Our 12 top tips to plan for winter wellness
Winter has a habit of creeping up on us! Let’s get ahead this year by planning a winter defence toolkit. Will you make these promises to yourself this winter to boost your winter wellbeing and health?
Be nourished:
Strengthen your body's defenses with immunity-boosting foods. Look for items rich in antioxidants, protein, fiber, essential vitamins (B, C, D, and E) and healthy fats.
Hydration matters:
Cold weather can be deceptively drying and reduce our natural thirst signals, so make a conscious effort to drink enough water throughout the day.
Move frequently:
Combat the winter blues by framing exercise as a habit for health and resilience. Try wet weather plans such as indoor swimming, video workouts or walking catch ups with a friend at the shopping centre.
Sleep well:
There’s a link between proper sleep and good immune function.1 During rest, the body releases cytokines, essential proteins that fight inflammation and infection.2 Make quality sleep a priority for overall well-being.
Understand medications:
Familiarize yourself with the proper usage and dosages of medications such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatories to effectively address potential health issues.
Reduce allergens:
Reduce dust mites and mold by sealing draughts, ventilating wardrobes and washing soft toys and winter bedding.
Keep vaccinated:
Ensure your vaccinations, including those for flu and COVID-19, are up-to-date to maximise their effectiveness. You can even have them both at the same time – it’s safe, produces a good immune response and ticks two things off your list at once.
Emergency contacts:
Keep your Pharmacist, GP, home doctor service, and specialists’ numbers within reach.
Be a team:
Know which friends, family and neighbours you can turn when ill.
Community engagement:
Whether it's through virtual meetings, local events or community groups, maintaining social connections can positively impact your mental health any time of year.
Stress management:
Whether it’s the weather itself or concern over getting ill, winter can be stressful. Find out what helps reduce stress for you – it may be meditation, deep breathing exercises, walking, craft, yoga, music…
Check-in with yourself:
Regularly check in on both your physical and mental well-being. If you notice any concerning symptoms or emotional challenges, and address any concerning emotional changes promptly. This may mean through stress management activities or by seeing your GP for support.