Winter is mere sleeps away (which is one of many reasons I’m currently in Europe) but sadly I will soon have to return to Aussie winter. And while I will admit that winter in Sydney doesn’t really give us much to complain about, the one thing that you can count on every year is an increase in the number of colds and flus going around.
Put yourself and your family in the best possible position to stay well this winter, with these six simple tips for winter wellness.
Keep moving
It’s easy to ditch that barre class for bed when the temperature drops, but regular exercise is actually an integral part of staying healthy, year-round. If you just can’t bear to head outside in the cold, set your self up for success by arming yourself with some simple workouts you can do at home. If it’s within your budget, invest in a yoga mat, some resistance bands and a couple of key pieces of multi-purpose equipment (think kettlebells or medicine balls). And don’t worry if it’s not – there are plenty of bodyweight workouts out there that will give you a great workout!
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is important all year round, but it’s much easier to forget to drink the recommended daily intake during winter, because you don’t tend to get as thirty. Keep a good quality (BPA free) 1L water bottle nearby and try to re-fill it at least once during the day.
Stay warm
Hands up who’s ever walked out the door to go to work in winter wearing a cosy knit, a jacket, scarf and… thongs. I know I have (insert awkward emoji face here). When your feet are cold, it’s impossible to stay warm, and when you’re constantly cold, eventually you’ll get sick. Invest in some comfortable, closed-in shoes that you’re not embarrassed to wear with your work gear (personally I can’t bring myself to do the joggers and skirts thing) and reap the rewards for your health.
Be a ginger ninja
Ginger is widely believed to have anti-inflammatory qualities. It’s also great for digestion and used to help treat the symptoms of coughs and other common winter ailments. Plus there’s the other obvious benefit; the taste. Add a piece to a cup of hot water with lemon and snuggle up in bed.
Wash your hands
As anyone who has a child in daycare can attest, germs spread freakishly quickly. So while this may seem like a no-brainer, it’s actually a really simple, really effective way to stop the spread of germs. Use soap, scrub well, and do it every time you use the bathroom (obviously), after getting off public transport, blowing your nose, and after using a shared keyboard or phone.
Sleep it off
Sleeping through all of winter is likely to be frowned upon unfortunately (bears get all the luck, right?) but winter is definitely not the time of year for you to be skimping on shut-eye. A tired body becomes a rundown body, which becomes a sick body, very quickly. So enjoy your time under the doona this winter, safe in the knowledge that you’re doing it for your health!
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