Healthy Habits to Boost your Immunity this Winter

Staying healthy during the winter months can be difficult, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Winter typically means more time spent indoors and a time when germs are easily spread—this can lead us to get sick more frequently. Luckily, there are ways to prevent illness and stay healthy all year round, so you do things you’d like to do, rather than stay at home sick with a cold.

Maintain an active lifestyle

Especially in places where the winters are bitter cold, it can be hard to stay active and get the proper amount of exercise. But lack of exercise during these months can greatly contribute to the drop in our immune systems. Make time for your usual exercise routine, no matter how busy you are.    

Get plenty of sleep

Regardless of the season, make sleep a priority, so you don’t have to miss out on other fun activities because you’ve gotten sick. Getting six to eight hours of sleep as an adult is vital to your health and productivity.  

Remember vitamin D

Because it is cold outside, it can be hard to get the necessary vitamin D to keep mood- boosting hormones level. A lack of sunshine and vitamin D may account for seasonal depression and other illnesses because we forget the importance of being in the sun. So, when the sun does make an appearance, bundle up and head outdoors for an hour or two a day, when possible, to make sure that you are still getting vitamin D. If this isn’t an option for you, consume foods that are good sources of vitamin D.  

Get a flu shot and other vaccinations

Staying up to date on vaccinations during the winter months is vital. New flu viruses and strains can appear and run rampantly through the winter months. By getting vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself, but other susceptible people like children and the elderly.  

Remember fruits and veggies

Eating healthy in the winter doesn’t have to be tricky—there are still plenty of seasonal fruits and veggies available to make nutritious meals. While it’s tempting during the winter to fall in to a less healthy pattern, keep in mind that food can impact our energy levels and our immune systems. Make sure that treats are occasional and healthy foods are still a part of your daily routine.  

While you’re here, check out our other healthy living articles.   

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