Winter Wellness Tips to Keep You Healthy This Season
Staying healthy is important year-round, and it can be difficult to manage in the winter season. Cold weather, seasonal affective disorder, stress, the flu, and other factors can affect your health and wellness. Here are some easy tips to incorporate into your daily wellness routine to help you stay happy and healthy this winter.
Stay hydrated inside and out.
The winter season brings cold air and increased winds, drying out your skin and increasing sinus congestion. It is important to ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and nourishing your skin with lip balms, moisturizers, or petroleum jelly.
Allow yourself to rest and recover.
This is crucial all year, and especially during winter when more germs and seasonal illnesses are spreading. Your body needs plenty of rest to strengthen and heal your immune system.
Take time for yourself.
This time of year is often stressful and taxing on your mind and body, and excess stress is a leading contributor to illness. Give yourself time each day to relax, breathe, and clear your mind.
Fuel your body with bacteria-fighting foods.
Try adding a variety of natural foods to your diet that act as prebiotics and assist in supporting your immune system. Elderberry, olive leaf, asparagus, artichoke, root vegetables, and manuka honey are all effective sources to help you fight bacteria and strengthen your immune system.
Enjoy the Arizona sunshine.
We are fortunate to live in a state that provides sunshine year-round. Take advantage and make sure you get a daily dose of sunlight to help release serotonin, boost your mood, and regulate your circadian rhythm.
Get a flu shot.
This is a simple way to help you protect yourself and others from illness. Studies show that receiving a flu vaccination can reduce your risk of flu by 40 – 60%. Horizon offers walk-up appointments between 9am – 1pm Monday-Thursday at all clinics. Email flushots@hhwaz.org with any questions.
