Winter, being the busiest season for many of us in terms of workload and social obligations, can also be the period when we’re most susceptible to catching colds and germs from others. With help from experts from the top UK online pharmacy, here are some tips for avoiding illnesses this winter so you can remain active and healthy despite the weather getting cold.
1. Eat A Well-Balanced and Varied Diet
During any time of the year, a well-balanced and varied diet is essential, but it is especially important in the winter. A varied diet can help you avoid chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, obesity, and a variety of other malignancies. The benefits of green tea include improved energy, metabolism, and immunity. Green tea also helps to increase your energy level by providing vitamins and minerals. There are many distinct types of sickness in the winter, thus make sure at least half of your plate is filled with a variety of fruits and vegetables to improve your antioxidant intake and resist infections.
2. Keep Fit and Active
Although it’s tempting to snuggle up in front of the fire all winter, you should get out and enjoy some fresh air. It’s still critical to stay healthy and active today, but it’s even more vital than ever before to maintain your fitness. Make sure you’re properly dressed for any potential rain showers so that you can continue exercising while getting fresh air into your lungs.
Regular exercise is one of the methods for preventing a cold since when you’re active, your body temperature rises. The endocannabinoid system produces chemicals called endorphins that give a natural high, and they can also help you sleep. Keep pain-relief medications like paracetamol on hand in case you need them throughout the winter months to relieve headaches or blocked noses.
3. Care For Your Mental Health
Many individuals complain that their social calendars become clogged up as the holiday approaches, which may result in burnout as a consequence of stress. Stress and worry can have a negative influence on your immune system’s ability to detect and combat viruses, increasing the chances of you and your family catching a common cold. Make meditation, writing, and other interests a priority.
4. Keep Hydrated
Many of us are constantly advised to drink a lot of water to maintain good health, but many people are unaware that being hydrated can also help us prevent colds. If we maintain a constant water intake, we’ll be healthier and better prepared for the winter months. When the weather begins to get chilly, there are a variety of germs and viruses living on our skin that can cause disease if they aren’t dealt with promptly.
Hydration has been demonstrated in numerous studies to aid the immune system’s response, allowing it to better defend against viruses. Do not cook your food completely if you can remove it after it’s done and still has a pleasant dish. A healthy and energetic stomach is a result of eating meals at regular intervals during the day. This will save you time throughout your hectic day while also preserving your stomach healthy and active.
5. Get The Seasonal Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccination is one of the greatest ways to avoid catching the flu during the winter months. Although vaccination is the greatest protection against influenza currently available, many individuals believe they would be okay in a few weeks if they were to contract it. There are a variety of individuals who are afflicted with a range of sicknesses that might develop into more serious health issues and difficulties.
Certain types of individuals will benefit greatly from the flu shot, owing to existing medical problems or their age group. What’s more, the flu may exacerbate their health problem while also raising the risk of additional problems, some people are advised against receiving a vaccination. These groups include those who:
- Women who are looking to conceive
- Young children aged 6 months to 5 years.
- Suffer from asthma
- Suffer from congestive heart failure
- Are aged 65 or above
6. Keep Hands Clean
Although the common cold is an airborne illness, meaning it may be transmitted by small particles suspended in the air, it can also be contracted through direct contact with an infected individual. It’s possible that many people who contract a cold got it from germs on their hands. Germs from your hands can get into your body by touching your mouth, biting your fingernails, or rubbing your eyes. It is critical to keep your hands clean as often as possible, especially since it can be difficult to wash one’s finest and dirtier ones.
Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before eating throughout the winter, especially if you’re prone to getting sick. It’s also conceivable that your cat picked up something while traveling, for example at a local park or in an unfamiliar region. There are so many germs crawling around the globe that you might have come into contact with during your journey. Remember to replenish your anti-bacterial hand sanitizer between uses so you may use it throughout the day.