Taking care of yourself is important to stay healthy and happy.
During the winter, it can be harder to keep up with your healthy routines. Here are some ways for your family to stay well this winter.
1. Wash Your Hands
While this seems like a simple idea, it can protect you from many diseases.
There are between two to 10 million bacteria on your fingertips. When you touch other things, such as your face, you can spread these germs.
Also, children use lots of school supplies shared by others. So, it’s important they wash their hands regularly to remove bacteria.
Plus, once one person in the family is sick other people are likely to catch it.
To stay healthy, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. It’s also a good practice to wash them after being in a public space or coughing and sneezing.
2. Keep Up With Cleaning
Wiping down surfaces is an easy way to stop the spread of germs.
It can help prevent your family from catching diseases, such as COVID-19 or the flu. Clean off frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops and doorknobs.
Also, wipe down your remote control and phone, since you use them daily. To clean surfaces you can use household disinfectants, such as Clorox wipes.
You can also use soap and hot water for softer surfaces.
3. Remember Your Flu Shot
Getting the flu shot is an effective way to prevent you from getting sick. The vaccine is even more crucial this year, with the presence of COVID-19.
You want to ensure your body is strong enough to fight the disease and other common winter illnesses.
The flu shot is also essential for pregnant people. It protects their unborn child from the flu and passes down antibodies.
To make the process easier, consider scheduling your family’s appointments on the same day.
4. Buy Extra Toothbrushes
Old toothbrushes can spread germs, especially after you’re sick. So, stock up on toothbrushes for the whole family.
Using clean toothbrushes can prevent hidden bacteria from causing infections.
The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Look for a toothbrush with a smaller brush head and softer nylon bristles.
5. Get Some Sunlight
During the winter, the sun sets earlier. The darker days can lead to mental issues, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
About 3% of Americans suffer from SAD. One way to combat depression is going outside during the day. It allows you to soak up vitamin D and can boost your mood.
Consider using your lunch break to go outside. You can also get your kids involved by taking after-school walks.
If you can’t get outside, you can use lamps to mimic the effects of sunlight.
6. Drink Enough Water
Staying hydrated is essential to keep you feeling strong and healthy. Water helps to regulate your body temperature and lubricate your joints.
With the colder temperature, you may not feel as thirsty, but it’s still important to drink water. Women need to drink about 11.5 cups of fluids a day and men need about 15.5 cups a day.
If the taste of water is too bland for you, try flavored water or infuse it with fruit.
While other liquids can keep you hydrated, they aren’t as healthy with all the added sugar.
For example, your kid’s favorite fruit juices can erode their tooth enamel.
7. Take Care of Your Skin
Colder temperatures can lead to dry flaking skin. One to keep your skin healthy is by increasing your home’s temperature or using a humidifier.
You can also use skincare products to rejuvenate your face. After your showers make sure you’re moisturizing your face.
Try to use jarred not pump moisturizers, since they contain less water.
8. Stay Active
When the weather is cold you may feel like cozying up with a nice warm blanket in bed. However, it’s important that you get up and move.
Regular exercise is essential in improving your muscle strength and boosting your endurance. It also releases endorphins, making you feel happier.
To get everyone involved make the activity a family outing.
You could make a snowman, go sledding, or visit your local ice-skating rink.
Another way to burn off some calories is by offering to help shovel your neighbor’s driveway. It will get you outside and is a kind gesture.
9. Reduce Your Stress
The holiday season can be a little chaotic, from family parties to Christmas shopping. It’s important you take time out of your day to unwind.
Built-up stress can weaken your immune system and lead to illness. Also, when you’re stressed you may take it out on those around us. Therefore, the tension could negatively impact your relationships.
That’s why you want to make personal care a priority. T
ake time in the morning or after you put the kids to bed to relax. Running a bubble bath or doing a yoga class are good ways to calm down. Exercising is also a good way to blow off some steam.
10. Clean Your Furnace
As the temperature drops, you will start using your furnace more often. It not only provides you with warmth but also impacts air quality.
However, if your filters are clogged with dust and debris then it can lower your air quality. The dust circulating can make your family sick.
Therefore, check that your furnace is properly functioning and change your filters monthly.
How to Stay In Good Shape This Winter
Even though the holiday season is busy, your health should still be a top priority.
Make sure you’re taking care of your physical and mental needs. Follow these tips to have a happy and healthy winter!