Cold weather, shorter days, and the lure of comfort food can make staying healthy during winter a challenging task. If you find yourself feeling sluggish, sleepy, or suffering from a case of the sniffles, it’s probably time to incorporate some new healthy habits into your daily routine. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered! Here are 5 simple tips to help you stay healthy this winter.
Get some (quality) sleep
While it’s important to get enough sleep, it’s also important to get quality sleep. Unfortunately, certain activities, foods and drinks before bed can keep you from getting the high quality Z’s you deserve. Here are the top offenders to be aware of:
Laptop and TV screens: the artificial light these gadgets produce has been shown to suppress the production of melatonin in the brain, so make it a habit to turn power these down at least an hour before bedtime.
High fat, high protein and spicy foods: eat any of these before bedtime and you’ll likely be tossing and turning for hours.
Alcohol and caffeine: it goes without saying that caffeinated beverages can keep you up at night, so put a lid on all caffeinated drinks at least 6 hours before bed. Alcohol on the other hand may make you feel sleepy at first, but research shows that consumption before bedtime can disrupt sleep and lead to middle of the night awakenings.
Get Moving
Let’s be honest: cold weather is more likely to inspire nights cuddled on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa than vigorous cardio activity. But that doesn’t mean you have an excuse to take a hiatus from your exercise routine! Get motivated to move this winter by switching it up. Do you miss running outside with your friends in the summer? Try signing up for group exercise classes to get you through the winter. Sick of doing the same boring routine at the gym? Sign up for a one-on-one personal training session to get new ideas for ways to get fit. Consider any type of exercise to be a form of mild torture? Make exercise fun by trying any one of these at home dance video games, no coordination required! Regardless of what you choose, just make sure that you MOVE!
Take your Isotonix ®
Whether you’re partial to Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2, OPC-3®, or Beauty Blend, it’s more important now than ever that you remember to take it! Dry winter air is a breeding ground for all sorts of germs, so make sure to support your health during cold and flu season by incorporating Isotonix supplements into your morning routine.
Drink more water
Water helps keep you energized, your skin hydrated, and regulates almost all the functions of your body. So why aren’t you drinking more of it? This winter, make it a habit to drink more H2O by replacing at least one sugary or caffeinated beverage with water, keeping a water bottle on your desk at all times, and sipping at least 8 ounces with every snack or meal.
Show germs who’s boss
Here’s a scary fact: cold and flu-causing germs can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours! To keep yourself from getting infected, take five minutes each day and wipe down every surface you touch with disinfecting wipes. Make sure you don’t forget about your keyboard, cellphone, briefcases and handbags; these have been shown to harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat!
To stay healthy year-round, all it takes are small adjustments to our daily routine. What are your favorite tips or tricks for staying healthy in the winter?