When it gets colder outside, a lot of us, (including me), tend to let those awesome, healthy habits we’ve developed in the summer slip away. I used to go into a sort of ‘winter hibernation’ every year and I think a lot of it was due to seasonal depression. Staying healthy year round is important and we can’t let the weather drag us down! Want to stay healthy this winter? Here are 5 great ways to ensure you’re staying healthy:
1. Stay Committed to Exercise
Exercising in the winter can be a pain, especially if you’re a person who gets most of their exercise through outdoors activities. It can be easy to let that exercise regimen slide during the colder months and end up being mostly sedentary.
Make sure that you remain committed to exercise in the Winter. Get a gym membership or purchase a home exercise machine. If you can’t afford that, do some YouTube exercise videos! (They’re free and most are a half hour or less so there’s literally NO EXCUSE).
If all else fails, find a series you love and simply make sure you’re moving in front of your T.V while it’s on. The key is to STAY MOVING. Your body will thank you for years to come!
2. Add some Vitamin D
I take vitamin D all year but it’s so much more important in the winter. We should all be taking vitamins daily. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay healthy!
With the lack of sunshine, you need to boost that vitamin D intake. Here’s the kind I take. It’s only $11!
3. Don’t Neglect your Social Life
Seasonal depression has gotten the better of me many times in the past and I realized a common denominator that probably made it so much worse. In the winter months, I would go into that ‘hibernation mode’ and not get out as much.
We’re human which means we are social creatures – even introverts! Make sure you’re not letting the cold weather keep you from interacting with friends and family.
Remember, our mental health is just as important as our physical health! Don’t neglect it!
4. Tea Time!
I don’t know about anybody else, but in the winter, I tend to eat a lot more than I do any other time of year. To curb that, I’ve added tea to my daily routine. It will help stop you from over-eating and it’s healthy!
When I first started drinking tea, I honestly didn’t like it. It took a lot of trial and error to find tea that I actually enjoy. My favorite is Yogi Green Tea with Kombucha, (that I add a slice of lemon to).
5. Hydration
It’s just as important to stay hydrated in the winter as it is any other time of year. Lack of water can lead to more than just dehydration. Your skin can also suffer and you’ll lack energy throughout the day.
Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.
A great rule I just started: 1 bottle of water as soon as I wake up, at least 4 throughout the day (more is better), and one bottle before bed.
Commit to Staying Healthy this Winter!
There are 5 great tips for staying healthy this winter! Let me know in the comments if there is anything else you do during the winter months to make sure you’re staying healthy!
Keep living that healthy life, nerds.
Vitamin D is very important. It also keeps me from getting a cold often and helps with bone health. Thanks for the tips.
Staying committed to my workout is the hard part. I hate feeling warm when it’s cold outside and miss being able to do my walks or runs.
Hydration and taking a moment to clear my mind are two keys for me!! I do love the respite Winter offers.