Keeping yourself healthy when it’s cold outside
During winter time, our health tends to deteriorate. Sometimes, this deterioration can be very sudden. You’re more likely, for example, to slip on a patch of ice and sprain your ankle. But most of the time, the health problems we suffer in winter are more subtle and insidious. So, on top of things like viruses, frostbite and seasonal affective disorder, we might experience a more low-level sense of the blues that lasts right up until the clocks go forward again.
Fortunately, there are several things we can do to keep ourselves in good shape throughout the season. Let’s take a look at some of the more effective measures.
Keep exercising
During the summer, it’s (relatively) easy to persuade yourself to get up and go for a jog at six in the morning. But during winter, when it’s dark outside and the pavements are frozen over, the prospect can seem distinctly less appealing. Stay in, and you’ll be happier in the short term, but you’ll miss out on all of the health benefits that come with exercise.
If you’re exercising outdoors, then it’s vital that you stay mindful of the hazards underfoot. Potholes and sheet ice can put a serious dampener on your fitness ambitions. Get a pair of high-grip, waterproof trainers. If you do happen to fall victim to an unseen trip hazard, then try to establish who’s responsible. It might be that, with the help of a specialist solicitor, you can get some compensation.
Stay hydrated
Humans need to take plenty of fluid on board. For most of us, that means slightly more than we’re naturally drinking. There are a few things to note, here. If you’re drinking alcohol, then you’ll naturally become dehydrated, since it has a diuretic effect – which basically means you’ll pass more urine than you would if you’d drunk water, instead. Also, it’s possible to drink too much water, so make sure you know the target. Get a two-litre bottle and drink it slowly over the course of the day.
Stay warm
You’ll need to wrap up when the weather’s cold. Don’t be tempted to power through – you’ll be more likely to catch something that’ll keep you out of action for days. Pay particular attention to your extremities. Gloves, socks, and thermal underwear are all extremely useful.
Eat right
It should go without saying that your diet matters. Eat a balance of vegetables, and supplement wherever you think you need to.
Sleep right
Finally, we should note the importance of sleep. Aim for eight hours of sleep opportunity a night – but don’t put pressure on yourself to get eight hours of sleep. Sleep will aid your concentration, improve your mood, and reduce your risk of suffering from a wide range of health problems. So, take it seriously!
