Health Tips For The Winter Season

Love it or hate it, there is still a long way to go before Spring. For many of us, the short days and drop in temperature brings on an urge to hibernate and eat comfort foods! So how can we stay healthy at this time of year?

Here are our top health tips for the winter!

Five tips for winter health

1. Stay hydrated.

   It’s much easier to drink the required levels of water in the warm summer months! But you don’t have to stick to cold drinks to top up your fluid levels. Non-caffeinated hot drinks work just as well. You could make squashes and cordials with hot water. And soup is a wonder-food in the winter! It adds to your hydration, it’s an easy way to boost your vitamin and fibre intake, and it’s incredibly warm and comforting! Take your pick of these recipes from BBC Good Food.

2. Take a vitamin D supplement

   This is one vitamin you just can’t get in sufficient amounts in the winter due to the weaker levels of sunshine. Try a supplement – the NHS recommends at least 400 IU (international units) per day.

3. Keep exercising

   Not only is there a well-researched link between physical activity and mental health, but getting outdoors also boosts our sense of wellbeing. So, if you can, schedule in regular runs or brisk walks outside. If you can’t get outside, there’s a plenty of home workouts available, both livestreamed and recorded. Try Fitness Studio from the NHS.

4. Boost your immunity

   There are several ways you can help to keep winter viruses at bay. Eating a wide variety of vegetables and fruit is the best way to ensure you have virtually all the fibre and vitamins you need to maintain good health. Research also shows that moderate exercise for up to 60 minutes a day enhances activity of the immune system – another great reason to do that workout!

5. Use the right gear

   Winter calls for warm layers, so you can adjust according to need once you’re out and about. Make sure you have non- slip footwear, and use reflective materials if you’re going to be outside after dark.

Need help this Winter?

If you find pain or injury is limiting your enjoyment of life this winter,get in touch – we’re here to help.

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