Winter Wellness: How to Stay Healthy During the Cold Season

Winter is a beautiful time of year, with snow-covered landscapes, cozy nights by the fire, and the joyful holiday season. However, it also brings colder temperatures, which can impact our health. During this cold season, it becomes crucial to prioritize and take proactive measures to stay well. In this article, we will explore how to stay healthy during the cold season by incorporating these tips into your winter routine, making the most out of this magical time of the year.

If you are looking for insights about The Effects Extreme Cold Has on the Body, then you might want to check out this video from WBIR Channel 10:

 

Practical Tips to Stay Healthy During the Cold Season

Incorporate these tips into your daily routine to support your well-being.:

1. Wash your hands regularly.

Wash your hands properly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating or touching your face to prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses. 

2. Get plenty of rest.

Getting enough sleep is essential for a robust immune system. Get 7-9 hours of sleep every night for a healthy, recharged body.

3. Stay active.

Staying indoors and curling up in bed is tempting with the cold and gloomy weather. But this will only worsen winter blues and make you weak. Exercise regularly to boost your immune system and improve your mood. Engage in brisk walking, yoga, or indoor workouts to stay active, even during colder days.

4. Stay hydrated.

It's easy to forget to drink enough water when the weather is cooler. Drink fluids daily to stay hydrated and support your body's natural functions.

5. Dress appropriately.

Layer your clothes to stay warm and adjust to changing temperatures. Wear a hat, gloves, and a scarf to warm your extremities.

6. Practice good respiratory hygiene.

When coughing or sneezing, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow. Dispose of used tissues immediately in the trash and avoid touching your face to prevent the spread of germs.

7. Use wellness tools to support your winter routine.

Invest in wellness equipment that can help support your immune system and boost your health.

8. Incorporate immune-boosting foods.

Include foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants to support your immune system. Citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, and dark leafy greens are excellent choices.

Food to Eat and Avoid This Winter Season

Pay attention to your diet and make wise choices to support your health during the cold season. Here are some food types to avoid to stay healthy and nourished.

1. Include immune-boosting foods.

• Citrus fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are rich in vitamin C, which can help strengthen your immune system.
• Dark leafy greens: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost immunity and ward off winter illnesses.
• Garlic and ginger: These ingredients can help fight colds and flu due to their natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Above is the list of 3 most effective immune-boosting foods to try, but here are some more! Here are the 10 foods to boost your immunity by MEDSimplified:

2. Stay hydrated.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, even though you may not feel as thirsty in cooler weather. Herbal teas, such as chamomile or ginger tea, can provide warmth and hydration while offering additional health benefits.

3. Focus on warming foods.

• Soups and stews: Enjoy hearty and nourishing soups and stews filled with vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins. They are not only comforting but also provide essential nutrients.
• Spices: Add warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your meals. These spices can boost circulation and help keep you warm.

4. Limit processed and sugary foods

• Processed foods: These often contain additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, which can negatively impact your overall health.
• Sugary treats: While indulging in sugary delights during the holiday season is tempting, excess sugar can weaken your immune system and contribute to weight gain.

What is winter blues?

Winter blues, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months when there is less sunlight. 

Winter blues symptoms include fatigue, sadness, difficulty concentrating, and a disruption in your sleep schedule. 

Ways to help defeat winter blues:

• Get outside. Try to go out for at least 30 minutes daily, even if it's cloudy. Exposure to natural light can help boost your mood and energy levels.
• Exercise. Regular exercise can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even a short walk or yoga session can help.
• Light therapy. To undergo light therapy, you must sit in front of a specially designed light box that emits bright light. This can help regulate your body's circadian rhythms and improve your mood.
• Stay social. Socializing with friends and family can help boost your mood and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve your mood and energy levels.
• Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and anxiety.

Wellness Tools to Help You Stay Healthy this Winter

Embrace the Warmth with Saunas and Steam Showers

Saunas and steam showers are luxurious indulgences with numerous benefits, especially during the cold season. Here's how steam showers and saunas can help you stay healthy during cold and flu season. 

• Relieves respiratory symptoms. The warm, moist air in a sauna or steam shower can help ease congestion and other respiratory symptoms associated with colds and flu. The heat can help open your airways, making it easier to breathe. 
• Boosts immune system. Regular use of a sauna or steam shower can help boost your immune system, making it easier for your body to fight infections. The heat can help increase the production of white blood cells responsible for fighting off viruses and bacteria.
• Reduces stress. The heat and humidity in a sauna or steam shower can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. This can be especially beneficial when stress levels increase during the cold season.

