Five Tips For Staying Healthy During The Winter Months

Guest post by Daisy Moss

Staying healthy during the winter period is something that many people find difficult. A healthy diet is a simple way to ensure you are keeping yourself healthy however, there is more to it. So, in this guide, we will give you several tips for how to stay healthy during the winter period!

Exercise Is Key

Exercising is something we should all be doing, all year round. It is one of the few ways to keep our bodies young and fit. If you don’t exercise enough, you are allowing your body to age, to keep your body healthy and to improve your fitness, especially during the winter period. Exercising when the weather is cold is difficult. It is something that many people struggle with, especially for those early gym goers. Opening your curtains and noticing that it is cold and wet outside can put you off from going to the gym in the morning. Nonetheless, it is a way to destress as well as keep you healthy mentally and physically. 

Five Tips For Staying Healthy During The Winter Months

During the winter period, you need to have a backup plan for your workout routine. If you are one of those who goes for a run in the early morning before work, you need to have a backup. Many people will not go on their morning run because it is raining and cold. That is ok to do but you need to ensure you have a backup plan instead. Go to the gym after work to use the treadmill for your morning run instead of running in cold and harsh weather conditions.

Have A Routine 

Having a routine that you can easily stick to is essential during winter. Furthermore, it can be a busy period so you need to ensure you are not trying to do too much during this time of year. Create a plan that has enough time for work, social activities and going to the gym. That way, you ensure you stay fit during winter whilst seeing your friends and family. Once you have a workout plan you can stick to then you will be in much better shape. One thing you must always remember is not to overdo it as this is how you become ill. 

Ensure You Wrap Up

Making sure you put on extra layers during the winter period is essential. Furthermore, you will need to carry an umbrella and a waterproof jacket with you at all times. There will be a lot of wind and rain during this time of year so you remain dry. 

Five Tips For Staying Healthy During The Winter Months

Another way to ensure you stay warm this winter is by drinking warm drinks. Take a flask with you to work so it can keep you warm all morning. No matter where you work, the office or on-site, a flask is a great addition. Wearing winter clothes for your gym sessions is essential as well. When outside and start to exercise, you will soon warm up. Nonetheless, you must be warm before you start exercising. It is easier to take clothes off during exercise instead of putting them on. Ensure you wear a thick pair of gym leggings along with a t-shirt and hoodie. For those extra cold winter runs, wear a pair of thermals as well. 

Allow Time To Recover 

Recovery time is essential, especially during the winter months. Giving your muscles time to recover is crucial as it reduces the chance of injury. Furthermore, there are a few things you can do to ensure your muscles are recovering efficiently. 

Five Tips For Staying Healthy During The Winter Months

One of those ways to recover is by consuming enough protein before and after your workout. Protein is to help muscle tissue repair after an intense workout. You can either consume food that is high in protein such as tuna and chicken or, you can have a post-workout protein shake that would be a great choice. 

Plenty Of Sleep

Finally, sleep. It is essential for staying healthy all year round as our body needs time to recharge the batteries. Every night, you should be aiming for around 7 hours of sleep. Moreover, some people can function on 5 to 6 hours of sleep although we would not advise it. Ensure you are sleeping well and getting plenty of it so you never feel rundown. 

To Conclude

There are many things you can do to ensure you are staying healthy during winter. One of the main priorities should be that you are eating healthy. Eating healthy includes having your five a day. If you don’t think you are eating enough vitamins and minerals throughout the day, you should take a multivitamin as well for your diet.