Spring is in sight. Here’s how to stay healthier and more energized until it gets here.
Are you counting the days until Spring arrives? Less daylight and dreary weather in some parts of the country at this time of year can take a toll on your physical and mental health. But the good news is that winter is almost over. Until that happens, you have the power to keep yourself healthier, happier and more energized by the things you do and the choices you make.
Here are 5 health tips to help you get through the end of winter feeling your best:
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- Spend time outdoors. No matter what type of climate you live in, spending time outside can boost your mood and your health. The fresh air can make you feel happier. A dose of vitamin D from the sun will do your body good. Taking a break from dry indoor air is good for your skin. Not breathing in germs from people living or working in close proximity to you makes it less likely you’ll get sick. Just dress for the weather and enjoy some time with mother nature.
- Protect yourself from contagious illnesses. There are loads of viruses going around at this time of year. Stay away from people who appear to be sick, wash your hands often and wear a mask when in close quarters with people. Keep your immune system strong by following healthy lifestyle habits to make it more likely your body can fight off any germs it encounters. This may help you avoid COVID-19, the flu, RSV, the common cold and other respiratory illnesses.
- Enjoy nutritious winter foods. Winter isn’t all about diving into a bowl of creamy, gooey comfort food. In fact, perfect winter meals can feature some of the healthiest foods. Whip up soups and stews filled with nutritious vegetables and whole grains. In-season produce, such as winter squash, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits and pomegranates, are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
- Stay active. It can be hard to motivate yourself to exercise when the days are short and the weather is dreary, but it’s just as important to stay physically active now as it is at any other time of year. If you usually exercise outdoors but the weather isn’t cooperating, find ways to get more activity indoors. Don’t want to go to a gym? There are many workouts you can do in the comfort of your home.
- Be good to your skin. Cold dry air outdoors combined with dry heated indoor air can wreak havoc on your skin. Apply moisturizer after bathing to keep skin moisturized. Don’t spend too much time in a hot bath or shower. Avoid itchy fabrics. And drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Also don’t forget the sunscreen when you go outside—UV rays from the sun can still damage your skin even in winter.
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Date Last Reviewed: December 13, 2022
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD
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