SunRay Charleston 4- Person Indoor Traditional Sauna HL400TN

Its spacious 2-tiered double bench seating can comfortably accommodate up to 4 people or provide ample room for 2 people to lie down. 

Best Features:

• Canadian Hemlock Construction: The sauna cabin is constructed with durable and visually appealing Canadian Hemlock wood, giving it a naturally attractive and sturdy design.
• 6.0 kW Harvia Heater: This powerful electric sauna heater from Harvia provides temperatures up to 180 degrees, delivering a genuinely intense and invigorating sauna experience.
• 2-Tiered Bench Seating: With its spacious 2-tiered double bench seating, the Charleston sauna offers ample room for up to 4 people to sit comfortably or 2 people to lie down and fully relax.

Why Buy It:

It features a thermo-hygrometer for displaying humidity levels, interior dome lighting, and a ventilation system to ensure optimal air circulation. 

Mesa 502L Steam Shower 36"L x 36"W x 89"H

The tinted blue glass and enclosed top create a sense of privacy and elegance. Featuring chrome columns and hardware, a hinged door, and a fold-up seat for additional space, the Mesa 502L seamlessly combines style and functionality. 

Best Features:

• 3KW Steam Generator: The powerful steam generator fills the shower with invigorating steam.
• 6 Acupuncture Water Body Jets: These strategically placed water jets provide targeted hydrotherapy, helping soothe and rejuvenate your body.
• Rainfall Ceiling Shower: Step into the luxurious downpour of the rainfall ceiling shower for a truly indulgent and refreshing experience.

Why Buy It:

Pamper yourself with the indulgent rainfall ceiling shower and bask in the ambiance of the ceiling light. Additional features like ozone sterilization and storage shelves enhance the overall shower experience. 

Stay Active and Fit with Fitness Equipment 

How can we keep our bodies healthy in winter? Staying active should not take the backseat just because it’s cozy.

Importance of staying active during the cold months

• Regular exercise boosts your immune system and increases your energy levels, which can be especially beneficial during the colder months when we tend to be more sedentary.
• Physical activity helps combat seasonal blues by releasing endorphins, the feel-good hormones that improve mood and reduce stress.

Fitness equipment

From treadmills and ellipticals to stationary bikes, our collection of fitness equipment provides options for various workout preferences and fitness levels. These machines offer the convenience of indoor exercise while simulating outdoor activities, allowing you to stay active regardless of weather conditions.

Spirit CR900 Recumbent Bike

The Spirit CR900 Recumbent Bike is designed with a molded foam seat for easy entry and maximum comfort during your workouts. Its commercial crank assembly ensures a smooth and reliable pedal motion. 

Best Features:

• Step-Through Design: The CR900's step-through design and adjustable seat provide easy access and customizable comfort for users of all sizes.
• Heavy-Duty Roller Bearings: This bike is built to withstand rigorous workouts with its durable crank assembly and roller bearings, delivering smooth and reliable pedal motion.
• Self-Generating Power System: The self-generating power system allows you to place the bike anywhere without needing external power sources, providing convenience and flexibility in your workout space.

Why Buy It:

The exceptional comfort, durability, and versatility offer an efficient workout experience. It’s a reliable and flexible fitness solution for everyone.

Stay Cozy with Massage Chairs this Winter

Massage chairs can be beneficial to the body no matter the season. However, it's essential during the winter because it helps prevent your body from succumbing to the harsh effects of the cold weather. Using a massage chair this winter season can help in several ways.

Improves circulation.

How can I protect my heart in winter? You can suffer from poor blood circulation and higher blood pressure during the winter because lower temperatures cause your blood vessels to constrict, leading to discomfort, pain, or a heart attack. Massage therapy helps bring oxygenated blood all over your body, passing through congested areas. This warms up your muscles and makes your blood flow better.

Prevents sickness.

While colds and flu are not caused by cold weather but by a virus, it's easier to get sick during the winter, especially if you're always cooped up inside and don't exercise. This is because cold temperature diminishes your body's immune response to some degree, making you more likely to catch a cold. Regular massage can help you stay healthy during cold and flu season. 

Maintains fitness.

Staying in warm beds during winter is tempting, wrecking your workout plan. So, how can you keep your body healthy in winter? Stay fit and active during the colder months by doing indoor workouts instead of getting a massage regularly. Massage stretches your muscles and keeps your joints working correctly, too. 

Improves mental health.

Some people feel down or unmotivated during the winter. Others suffer from depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder. Massage therapy can help improve mental health by reducing your stress and anxiety levels.

Soothes tense muscles.

