As George R. R. Martin puts it ‘winter is here’ and aside from picking out your perfect holiday outfits, shopping for presents and generally getting into the holiday spirit, there is one vital thing on which everything else depends – staying strong and healthy. After all, you don’t want to find yourself missing out on all the fun because you’ve suddenly come down with something. The harsh weather and the major drops in temperature make us the perfect targets for colds, flus and all other unwanted members of that family, so in order to keep them at bay, there are measures to be taken, so keep your eyes glued and find out how.
Better safe than sorry
If you’re serious about steering clear of all the viruses that simply thrive indoors during the magical season, one of the best precautions you can take is getting a flu shot. The influenza vaccine can minimize the possibility of catching the flu by 50% to 60% in the general population. Since these numbers are quite promising, it’s definitely time to roll up those sleeves and endure the needle. This one moment of pain is completely worth it if it will keep you safe during flu’s busiest season.
Super clean
Whether you’re a big hand-shaker or not really doesn’t matter, because direct human contact isn’t the only way to catch something. There are public restrooms, transportation, bills – virtually anything that you know has been in contact with another human being is a potential ‘threat’. Keep a mini-size hand sanitizer and use it immediately after touching anything outside your own home. Slather the hands generously, and if your hands still feel damp after you’ve rubbed it all over them, you’ve done it correctly. This little liquid is a real lifesaver during any season really, but in the winter, it’s essential to always be packing.
Be super
There is a particular family of fruits and vegetables that has earned the prefix ‘super’, granted to them by nutrition scientists. Why? Well, all the minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, fiber and all other nutrients that are supposed to keep us healthy and fight disease are essential components of these foods, hence the ‘super’. All types of berries belong here, along with numerous greens, apples, bananas and plenty more. These are all candidates for making delicious and quick smoothies to kick the day off on a healthy note. When you don’t have the time to take all your vitamins through food, there are amazing supplements like Ethical Nutrients Extra C Powder that will ensure you get your daily dose of one of the most important vitamins, the mighty C.
Mind over matter
This is not a simple phrase, but one loaded with meaning. Whatever is going on in our minds finds a way to affect the body, and stress is one of the major culprits for a weakened immune system. Life is hectic and full of errands, responsibilities and unforeseen situations that have the ability to throw the mind off balance. We can’t prevent these situations from happening, but what we can do is change our attitude. Now, there are numerous physical activities that are proven to be great stress relievers, but the one that never fails is meditation. If you’re a neophyte, download an app, and steal at least half an hour a day to center and relax your mind. If you can add yoga to that, all the better. Not only is it an amazing physical activity that energizes and strengthens the body, but it can also soothe the mind, so perhaps this can be one of your New Year’s resolutions. In the end, you’ll also get in better shape; what’s there not to love?
Look the part
When you feel healthy, you’ll look healthy, that’s a given. However, hydration and proper diet alone can make your skin look luminous and healthy so a few winter-proof topical solutions are definitely recommended. Winter certainly does a number on the skin, so we have to tend to it the same way we tend to our bodies. Establish a great skincare routine using the best products for your skin type, and stick to them. Just as anything else, skin requires dedication and consistency in order to be glowingly healthy, so don’t skip this part of your winter health regimen.