Four Ways To Stay Healthy This Winter

Have you ever noticed that winter can cause a yearning to slow down and warm up by a cozy fire?  I love that nature works like this, innately causing us to change with the seasons.  The winter brings the desire for warmer foods, connection with loved ones, and more rest and relaxation.  The critical part of this fascinating natural phenomenon is that we listen and oblige.  We also share a common tendency to move less during the winter season. Here are my tried-and-true ways to help you keep a winter wellness routine even as we hunker down for warmth:

Don’t burn the candle at both ends. Is your social calendar still jam-packed this season?  We just survived the holiday parties, and now it's time to catch up with those we didn't see last month, and of course, celebrate the New Year.  However, don’t feel obligated to attend every gathering, particularly if you’re feeling burnt out from work and your other obligations. It’s great to meet new people and socialize, but if it causes you to get less sleep or it stresses you out, decline some of the less essential offers. Taking time for yourself is the best solution for winter wellness.

Be mindful of social settings. For the events you do attend, remember that cold and flu germs often lurk without symptoms at first. There’s no need to be paranoid about shaking hands or meeting people, but be mindful of your hands before you eat and don’t touch your nose, mouth or eyes after coming into contact with someone. Keeping your hands clean is the best way to avoid a winter illness.

Keep moving.  Your best defense against the winter blues is to start or keep your workout routine.  Finding it hard to stay motivated during the colder months?  Switch things up.  Try a new class at your gym or take on a new challenge that will help keep you motivated and warm you up! Consider signing up for my 5-Day Winter Walk and Wellness Challenge.

Hydrate more. Getting enough fluids is important on any day, but the winter weather is drier and so is the heat indoors. Not only that, but your skin can become parched too. Drinking more water and applying more moisturizer on skin and lips is a must.

So, what's the norm for you?  Do you try to stay on track during the winter months, or do you put things off until it starts to warm up outside? Be kind to yourself during the winter months and the rest of the year too!  
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Sign up for my latest challenge by sending an email to sarawolfsen@gmail.com. The Winter Walk and Wellness Challenge Series starts soon!
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Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health & Lifestyle Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health and lifestyle coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes with gentle guidance and support for weight loss and healthier habits.  Learn more at www.sarawolfsen.com.
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