Muscles can get tense during the cold season. As your body adapts to cold weather, muscle contraction increases, and oxygen supply to your muscles decreases, leading to muscle pain or stiffness. This can result in tightness throughout the body, a lower range of motion, and a higher likelihood of nerve compressions. Regular massage can help you avoid muscle tension by improving blood circulation, which warms up your muscles and blood flow. Massage also helps stretch your muscles and keeps your joints working correctly. 

Luraco i9 Max Royal Edition Massage Chair

The Luraco i9 Max Royal Edition Massage Chair perfectly combines supreme comfort, advanced features, and meticulous craftsmanship. 

• Patented "Butterfly Technology": A massage that closely replicates the feeling of an actual hands-on massage, thanks to the advanced robotic rollers and air massagers working in harmony.

• Personalized Welcome Screen: A customized remote control software with your picture displayed on the welcome screen for a personalized experience.
• Wireless Charger for Smartphones: Stay connected and charged during your massage sessions with the convenient wireless charger.

Why Buy It:

With its doubled 3D engine, 18k gold accents, and customizable software, this massage chair provides unsurpassed luxury and convenience. 

Soak Away the Cold in a Hot Tub

Like heat therapy in the sauna and steam, hot tubs can offer health benefits to help you stay healthy during the cold season. A hot tub's warm, bubbling water melts tension and promotes deep relaxation. The hot water and massaging jets can help soothe sore muscles and relieve the effects of cold weather.

Dundalk The Starlight Wood Burning Hot Tub

With its locally sourced white cedar lumber, easy-to-drain system, and aluminum liner and heater, this hot tub offers a natural and efficient soaking experience. Enjoy a rejuvenating soak in less than 3 hours with the Burning Hot Tub.

Best Features:

• Quick Heat-up Time: Heat this tub in 2 hours or less with a good quality fire, allowing you to enjoy a hot tub soak sooner and maximize your relaxation time.
• Easy-to-Drain System: It comes with a convenient drain that connects easily to your garden hose, allowing you to reuse the water and minimize waste.
• Premium Materials: Made in Canada, the hot tub features a welded aluminum liner and heater for durable performance, while the comfortable cedar backrest and floor provide a natural and inviting experience.

Why Buy It: 

The Burning Hot Tub is the best choice for wood-burning enthusiasts seeking an exceptional soaking experience. With its features, this hot tub offers convenience and sustainability. 

Breathe Clean Air with Air Purifiers

With closed windows and limited ventilation, the air inside our homes can become stale and filled with pollutants. This is where air purifiers come to the rescue. Let's explore the significance of indoor air quality and the role air purifiers play in creating a cleaner and healthier environment.

Importance of indoor air quality

During the winter, we rely on heating systems to keep us warm, but these systems can also circulate dust, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens, exacerbating respiratory issues and allergies. Poor air quality can lead to coughing, sneezing, congestion, and even fatigue.

Air purifiers benefits

• Cleaner air: Air purifiers help filter out irritants and unwanted airborne particles, ensuring you breathe fresh and clean air.
• Reduced odors: It can absorb unpleasant smells, such as cooking smells, mold, or pet litter, and ensure clean air.
• Reduced allergens: Help reduce the number of allergens in the air, such as pet dander, pollen, and dust, which can trigger allergic reactions such as coughing and sneezing.
• Reduced risk of respiratory illnesses: Reduce the risk of developing respiratory diseases by removing harmful pollutants from the air.
• Reduced risk of disease: Remove harmful particles from the air that can cause illnesses.
• Reduced risk of mold: During winter, the warm air inside homes can foster mold growth. Air purifiers can help to eliminate mold spores from the air, reducing the risk of mold growth and related health problems.

Austin Air Healthmate HM400 HEPA Filter Air Purifier

Known for its exceptional performance, the HealthMate Standard Filter is designed to effectively remove a wide range of airborne particles, chemicals, gases, and odors, improving the air quality in your home. 

Best Features:

• True Medical Grade HEPA: Removes 99% of airborne viruses that are 0.3 microns and larger, ensuring cleaner and healthier indoor air.
• 3 Fan Speeds: Allows you to customize the air cleaning intensity based on your needs, providing flexibility and control.
• Cleans Over 250 Cubic Feet of Air per Minute: Its 360-degree intake system that draws air from all four sides efficiently cleans a significant volume of air.

Why Buy It: 

Austin Air Cleaners have earned a reputation for their superior performance and reliability. Its filtration, powerful fan, and high air cleaning capacity are ideal for those concerned about everyday air quality issues. 

Takeaway

Cold weather and less sunlight can weaken our immune systems, making us more prone to colds, flu, and seasonal depression. Luckily, there are a variety of products available that can support winter wellness. Follow these tips to stay healthy and vibrant in these colder months.

How do you stay healthy during the season change?

Questions about our products? Let us know! Contact our customer service team today.