of the extra calories you may be eating too!
You may want to consider increasing your routine in the winter months to exercise a little bit more. Look at it as the perfect opportunity to try another exercise machine or take a new group exercise class at your gym. You can even try your hand at winter sports such as ice skating or go sledding with the kids!
Enjoy Winter’s Bounty
Believe it or not, there are many healthy foods that come into season in the winter. Root vegetables and citrus fruits are at their peak. Winter squashes such as butternut and spaghetti are also ready to be enjoyed at their very best – and they’re great for you! With all the time you’re now spending indoors, you can learn some new recipes and make some homemade soups and stews from scratch.
Stay healthy this winter by using these tips!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in South Jordan, Utah.