Winter is coming, and with it comes cold weather, holidays, and other hallmarks of the season. It’s also a time of year when many of us choose to hibernate like bears, a habit not helped by the ongoing pandemic. Furthermore, an excess of sweets and a decrease in physical activity make us susceptible to weight gain, poor immunity, and weakened well-being.

It’s essential to make an effort to keep our loved ones and ourselves in good health this winter. The following are basic tips for doing so:

Activity

When the temperature drops and precipitation increases, the tendency is to stay indoors. Unfortunately, this also means it’s harder for us to remain physically active. Rather than wait for the weather to improve to resume exercise, find ways to exercise indoors. 

Since most gyms remain closed due to COVID-19, consider buying a used treadmill or stationary bike. Another option – one which is fun for the whole family – is Ring Fit Adventure for Nintendo Switch. It’s an interactive video game where players must perform various exercises to advance to the next level.

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Hygiene

Thanks to the pandemic, practicing proper personal hygiene is more important than ever. Proper handwashing technique is essential, followed by efforts to keep our hands away from our mouths. It might also be time to get your kids to stop thumb sucking if it’s still a habit of theirs by using a thumb sucking guard. Doing so will reduce the chances of you or your children getting sick this winter.

Another good idea is establishing a small station at the front door or foyer for removing boots, coats, hats, and gloves before entering. This keeps all the grit and grime of the outdoors from making its way into the home.

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Nutrition

As mentioned earlier, winter is a time when it’s easy to overindulge in comfort foods and decadent desserts. While it’s certainly okay to enjoy the holidays’ sweet and savory foods, it’s important to keep a cap on it as much as possible.

Part of limiting our unhealthy eating this winter is to find hearty, warm, filling, and nutritious foods. Consider several soups and stews that are low in sodium and packed with vegetables. Not only does a hearty stew hit the spot, but it’s also easy to make in bulk and eat throughout the week.

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Mental Health

Cabin fever is a real thing, and life pressures during the pandemic have made it more apparent than ever. Families must find ways to stave off cabin fever as much as possible by finding ways to get outside and into the world. 

Bundle up and go for a walk in the park. Put your masks on and visit a museum. These and other ways to get outdoors can boost the mental well-being of yourself and your family members.

Between the bitter cold, tasty treats, and challenges related to COVID-19, it’s going to be hard to stay healthy this winter. But you got this. A few simple adjustments and improvements can be all it takes to ensure a healthier time for you and your loved ones in the months ahead.

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