Updated November 2022
Winter can be hard on your health. You might feel dehydrated from the dry air or feel down from a lack of Vitamin D, which your body makes when you’re in direct contact with sunshine. You might even catch the flu or another virus, which spreads more easily in cold and dry air.
That’s why we at the Family Health Clinic want to give you some ways to stay healthy during winter.
How can you stay healthy during winter?
In order to stay healthy this winter, you’ll want to try to take the best care of yourself holistically. Make sure you’re meeting all your mental, physical, and emotional needs. Below, we list some ways to address these different areas and the reasons they can help you in staying healthy.
1. Focus on getting your vitamins.
Overall, vitamins assist your body in doing a number of important functions. For instance, Vitamin D helps to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, which strengthen bones. Vitamin C may help lower the risk for some cancers including those of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and breast. By taking a multivitamin, you might feel better by correcting a deficiency you didn’t even know you had.
2. Set goals that will remind you of the year ahead.
Setting goals helps to remind you of the future you have to look forward to! If being a healthier you is important, check out our list of 5 Goals to Help You Become Healthier Than Ever.
3. ‘Treat yourself’ occasionally.
Treating yourself is the idea of giving yourself some ‘me time’ or small self-indulgence, guilt-free. Treating yourself is an act of self-compassion. Self-compassion is treating yourself with the same kindness and care you’d treat a friend. Acting compassionately towards yourself can help you in fostering better mental health. Learn more, here.
4. Find ways to move more.
There are many benefits to exercising regularly. Just read the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s list. According the CDC, exercise can help:
- Control your weight
- Reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Strengthen your bones and muscles
- Improve your mental health and mood
- And more!
What better time to begin reaping the benefits of exercise than by taking steps now that will help you more fully appreciate the warmer weather later? Exercise in a way that you enjoy by finding a good, supportive gym or even by walking outside with a friend when the weather permits.
5. Wash your hands properly.
Did you know that washing your hands is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others (CDC.gov)? Learn how to properly wash your hands in our blog post.
6. Take care of your skin.
The frigid, dry air outside and indoor heating can take a toll on your skin during the winter. Learn 12 Ways to Keep Skin Soft in winter from a health and wellness blog.
7. Remember to manage your stress.
Stress can negatively affect your musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, gastrointestinal system, nervous system, and more (American Psychological Association). According to the CDC, the best ways to manage stress in hard times are through self-care.
They suggest that some ways to do this are through:
- Avoiding drugs and alcohol.
- Finding support. Reach out to a partner, family member, friend, counselor, doctor, or clergyperson that can lend you their support.
- Connecting socially. Avoid isolating yourself.
- Take care of yourself. Do this through eating well, exercising, getting good rest, and/or giving yourself a break.
- Stay active. Staying active can help you to take your mind off your problems.
Learn more about the CDC’s suggestions here, or if you would like to talk to one of our Behavioral Health Specialists, call 1-800-321-5043.
9. Visit our office for all of your primary and acute healthcare needs.
We want to keep you well this winter! Visit one of the Family Health Clinic’s locations for high-quality primary healthcare close to home. Call 1-800-321-5043 to make your appointment today.
More resources for caring for yourself this winter!
Looking for more tips on caring for yourself and others this winter? Check out these Family Health Clinic blogs:
