Your go-to guide for staying healthy, happy, and illness-free during the winter months! The lesser known tips and tricks for staving off cold and flu season and keeping well thru the winter.
Thanks to Scotties for sponsoring this discussion.
Shorter days, more time spent cooped up inside…PLUS cold and flu season? Your immune system has a lot to deal with during the winter months. Not only do people tend to get more colds and coughs during this time of year, but the lack of sunshine can have a big effect on your mood and physical health.
I’ll be honest, the winter is my LEAST favorite time of year. I thrive on being outdoors, being active, and breathing fresh air. All of that gets a little tougher and less enjoyable as the weather gets worse! I definitely get a little stir crazy during the long winter months we have here in Buffalo. The only thing that makes it worse? Being SICK! Nothing makes the cold less bearable than having a cold. The congestion, the headaches, the runny nose, the stifled taste buds (the WORST for a food lover!), the constant shivers, and the painful coughs! YUCK.
In the past, I used to get sick this time of year like clockwork. Chronic sinus infections and never-ending colds plagued me through the whole season. But now, things are much better! I take extra care of my health this time of year and implement specific habits to boost my immune system, up my nutrition, and make sure my body is getting extra care to deal with the harsh environment. Since I’ve found a bunch of things that work well to keep me healthy, I thought you all might be interested in learning my Top Five Tips for Winter Wellness!
Read on to stay well…
Wash Your Hands
How classic is this advice? The fact is, it’s so simple that people sometimes forget its importance! Sure we all do it (or at least I hope you do!) after we use the restroom, but washing your hands throughout the day is important to stay healthy. It’s simple hand washing that can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community. It’s one of the easiest, most effective ways to avoid getting sick. I keep antibacterial handy all day and make sure to sanitize after grocery shopping, when leaving the gym, and when I’m out and about during the day. You don’t realize how many germs you come into contact with on a daily basis and just being more mindful of hand cleanliness can really make a difference! Another tip? Try not to touch your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth with your fingers throughout the day. You nail beds harbor a lot germs that can then make their way into your body through open areas. If you do have to touch your face, I recommend using a Scotties Triple Soft Tissue! (more on that below! 😉 )
Eat the Rainbow
Although it’s not really the season for certain fruits and veggies, make sure you’re filling yourself with lots of colorful produce! Whether it’s frozen or fresh, produce is the most important health tool money can buy. Eating a wide variety of fruit and vegetables will ensure you get all the essential vitamins and minerals you need, which is especially important in the winter when there is less sunlight and less time outside. There’s a lot of amazing root vegetables back in season and local farmer markets are stocked with kale, broccoli, apples, cauliflower, carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potato. A healthy, nutrient dense diet is the best defense against sickness of any kind.
BONUS: Eat immune boosting foods!
Get Outside
Yes the winter weather is less than ideal. Especially in some parts of the country where it can be completely debilitating! But make an effort to get outside in the light and fresh air at least once a day. Not only is it good for replenishing your vitamin D needs (a key nutrient that aids our immune system and that most people become deficient in during the winter), but it also gets you out of the house! Being cooped up in the house for too long is not good for your psyche or your body. During the winter, mold and can build up in the house. This can trigger congestion, respiratory infections, wheezing, coughing, and even asthma attacks for those that have the disease. So get up, get out, and….
Move Your Body
Exercise is important all throughout the year, but even more so in the winter when we are naturally more sedentary. I’ve already given you some tips on how to stay active this winter, but let me explain why it’s important for your overall wellness. A regular workout routine is actually prime booster for your immunity. It REDUCES the risk of cold and flu, while improving your mood and raising your energy levels that can be so easily zapped in the winter. Not to mention it’s an automatic heat builder! You can be your own heat source when you work up a sweat. 🙂
Check out this post on why WALKING is one of the most underrated forms of exercise!
Stay Positive
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a REAL THING! And it can affect a lot more than just your mood. Fatigue, irritability, depression, anxiety, and even physical discomfort can result from the changing of the seasons. The best way to beat the winter blues is to get outside daily (as I mentioned above), but also bolster your diet! Incorporate nutrient dense foods like kale and fresh herbs as often as possible. Foods that are high in calcium and magnesium are said to improve stress levels, lift you out of SAD-related moods, and overall keep you more healthy and happy.
