It's getting cold outside, and that means it's time to focus on your health.
Viruses are easily spread in the winter season and the flu peaks between the months of December and February. And with dry air, freezing temperatures, and less time outdoors, our physical health often suffers come winter.
But to protect yourself from the flu and other illnesses, there are actions you can take to stay healthy.
Use these three tips to stay healthy during the chilly months ahead.
1. Watch for Hormone Imbalances
Did you know that cold winter weather can affect your hormones?
If you find yourself feeling sluggish during the holiday season, it's likely due to more than just eating too much pumpkin pie.
Melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, increases during winter. This means you might have trouble waking in the morning and come evening, all you want to do is sleep under the covers.
Serotonin is another hormone that changes in the cold season. When we're exposed to less sunlight, serotonin decreases. This can lead to SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, as well as sleepiness and an increased appetite.
If you live in a climate with distinct summer and winter seasons, your hormones may undergo drastic changes. And this can lead to hormone imbalances in both men and women.
A specialist in hormone health, such as the doctors at beyouthfulco.com, can check for a hormone imbalance and help you restore hormones through therapy.
2. Listen to Your Heart
Improving heart health is one of the best tips to stay healthy all year. But it especially demands our attention in winter.
As the temperatures outside dip, the rate of cardiovascular disease rises.
There can be several factors, but one common reason is that cold weather causes blood vessels to contract. Then, blood pressure increases, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other serious complications.
To keep your heart from overworking itself, be sure to dress appropriately when in the cold. Don't stay outside too long, and consider moving your regular outdoor exercises (such as going for a jog) indoors.
Also be sure to watch your diet and limit foods that are high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
3. Boost Immunity
One of the most important ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season is to focus on immunity.
Some favorite holiday activities, such as drinking alcohol or bingeing on sweets, can hurt immunity.
Be careful to adopt healthy habits with your immune system in mind. Eat foods rich in vitamins, such as hearty root vegetables and citrus fruits. Swap that warm mulled wine for water, and consider drinking antioxidant-rich teas when you want a hot drink.
Balance rest with some activity, even if you stick to at-home workouts in your warm and cozy living room.
And don't underestimate the importance of washing your hands. Especially in winter, proper handwashing can prevent the spread of the flu, common cold, and other viruses.
And because maintaining healthy skin is also a common concern in winter, be sure to follow up with lotion to avoid dry and cracked hands.
Stay Healthy This Winter
If you're wondering how to stay healthy this winter, focus on your hormones, heart, and immune system.
Frigid temperatures and cloudy days can be hard on our bodies. But these three tips can help you stay healthy all the way to spring.
For more health advice this winter, check out our other wellness articles!
