Winter Wellness Challenges

Winter can be a wonderful time of year, but for many people, it can mean several months of misery if they live in a part of the world that experiences severe cold weather during the winter months. Here are some Winter Wellness Tips to help you get through.

On the positive side, there are all sorts of exciting winter activities:

·       downhill skiing

·       cross-country skiing

·       snowboarding

·       snowshoeing

·       snowmobiling

among other fun, outdoor winter activities.

On the negative side, there is a temptation to pretend we are a bear and just hibernate until the spring thaw comes!

The truth is, becoming inactive during the winter season, can be one of the worst things you can do for your health. It might seem tough to enjoy the short days and long nights of winter, but, spending time outside during each winter’s day offers several health benefits.

Fresh Air

Being cooped up indoors leaves you more prone to colds and flu, since you will be surrounded by other people who may be coughing and sneezing. 

Exercise

Exercise boosts your energy levels and mood.  It also helps you burn calories, which is very useful, if you tend to gain weight during the end of the year holidays.

 More Vitamin D

Vitamin D is produced by our body, as a direct result of exposure to the sun. We can take supplements, but, just 30 minutes of sunshine per day (wearing sunscreen, of course), can give us our daily recommended requirement of Vitamin D.

Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Winter can cause many to get “the blues”. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, affects millions of people around the world. It is caused by the lack of daylight during the short winter days, especially when the weather is bad and the sunlight is in short supply! 

SAD can trigger depression, illness and weight gain. Colds and flu can make people (and their immune systems) even more depressed. Getting out in the sun is the best way to combat SAD and live life to the full each winter.

Eating Issues

Many people pack on the pounds in the winter. They crave hot “comfort foods” to warm up on a cold day. Holidays such as; Thanksgiving and Christmas, can be a diet disaster. Eating more and working out less, if at all, because of the cold weather, is a recipe for weight gain and getting out of shape.  By the time spring rolls around, you’ll be a couch potato, and look like a spud in your swimsuit, if you’re not careful.

Skin and Hair Issues in Winter

Winter weather is a lot colder and drier than summer weather, which means it takes its toll on your skin. Your hair might start to look dry and brittle. Your skin might become chapped, red and flaky. If you already have dry skin, winter can make it much worst. Paying attention to moisturizing your hair, face and skin can keep you looking and feeling great.

Dressing for Safety in Winter

Last, but not least, you need to dress for safety in winter. Cold kills. A hat, scarf, gloves and proper footwear, to match the weather conditions, are all essential.

Here’s to your Health this Winter!

Stay healthy and safe and we’ll see you outside soon!

Karen, Founder

Lotus Business Resources LLC

Connect with us on:

Facebook  LinkedIn  Twitter   YouTube  Google+