In the off chance I do catch a cold, I always have Scotties new Triple Soft tissues on hand to use for my runny nose. The new Triple Soft variety has with three layers of softness for added comfort and protection. I also love the new chic, stylish box designs that fit seamlessly with the decor at my apartment! Neutral colors and interesting eye catching patterns make them the perfect addition to every room in my space.
They are so soft and high quality that my nose never gets dry or irritated when I use Scotties…no matter how much I blow or wipe my nose. Gotta love it!!
I buy my Scotties tissues at my local Tops grocery store and you can even get cash back on the Ibotta app when you buy Scotties Triple Soft Tissues.
Do you take extra precautions with your health in the winter?
What’s your favorite winter wellness tip?
Go-to natural cold remedy?
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79 responses to “Top 5 Tips for Winter Wellness”
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Great post! I get SAD now that I live in Alaska (everyone here is vitamin D deficient because we barely have any sunlight in December and January!) and my lunchtime walk breaks are key to feeling good. The combo of being outside plus the tiny bit of sunshine I get is so helpful in the winter!
Gosh I give you so much credit for living in Alaska! I’ve heard it’s BEAUTIFUL but I just don’t think I could handle the climate and lack of sunshine! Your lunch time walks sound wonderful though! 🙂
I struggle with SAD as well. The winter is also my least favorite, so thanks for the tips! I wrote a post on this if you wanna check it out 🙂 I talk about how the winter is “delicate” for me because I have to take care of myself better, like you said! Or else, I can fall into a mild seasonal depression.
I love the idea of being more delicate with yourself during a rough time of the year! Definitely will check out your post! 🙂
Great tips!
I like to increase my intake of water with lemon juice squeezed into it at this time of year. Doesn’t hurt to get in some extra vitamin C 🙂
Love lemon water! I definitely don’t drink it enough!
I certainly agree with all of these tips! Although I must admit the third one does get a little hard to make myself do when it’s chilly. I think that’s why I like warm weather, it invites me to spend as much time outside as possible. But we shall survive until it is warm again! 😀
You know I am the SAME about the weather! I want to live somewhere warm all year round! Maybe we will end up in the same (warm) city someday. 🙂
WONDERFUL post! And a great reminder to “eat the rainbow”! LOVE THAT!:)
That’s one of my favorites out of the tips too!
I love eating the rainbow. I think people sometimes forget just how important it is.
Yes definitely! People get set in their ways with their food choices and forget to add in some variety!
Yikes! That cold weather sniffles are here! These are great tips!!
Thanks Natalie! Here’s to a healthy winter! 🙂
i love cold eeze! i alsoe liek vitamin c drops…and all your tips, except the outside part 😛
Haha! Yes it’s definitely hard to get outside when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate…but I swear it does wonders for your mind and body!
These are all excellent tips for the winter. May I also add that we need to moisturize since the weather dries our skin.
Yes that’s a great one!!
What a lovely way to describe eating more fruit and vegetables ‘Eat the Rainbow’ is a perfect description. I am going into the heat of summer now – today will be 34C however, I think some of your tips can be remembered year round. Great post! #LifeLovingLinkie
Oh how I wish I was just entering the summer season!! That would be lovely right about now. My favorite type of weather for sure!
I love your 5 ways to stay well this winter, the go outside one is a perfect reminder during cold months. Sun and fresh air is important!
Jem
I stopped by cus of the happy home link party!
Thanks for stopping by!
thanks for these lovely tips! I definitely think getting outside and eating well helps!
Thanks for stopping by!
Great tips, Kaila. Thanks for sharing at My Flagstaff Home!
Jennifer
Welcome!!
Hi Kaila,
Winter is also my least favorite time of the year. I like your tips, Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted. Have a healthy happy blessed Thanksgiving!
You’re welcome! Have a wonderful weekend!
