Have you been dreading the winter season? Staying healthy in winter is no easy task. Keeping your energy levels up can feel like a challenge, but it’s so important to develop rituals that keep you happy, healthy, and energised. Keep your body and mind in top shape with these five wellness tips for you and your family to use to avoid illnesses, strengthen your immune system, and for staying healthy during the winter season!

1. Get out of the house

It’s easy to avoid going outside in winter, but staying inside for days on end, with nothing but artificial warmth and sniffles here and there, is the reason most of us get sick over winter. Give yourself time this winter to admire how beautiful and clean your world looks. Dress up warmly, step outside and feel the winter sunshine. You’ll feel much better for it.

2. Reduce stress

Let’s face it – winter puts many of us in a bad mood. During this time of the year, many of us often feel higher levels of stress, with some of us getting the “winter blues”.  A single occurrence can ruin our entire day, but instead of focusing on the reasons why you had a bad day there are ways that can keep the winter blues at bay and help you relax. Try out these three simple lifestyle changes to beat the winter blues: 

• Distract yourself with a hobby or a good book
• Increase your activity level with meditation
• Communicate with your loved ones or seek a counsellor to talk to

3. Protect your skin

The cold, dry air is known for its ability to suck the moisture from our skin, leaving us with a dry, itchy, scaly mess. Keep your skin moisturised with a heavy, oil-based moisturiser. Lather it on your skin after you have taken a bath or shower or whenever your skin feels dry. Most importantly, drink plenty of water and eat foods that are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

4. Keep moving

Just because it’s cold outside, that doesn’t mean you should abandon your exercise routine. If you have made it your goal to exercise more this winter than pat yourself in the back. If things haven’t gone as well as planned, don’t be discouraged. We know that it can be hard to stay motivated when it’s cold outside and when the days are shorter. Just put on your exercise gear for a good brisk walk or try out a fun winter activity. Don’t worry about getting cold, your body will burn more kilojoules to keep warm as you exercise.

5. Make the most of winter fruits and vegetables

Eating during winter doesn’t have to be boring. Some fruits and vegetables are filled with nutrients, antioxidants, and fibre which can increase your energy and keep you healthy. Make sure you keep your immune system boosted by eating plenty of dark leafy greens, cabbage, asparagus, cauliflower, oranges, grapefruit and pears which thrive in the chill of winter.