If you’re anything like me, you might find it easier to stay healthy in the summer than the winter. I have to be much more intentional and diligent about my health habits in the winter. Here are my tips to stay happy and healthy throughout the long winter.
HOW TO STAY HEALTHY IN THE WINTER
SLEEP MORE
Our bodies naturally need more sleep in the winter – don’t resist it! Most people just have more energy in the summer when there’s more daylight and we spend more time outdoors.
We’ve strayed away from following the natural rhythms of the seasons. Winter is meant to be season of rest and restoration. It is also “cold + flu” season, and one of the BEST ways to stay healthy in the winter is enough good quality sleep!
Try to make small shifts in your sleeping habits. Watch one less episode of Netflix, avoid caffeine late in the day for better quality sleep, turn off devices at least an hour before going to bed.
GET OUTSIDE
I know, you ALWAYS hear people tell you to go outside during the winter. It can be so hard in the winter! Trust me, it’s -25º C as I write this! The last thing I want to do is go outside.
But getting time outside every single day is so beneficial for your health. Vitamin D is an important piece of immune health, and the best place to get it is the SUN! Fresh air is also an important piece of mental + physical health.
PRACTICE HYGGE
The practice of Hygge has helped me so much in the winter. If you’re someone who struggles with mental health in winter, this post about Hygge for the winter blues may be helpful!
If you’re unfamiliar with Hygge it’s the Danish practice of coziness.
“Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down. You may be having an endless conversation about the small or big things in life – or just be comfortable in each other’s silent company – or simply just be by yourself enjoying a cup of tea.” – The Little Book Of Hygge, Meik Wiking.
EAT NOURISHING MEALS
In the summer I love eating fresh fruits and salads. In the winter – not so much! But that’s ok! Eating seasonally is something you shouldn’t overlook. It makes sense that we crave warm, hearty meals in the fall and winter.
I’m not saying to give up on eating healthy during the winter, but instead that healthy will look different!
In the winter focus on soups + stews, roasted root vegetables, whole chicken, homemade sourdough bread, etc.
USE A HUMIDIFIER
If you live somewhere cold and/or dry you may want to consider using a humidifer. Throughout the winter months when my furnace is running I will often wake up with a dry throat/mouth. Using a humidifier helps so much!
A humidifier can also help to reduce symptoms such as cough or sneezing and help you stay healthy in the winter!
OPEN YOUR WINDOWS
I’m a huge advocate for opening your windows daily. Yes, I know this is hard in the winter but SO important.
Did you know the air inside your home can be 2-5x more polluted than the air outside? (Obviously this is dependent on where you live).
Now that many of us are spending even more time at home than normal, it’s important to consider this! Many things contribute to indoor air quality, some easily avoidable and others not so much!
- Cleaning Supplies / Wipes
- Laundry Detergent
- Air Fresheners, plus-ins, candles
- Cooking Fumes
- Dust + Dirt
- Off gassing from building materials, paint, carpets
- Frame retardant furniture or clothing
- Heating or Cooling sources such as oil, gas, coal
Of course working to reduce this toxic load is important. But opening your windows daily for just 5-20 minutes makes a huge different, takes 5 seconds and is completely FREE.
STAY SOCIAL
It can be hard to remain social throughout the winter (especially in a lockdown!). But we still need social interaction even when the weather is cold!
Your mental health is just as important (and real!) as your physical health. It can be hard to maintain good mental health when you don’t have regular social engagement.
So even though it may be more difficult, don’t forget to keep up with your friendships throughout the winter.
RECONSIDER YOUR SUPPLEMENTS
Supplementation is a HUGE part of our health. Many people believe that eating a healthy diet is enough. Unfortunately the food we eat comes from soil that has been depleted of essential vitamins + minerals, so we are no longer receiving adequate doses.
You’ll want to work with a trusted healthcare professional (I recommend a naturopath or holistic practitioner!) to have your blood levels tested and to source high quality supplements. (Those $8 gummy vitamins aren’t doing anything😬).
I always change my supplementation up in the winter months. Specifically my Vitamin D which is much harder to obtain naturally when I can’t spend long periods of time outside.
Don’t skip supplementation when trying to stay healthy in the winter!
