With the colder weather, staying healthy can be more difficult than it is during the warmer months. The chillier air can leave the body defenseless to viruses, and even the stress of the holidays can bring on illnesses. Plus, with the busier season, it can be difficult to exercise regularly, which can lower the body’s immunity.
Prepare your body for the cooler months by using these six tips to staying happy and healthy:
- Visit Your Doctor
If you start to feel ill, even if your symptoms are those of a simple, common cold, it is always wise to visit your doctor for walk in medical care in order to get your illness checked out. During the colder months, simple colds can easily transform into more serious sicknesses, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. For children, elderly men and women, or those with weaker immune systems, these illnesses can turn serious extremely quickly. Seeing your physician can help you prevent your illness from turning into something far worse.
- Nutrition Goals
A great way to stay healthy is to set nutrition goals for you and your family. Establishing clear goals can keep you from straying away from them, for you do not have any excuse to ignore them. Once you get yourself into a routine, following these goals will not be too difficult, and you will lower your risk of getting sick.
- Exercise
With the rain and snow that often comes during this time of year, exercising can be slightly more difficult than it is during the spring and summer. Despite it being more difficult, it is still important to your heart’s health to continue with an exercise regimen. Consider looking into a gym membership or starting an at-home exercise series, such as P90X.
- Superfoods
Fall has some of the best fruits and veggies in season that have essential nutrients in them. Pumpkins, apples, brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and pears are just a few of the superfood that are in season during this time of year.
- Hydration
Cooler weather tends to bring out the hot tea, hot chocolate, and hot coffee, which can often make people forget about hydrating with water. While the hot weather tends to remind your body that you need water, during the cold months, it is not always as obvious. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times to remind yourself to stay hydrated.
- Immunity
Boost your immunity during this time of year by decreasing your sugar intake and increasing your vitamin intake. Fill your diet with vitamin-enriched foods and vitamin supplements, such as vitamin-C, zinc, and other multivitamins. They can help keep your immune system strong, which helps protect your body from developing or catching any viruses that might be circulating.
Being intentional about your health and nutrition goals can help keep your body strong and healthy during this cold time of year.