Great tips Kaila! I used to get colds much more frequently because I didn’t take proper care of myself in the winter months. I do suffer from SAD unfortunately, but it is definitely more manageable when I take good care like you said above =)
Thanks Kimmy! <3
Love your wellness tips! Thanks for sharing this with us at Savoring Saturdays linky party. Hope you’ll come back and join us again.
Glad you found them useful!
Great tips! I hate the winter, and it really affects me emotionally as well. Your tip to get outside is such a hard but important one. I wrote a post last year on how to combat the winter blues if you want to check it out: http://www.heartfulhabits.com/3-ways-to-combat-the-winter-blues/ I talk about exercise and getting outdoors too, as well as light therapy.
Thanks for sharing your post!! Can’t wait to check it out!
I also take lots of Vit D3, and use essentials oils on the bottom of my feet and throat glands when a cold comes on. Nips it in the bud. Euculyptus oil mixed with a carrier oil is great stuff!
Ohh I will have to check out Eucalyptus oil!
I love homeopathic products, too! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for linking up with The Alder Collective! Your posts have been pinned to our group board. We hope you’ll join us again tomorrow at 8 pm EST!
I will be there!!
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Thanks so much for the wonderful tips! I must say moving my body is the most difficult part 😛 Been struggling with it! hehe
Here is a post I found useful written by my colleague that will be equally helpful for your readers, the post covers lovely tips for hair care 🙂
http://aimzfolio.com/winter-hair-care-healthy-hair-guide/
Thanks for sharing!
I started using probiotics a year or so ago, and it TRANSFORMED my stomach! Always looking for some new ways to stay healthy 🙂
RIGHT?! So amazing what they can do for our bodies!!!
I’ve never used probiotics but I’ve been considering it! Thanks so much for the giveaway Kaila!!
You’ll love these Marina!! They’ve made a big difference in my health and I am sure they could help you too. I haven’t been sick in MONTHS.
Great tips! Thanks so much for sharing!
So welcome, Jamie Lynn! Thanks for stopping by!!
love how simple these are! I love getting outside, eating lots of good foods (with cookies of course), and getting good sleep and spiritual food from God’s Word!
Thanks Em! Glad you found these helpful!
i take probiotics almost daily!
So awesome!!
These are great tips! Thanks for the great info. Here’s to staying healthy this winter! 🙂
Thank you!!
This is a really helpful post! I have always struggled with sickness during winter, and this year I decided to get outside and get active anyway. Strangely enough, I haven’t been sick as often 😉 Hreat post–thank you for the tips!
Thank you so much Jamie! Glad you found this helpful!!
The struggle is real getting outside around here but I try my hardest 😉
Yes definitely!! I am in the same boat in Buffalo! LOL
I’ve never tried Probiotics before, but would love to win these so I can! Thanks for the chance to win!
Yes! Thanks for entering and good luck!
I totally agree! Winter blues are a real thing! Eating well and getting vitamins is a great defense. I also try to find someway to get outside even if it’s cold and even if it’s for 5 minutes.
YES. Getting outside is so important for my sanity during the winter!!!
I’d love to try these probiotics. I have only used them after sickness/illness.
You would love them!
Yup all excellent tips especially number 3 & 4 ! Very helpful 🙂 Great post
Thank you!!
Such great tips! Getting outside is a biggie for me and my family. As long as the weather is remotely nice we try to go outside for at least 15 minutes.
Thanks for reading!!
Great post! It is hard to stay healthy and positive in winter so these are definitely useful tips!
Thanks Bonnie!
A few simple, but solid tips to get threw this winter! I’m featuring this at the Friday Favorites linky party, come take a look if you like: https://be-alice.blogspot.com/2017/01/friday-favorites-week-354.html
I wish you a healthy and happy new year!
Maisy
Thanks so much!
Thanks for sharing with us at the Funtastic Friday linky party!
Thanks for hosting!!
I haven’t tried probiotic pills but I’ve tried kombucha which I guess is supposed to be good for GI health?? and I really liked that. I think it’d be really interested in trying out some probiotics though just to see how it helps/affects my digestion and overall health.
Yes they help me so much! I think you’d love them!
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