Winter time brings colds, flu and a general down-in-the-dumps feeling for many of us. We hibernate. Many of us find mornings the hardest, getting out of bed when it's oh-do-warm curled up under the doona.
So how do we beat those winter blues?
1. Up the exercise
I am loving my running, and running in the rain too. But this week's been a hard one. It's rained almost every day, and freezing temperatures, accompanied by a lovely steady downpour isn't exactly for me. I'm up early during the week for work and so late afternoons is my running time. My time to relax and unwind. But when the weather is horrid I struggle to get out there.
If you're fortunate enough to have a gym membership or an indoor pool nearby how about opting for something like that?
Yoga is a wonderful activity for those winter months too. And you can even try practising it at home if leaving the house is out of the question.
Exercise releases a hormone-like substance called endorphins.
Ever felt that rush of joy and positivity after an intense gym workout or run? Well, that's the endorphins working! The rush of endorphins can be so intense that they can actually mimic pain-killers!
2. Increase your fruit and veg intake
Colder weather can make us crave comfort food.
It's easy to eat crap at this time of the year. I mean, chocolate makes us feel good... for a few minutes maybe. Then we experience a sugar crash and feel even more shit than before.
Instead of reaching for something sweet, or loaded with saturated fats, try to up your fruit and veg intake and see how that makes you feel.
Sure, salads might not sound too appealing to some at this time of the year, but how about making soups, or yummy winter stews? I love making veggie soup. Using a slow cooker if a good idea too, if you have one.
Just throw in all the left over veggies floating around in the bottom of your fridge, anything goes.
It saves wastage and helps you get in all the good vitamins and nutrients your body needs at this time of year.
My other favourite way to up my fruit and veg intake is to add in green smoothies for brekkie (more on these soon...) They're a quick and easy way to start your day off on a good note and they taste awesome!
Making sure you eat a balanced diet, filled with plenty of fruit and veg, throughout the colder months will help give you a boost of energy, make it (slightly) easier to get going in the morning when you're freezing your arse off, and help keep those colds and flu at bay. Not only that, but it will help avoid putting on those dreaded Winter-time kilos that we then have to work oh-so-hard to get rid of before Summer hits.
3. Drink more water
Sounds simple enough but it's true that many of us struggle with our water intake during the winter months. Water helps to flush out our system and keep us hydrated. Just because we don't necessarily sweat as much at this time of year doesn't mean we don't need to drink water.
Aiming for 2 litres a day is a good place to start. But really, drinking when you feel thirsty is a good place to start.
I ditched soft drink a few months back and so water (or the occasional glass of red) is my preferred drink. Try to have a glass or two with each meal and you'll have reached a couple of litres before you know it.
A great way to start the day is by adding some lemon into a nice big glass of hot water. This gets the body working and helps to keep you regular.
4. Get some sun (while you still can!)
Ok, so there may be fewer opportunities to soak up some sun at this time of the year, but when it does come out, get out there and enjoy!
Did you know that a large percentage of us are deficient in Vitamin D?
When our bodies have significantly low level of Vitamin D we tend to feel more tired and depressed. Not only can increasing our Vitamin D intake improved this, but it is also imperative for strengthening our bones and improving our immune system.
5. Make sure you get enough sleep
Hibernation in Winter often leads to sleep. And more sleep.
I mean, what else is there to do when it's so cold out there?!
Sleep is good! It helps our bodies rest and restore.
7-8 hours is a good amount to aim for. Any less and we run ourselves down and become more susceptible to colds and flu. Any more and we may actually feel more tired than before!
Try not to oversleep too much at this time of year. Maybe instead of sleeping half the day away, opt for snuggling up in bed with a warm cup of tea and a good book... Rest has no time limits!
Look after yourself and your body will look after you in turn.
What are your tips for staying healthy and happy during winter?
Great advice- and now for more exercise!
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