10 Tips to Help You Stay Healthy All Winter Long


The cold winter months can be hard on your body, especially if you don’t take care of yourself properly. Here are 10 great tips to help you stay healthy all winter long.




1) Keep your body warm

One of your top defenses against colds and flu is to keep your body warm. While you may want to bundle up when you step outside, avoid making it a habit while you’re at home. Drastic temperature changes can cause your body more harm than good. When possible, be sure that your home has adequate insulation and heat. Maintain a comfortable temperature between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit (20-22 degrees Celsius) with minimal fluctuations throughout the day and night.


2) Eat more fiber

Fiber helps keep your digestive system running smoothly, and it also keeps you fuller for longer. If you’re looking for a healthy way to eat more fiber, try oatmeal. Cook steel-cut oats in water or milk until they’re soft—around 20 minutes on low heat, depending on how hungry you are—and then top them with fresh fruit and nuts. (Bonus points if you add some cinnamon too.) And speaking of cinnamon...


3) Exercise

It might be a little colder and darker outside, but that doesn’t mean you have to hibernate! Exercise is an essential part of staying healthy, so it’s important that you continue your regular routine as much as possible during winter. If running outdoors in cold weather isn’t appealing, try switching up your exercise routine with indoor workouts like yoga or Pilates. These are just some of our favorite ways to stay active during winter months; check out more ideas here.


4) Drink water

Not only does water quench thirst, but it also helps with weight loss—specifically by boosting metabolism. One study from 2005 found that drinking roughly 2.5 liters (about two 16-ounce bottles) of water a day led to a 30 percent increase in total body fat loss over an 8-week period, compared with individuals who consumed just one liter (that’s about eight eight-ounce glasses) per day.


5) Wear sunglasses in winter (UV rays can cause cancer!)

When you think of winter, what comes to mind? Snow, sleet, and ice? While we often think about bundling up in warm clothing during these chilly months, we don’t often take into account how sunlight can affect our health. If you’re not using sunscreen every day and all year long, it can increase your risk of developing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.


6) Keep your mind active

Getting out of bed and staying active is tough when it’s cold outside, but your body will thank you in more ways than one when you do. Studies show that keeping your mind active can help stave off cognitive decline associated with aging. In fact, some research suggests that being mentally active can increase a person’s lifespan by up to 10 years—which could be just enough time for you to live out those retirement dreams!


7) Get some sun

There’s nothing quite like a bit of vitamin D—also known as sunshine. Not only does sunlight help our bodies produce vitamin D, it also gives us that much-needed burst of energy we need to function through our busy days. So even if it’s cloudy outside, be sure to get some sun every day. Your body will thank you later!


8) Try supplements if you need help

If you’re lacking in one or more vitamins, you can take supplements to boost your levels. If your doctor has diagnosed a deficiency, it’s best to talk with them first before adding any type of supplement. For most people, though, experts recommend taking a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement that contains 100 percent of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for every vitamin and mineral listed on its label. This should help ensure your body has everything it needs.


9) Avoid heating pads

In winter, many of us reach for a heating pad to ease our aches and pains. Although it’s tempting, that electric heat may not be your best choice—the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises against using these pads because of their risk of fire, burns or electric shock. Instead, try rubbing in some cool ointment or apply an ice pack over a warm compress if you want relief from pain and swelling.Stay away from chemicals (such as perfume, makeup, etc.)

10)Exhaustion and illness are among most people’s biggest concerns in winter months. To stay healthy, it’s best to stick with all-natural products when possible. For example, use all-natural cleaning supplies instead of unnatural cleaners. Many homemade recipes for natural remedies can be found online—and if you have a knack for cooking, making your own face scrubs, lip balm and other treatments is an inexpensive way to avoid chemicals that could possibly make you sick.