When the temperatures start dropping, your body starts to feel it. Your immune system becomes weaker, making you more vulnerable to colds, coughs and flus.
One of the biggest frustrations for people is having to deal with colder weather, and there are far fewer activities to do outside. For most of us, this means cold and dark days, long nights and even longer commutes. From chapped lips to seasonal depression, vitamin D deficiency, low energy and optimism levels, and unwanted weight gain.
Whether you’re struggling with winter blues, or simply want to become more content in the colder months, these healthy ways to be happy in winter will help you keep your spirits up.
Here is the winning winter attitude to help you stay positive and happy this cold season:
Eat a healthy diet
Staying happy and healthy during the winter months is a lot about eating well.
During the season when your body needs a supply of nutrients that protect against colds and coughs, it’s important to add foods like fresh fruit and vegetables to your diet — especially vitamin C-rich ones. Load up on vitamin C – eat foods like oranges, lemons, mangoes, kiwis, strawberries, broccoli, peppers. Eat more root vegetables, citrus, and vitamin D-rich foods during the winter season to boost immunity.
Root vegetables like carrots, turnips, and beets can be stored for months so you can eat fresh produce all year round. Spice up your fruit and vegetable mix with citrus or leafy greens, or experiment with different herbs and condiments like rosemary, ginger, oregano, curcumin.
“Winterizing your diet can be healthy — and tasty — if you add a few favorite cold-weather foods,” says registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, MS, RD, CSOWN, LD.
Cravings and emotional eating are common during the winter. Have these healthy snack options on hand: fresh or dried fruits, fresh vegetables (served with hummus), yogurt and granola bowl, salmon and avocado on toast, hard-boiled eggs, dark chocolate.
Fill the nutrition gaps with supplements
Winter makes it tough to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. A good multivitamin supplement can help fill the nutrition gaps in your diet. It’s an easy way to make sure you get most of the vitamins and minerals your body needs every single day.
In winter, cold and flu viruses are common and they can drag you down. If you are not feeling well, take some time to consider taking a multivitamin.
The best immune-boosting supplements doctors recommend are: vitamin D, vitamin C, elderberry, Zinc, medicinal mushrooms, Omega 3 (fish oil) and probiotics.
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Adjust your hair and skin routine
It’s time to prep your skin and hair for winter, no matter where you live. Dry skin brushing is an ancient practice that improves total-body circulation and even gets rid of cellulite. Do it before you shower for about five minutes.
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Dry weather also means dry hair, which can lead to split ends and damaged strands. Fight dry lips with hydrating oils. Use oils like jojoba, coconut and almond oil to keep your skin and hair moisturized. Natural oils work to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture in order to avoid dryness. Moisturize after showering or bathing so these natural oils can soak into your skin.
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Drink enough water and warm liquids
Staying hydrated through the winter can boost your immune system and give your body the support it needs to fight off infection. Drinking water and staying hydrated can also help you stay warmer in the winter months. Keep your hydration handy by having a bottle of water at your desk, in your car and in your bag.
Hot beverages are far more comforting when you’re feeling cold and can encourage you to drink more water – think soups, tea, hot coffee and chocolate.
Warm beverages can keep you warm and cozy, boost your mood and keep you better hydrated.
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Get more sleep
Cold weather conditions can disrupt your body’s natural sleep cycles, making you want to sleep more in the winter. We also tend to feel more tired in the cold season, probably because of the constant battle between heaters in our houses and sub-zero temperatures outside.
The good news is that getting enough sleep is a great way to beat winter blues, keep us safe from flu viruses and boost our immune system.
Stay warm and cozy
If you live in a dry area, humidify your home with a dehumidifier.
Dress in layers, put on a warm hat, gloves and thick socks to prevent losing body heat. If you’re at home, take a hot bath to warm up quickly or snuggle under a blanket.
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Spend time outdoors
Winter is a time of short days, cold nights and the desire to spend more time indoors. In the worst cases, winter weather may trigger a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Moods can also be affected by hormone fluctuations caused by reduced sunlight and an abundance of vitamin D3 deficiency.
Spending time outdoors just a few minutes a day can improve both our moods and our physical health, leading to reduced stress and increased self-esteem.
Even if it’s colder outside, exercise is a mood lifter. Get fresh air and as much natural light as possible – get plenty of light in the winter. Not getting enough light during winter months can lead to depression, according to some scientists.
Take a walk, exercise outdoors, take your dog to the park.
Lift up your spirit with scent
Feeling blue? Try some aromatherapy. Diffuse your favorite essential oil in your home, bath or office. Enjoy the special scent of cinnamon and clove, or create a spa-like environment with rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus.
“Scents have the ability to alter our emotions and moods more than any other sensory experience,” says Dr Rachel Herz, neuroscientist and author of The Scent of Desire (HarperCollins, 2007). “This is because of the unique connection in the brain where scent, emotion, memories and associations are processed.”
Aromatherapy is associated with feelings of calm and relaxation. It can be helpful in alleviating stress, easing insomnia, and providing more clarity and focus. Use it for your next calming bath or indulgent hot shower to help relieve stress and calm down after a long day.
Try a citrus or a fresh scent if you want to boost your energy levels and mental alertness, or lavender for better sleep and relaxation. Here are some fragrances to try in the winter months, including vanilla, sandalwood, jasmine, patchouli, cinnamon, ginger and white musk – they just add a little extra warmth in the winter months.. These fragrances are designed to bring joy in winter. They will boost your mood and help you recover from the coldness of winter.
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Practice some daily self-care
If you spend some time making yourself cozy and warm, or doing enjoyable activities that make you happy, you’ll be able to get through this season easily. You can read books, take a warm bath with essential oils, have a massage, watch your favorite movie or TV show, listen to music or podcasts, go for walks in the snow, drink a cup of hot chocolate or have some pumpkin spice lattes.
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Color therapy
Color therapy is a form of therapy that uses color, light and crystals to restore balance and harmony within the body. It has been used for centuries all over the world by different cultures and has gained popularity. Modern studies have shown that color can influence our physical health, because the emotions are connected to specific areas of the brain.
The colors you surround yourself with can have a big impact on your mood and how you feel about yourself. It’s important to make sure that your home is decorated in a way that makes you feel happy and comfortable. We spend a lot of time at home, so it’s important to make sure that it feels like somewhere you want to be.
Blue can help people to create a calm atmosphere, while orange and yellow can stimulate appetite. Red has been shown to create a sense of passion, while purple has helped with creativity and productivity. Green is known to be universally healing. Adding vibrant colored light can help with moodiness.
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Practice yoga, mindfulness and meditation
Practicing yoga, mindfulness, and meditation each day can help you stay in the present moment no matter what time of year it is. Being more connected with your breath can facilitate this process. Inhale slowly and exhale steadily while paying attention to these simple daily practices: yoga, meditation, and staying aware of your body’s needs.
Forget the cold and focus on what makes you happy. Get out of your head and into your body. Slow down long enough to enjoy the little things. Spend time with loved ones. Take a trip that makes you feel alive.
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Since the coldest months are here, we believe it’s time to find joy in the little things. When you use these tips to stay happy in winter, your mood will stay sunny all season long.
Keep the good vibes going all season long by opening up to new experiences, getting outside and spending time with people you love.