4 Tips to Keep You Healthy This Winter

By Alicia Geigel on November 26, 2017

If you are from a state that experiences intense, freezing cold winters, then you know the struggle of trying to stay healthy during the season. Between the stress of school or work and holidays, for most of us, our health and well-being ends up being put on the back burner. Because of this, it’s almost impossible to stay cold-free during the harsh few months of winter.

For me, no matter how hard I try, I usually get sick around twice a year, and it’s almost always right around the time when fall ends and winter begins. Some people are under the impression that taking care of yourself during the winter is some kind of daunting task, but I can assure you it is easier and simpler than you think! Are you anxious about the possibility of becoming sick within the next few months? Unsure of how to prepare yourself for the ultimate cold season (both literally and figuratively)? Check out my four tips below on how to stay healthy and cold-free during these next chilly winter months!

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1. Boost Your Vitamin Intake: You may currently have a men’s or women’s multivitamin integrated into your daily regimen, but if you’re looking to prevent colds and stay healthy during the winter, your standard multivitamin won’t cut it. Vitamins C and D as well as Zinc are all known to have immune boosting benefits, which helps your body to stay strong and fight off colds better!
According to PinnacleHealth.org, “Consuming lots of vitamin C during the winter will help your body to battle cold and flu symptoms if you do experience them. Vitamin D helps to supplement the lack of light experienced during winter.” Zinc, on the other hand, is known to “help prevent or lessen the duration of a cold; it also helps when used shortly after possible exposure to a virus,” according to Amanda MacMillan of Prevention. I have integrated all of these vitamins into my daily routine and I can proudly say that I have not gotten my usual and annual colds this year (knock on wood)!

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2. Try Stress Reducing Techniques: We all know just how crazy and stressful the start and tenacity of the winter months can be. If you’re in school, the end of the quarter or semester has you on edge 24/7. If you’re working, the stress of balancing work with prepping for the holidays is enough to pull your hair out. Regardless of what you do or what age you are, we can all agree that the holidays are stressful. This increased amount of stress takes a toll on your body, especially your immune system.

According to Saul McLeod of SimplyPsychology.org, “When we’re stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. That is why we are more susceptible to infections.” Increased stress can also lead to headaches and digestive problems, according to McLeod. It is evident that stress has a strong and powerful impact on the body, so do your best to tune into your mind, heart, and soul to find ways to de-stress. Perhaps you love to go for walks to clear your head, or maybe you enjoy meditating to some calming music. Whichever you prefer, finding ways to de-stress can allow your immune system to function properly and without strain, a necessity for fighting off colds!

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3. Wash Your Hands, Constantly: Though it may seem a bit redundant, washing your hands is one of the simplest and most important tasks you can do to prevent getting sick. Within our own bubbles, whether they be at school roaming from class to class, or at work encountering co-workers and customers, the risk of germs spreading is strong.

It stinks, but you just never know when someone who is feeling under the weather coughs into their hand and then proceeds to touch the same railing you are about to touch coming down the stairs. To avoid scenarios like these, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap when you’re about to eat or touch anything that may be in your mouth, like a pen or a water bottle.

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4. Watch What You Share: It is human nature to want to share our goods, such as a piece of food or a pencil from our desk. Though this kind act can be useful or beneficial in the moment, there’s a chance that it can affect you in the future. To help prevent the spread of germs and catching a cold, be sure to have plenty of whatever items you may be tempted to borrow from someone, for instance: pens, pencils, tissues, etc. Not only will this keep you healthy during the winter, but it also gives you an excuse to treat yourself to some new office supplies, fun!

I’m sure the saying from your mom or dad is playing in the back of your head right now, the one that goes, “put a jacket on, you’re going to catch a cold!” Turns out, they weren’t exactly wrong, but there are some other elements that factor into what can make us sick. If you follow my four simple tips, you’ll be the healthiest you’ve been around this time of year, guaranteed! As always, good luck- and stay warm!

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