There’s a reason that winter is synonymous with cold and flu season. It’s the time of year when most common viruses spread like wildfire. It’s also a time when more people struggle with depression and other mental disorders. If the prospect of winter coming has you shaking in your boots, take these steps to give yourself the best chance of staying healthy.
Prevent Illness
You can prevent illness in two key ways: avoiding germs and boosting your immune system. You can avoid germs by washing your hands frequently, not touching public doorknobs and other high-traffic surfaces, and wearing a mask when necessary. If you are scheduled to be with someone who you know is sick, reschedule your plans. On the other hand, boosting your immune system is a great way to avoid catching any bugs that inevitably sneak through your strategic line of defense. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, get plenty of sleep, drink enough water, and manage your stress. All these things will boost your immune system and reduce your risk of getting sick.
Beware of Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depression is an authentic, debilitating thing for millions of people in the United States. In fact, 10 million adults deal with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) each winter. SAD causes fatigue, depression, irritability, and lack of motivation. It impacts every aspect of a person’s life. One way to combat seasonal depression is to get outdoors more often. Spending more time outside in the sunlight can help your body get vitamin D. Vitamin D is believed to combat seasonal depression.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. You might be tempted to skip your workout and stay in your warm bed a little longer, but few things benefit your physical and emotional health quite like exercise. If you live in a cold climate and can’t bear to work out outdoors, there are plenty of ways to exercise inside. Go to a local gym, get a fitness machine, or work out to an exercise video.
Don’t let the winter get you down! Fight the winter blues with a nutritious diet, plenty of sunshine (even if it is freezing cold outside), and regular exercise. It’s a simple but effective way to combat winter illness and seasonal depression. Spring will be here before you know it and you will have to admit that winter wasn’t actually all that bad!
Did you enjoy this article? Here’s more to read: Simple Things to Do During Your Day to Improve Your Mental Health