How to have a Healthier and Happier Winter

This time of year can get to the best of us. The temperatures are dropping, fires are roaring and sweater weather is in full swing. But with all the fun that winter brings (hot chocolate, Christmas parties, snowball fights and comfort foods) it can also take a large toll on our physical and mental health.  Shorter darker days can leave us feeling more tired and sluggish than usual, making it harder to prioritize our health. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to set yourself up for a healthier happier winter:

1. Move your body everyday! While I love the idea of riding out the winter snuggled up in a warm blanket just as much as the next person, that doesn’t mean you should hibernate all winter. Even with the temperatures dropping you can still bundle up, put the leash on the dog and take a short walk around the block to reap the benefits of getting some fresh air even in the winter. Can’t bring yourself to go outside? Luckily for you, there are workouts ALL over the internet than can be done in the comfort of your own home many of which don’t even require exercise equipment.
2. Invest in a Humidifier When you crank up the thermostat, humidity levels in your home naturally start to drop, leaving the air in your home much drier than usual. This can lead to dry skin, cracked lips, nosebleeds, infections, and many other health problems. Humidifiers are an easy way to put that moisture back into the air, alleviating many health issues along with it. Just don’t forget to give your humidifier a good cleaning once a week to prevent any bacterial growth.
3. Make the most of Fruits and Vegetables While winter may call for lots of hearty soups and pasta dishes there is still plenty of room on your plate for seasonal fruits and vegetables. Some winter superstars like cauliflower, broccoli, squash, citrus fruits and cranberries can add healthy flavors to your favorite meals, and with the right recipe might even just rival that of your favorite comfort foods. You can’t tell me that caramelized sweet potatoes and balsamic glazed Brussel sprouts do not sound amazing!
4. Avoid artificial light before bedtime to get better sleep Out of the possible things that can disrupt your sleep , artificial light is arguably one of the sneakiest. Bright lights at night not only suppress melatonin production but have also been liked to obesity and depression. To limit your exposure to artificial light in the evening, put on a weighted sleep mask at bedtime. In addition to creating pitch black darkness, many weighted masks are designed to target pressure points on the face for the ultimate stress relieving sleep.
5. Boost your vitamin D intake Vitamin D is crucial for healthy bones, mood regulation, and immune support. Unfortunately, many people have Vitamin D deficiencies that can get even worse in the winter time. To ensure your vitamin D levels don’t get to low, aim to get outside for at least 10-15 minutes every day while also loading up your plate with Vitamin D rich foods like fatty fish and fortified cereals. (just make sure these cereals aren’t also loaded with sugar which will just add to you feeling tired and sluggish)

With cold weather arriving and motivation to take care of ourselves taking a nose dive,  it’s important to implement a few of these winter health tips to help ensure this winter is your happiest healthiest one yet!

The best way to combat the darkness is to get your workout in before work, or during your lunch break. Make sure your vitamin D levels are adequate and set an alarm and start the day early to get the most sunlight in your day.

If the weather is unwelcoming, then opt for an indoor workout. It’s always good to have options and some flexibility in your training plan to accommodate the factors that are out of your control.

You could also be bored of your routine.

Try to vary your workouts as much as you can. If you’re a runner, add in a swim to reduce impact on your body, some weights to get strong and some yoga to stay supple. The same really if you’re a cyclist.

If you love classes, maybe mix them up. Try a barre, Pilates or boxing class. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s something you really enjoy. There’s nothing less motivating than going to do something you don’t enjoy.