Winter is well and truly upon us, and it’s more important than ever to take care of your body during the cold winter months.
Here are 7 simple steps to help prepare you for the cold season, in order to keep your mind and body in top shape:
Keep you and your family well this winter
1 – Get Plenty of Sleep
Limited daylight can make you feel much sleepier than usual. Getting a good night’s sleep is key to storing enough energy to remain energised throughout the day. Try keeping to a regular pattern, even on weekends. Avoid naps and practise relaxation techniques to ensure your body can rest, repair and recharge for at least 8 hours a night.
2- Wear Good Footwear
Icy conditions can be a common cause of many breaks, sprains and bruises during winter. We still have to go about our daily business, even when the weather presents challenging conditions. You can minimise the threat significantly by investing in a good pair of shoes with a reliable tread. If you’re not confident with your balance, a walking stick or pole could help to provide extra stability.
3- Get some Vitamin D
We’ve been hearing for years about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) but it actually affects many of us. The days becoming gloomier and shorter can make you feel lethargic and low, so try to see some daylight at least once a day. Also try brightening your home up with more lamps!
4- Ease your Aches and Pains
When it’s cold, muscles can often feel stiff and move less well than usual, making it harder to get up and get going in the mornings during the winter. Other common joint issues are stiffness and tension. If your joints start to suffer, it’s a good idea to get adjusted by your Chiropractor and even have regular massages.
5- Stay Hydrated
We tend to be much better at drinking water in the summer months, but it’s equally as important to keep up those good habits during winter. Our body breathes, urinates and sweats regularly, so as tempting as bottomless cups of hot tea and coffee are during the cold season, it’s vital to remember to take in enough water. Dehydration can cause dry skin, blurry vision, dizziness and fatigue. If your struggling to manage sufficient water intake, foods such as apples, melon, celery, cucumber and soups can help to supply your body with more water.
6- Exercise
We all have those days where we just want to hibernate and stay under the duvet all day, especially in winter time. But beat that urge and get into a regular exercise routine (even if it’s gentle), and you’ll keep your metabolism working hard to ensure that your gut and immune system and fuelled to keep you healthy. Why not try a yoga or Pilates class, great for the mind, body and soul?
7- Stay Warm & Cosy
So, winter presents itself with a whole load of challenges, which can inhibit us from keeping healthy. But let’s not forget what we all love about winter…it’s cosy! Lighting fires and candles, wrapping up in woolly blankets, hot chocolate and eating warm homemade meals, can relieve the body of stress and make us feel relaxed.
Take the first step towards your health goals by speaking to our professional team at Cymru Chiropractic today. Call on 01495 75766 or drop us an email for more information on our services.