This year, the temperatures took a little longer than normal to realize the winter solstice had passed, but those winter temperatures have finally moved in across the country. Colder temperatures usher in the season of flu, colds, dry skin, seasonal depression and weight gain. Here are six ways to stay healthy even when it’s cold outside. Come spring, you’ll be glad you did.
Schedule frequent workout sessions in your calendar to meet a friend. It can be for a yoga or spin class, or simply a walk or jog around the neighborhood. You are less inclined to bail if you are meeting someone.
You are more susceptible to colds when the air is dry. Use a humidifier or central humidifier to keep your home at around 45% relative humidity. If you do not have a humidifier, try these methods to humidify your home.
Dress accordingly, and get outside as much as you can. Go sledding, skiing, snowshoeing, walk or bike to work, or walk around the neighborhood. Staying active boosts your feel-good endorphins and improves your moods on those long winter days.
Sunshine provides you with doses of vitamin D to help combat the winter-time blues. Your body naturally makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight, but this can be a challenge depending on your longitude. We recommend eating vitamin D-enriched foods to reach your daily value.
Whether you are working out or playing outside, it’s important to drink water or a low-calorie beverage during all physical activity. It is common for people not to feel thirsty when they are cold, but you are exerting energy and sweating so keep hydrated.
People tend to eat more in the cold weather months. Of course, this means an increase in calorie intake that can lead to weight gain. Make simple substitutions to ward off the extra calories. Swap a regular soda for a diet soda with aspartame, try a new low-calorie recipe (start here for inspiration), or try these exercises while you are binge watching your favorite show.
Head over to The Skinny on Low Cal for tips to Stop a Cold in Its Tracks and Cold Weather Exercise tips.
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