It’s nothing new that we have less energy and feel more tired over the winter months. And whilst that is a direct response to the decrease in sunlight and the colder temperatures, it’s still good to pay particular attention to your health over winter.
If you are sensitive to the cold and are dreading the onset of winter, there are ways in which to combat the discomfort that the season might bring.
How cold temperatures affect your health and wellbeing
Cold weather is not only unpleasant, it also places physiological stresses on the body which are more intense if you are unfit or in poor health. The fitter you are, the better your body can cope with the cold and fight off illness.
If you are in poor health this winter, navigating the cold safely is the key to making winter more manageable. This means dressing warmly before leaving the house, eating well and giving your body plenty of rest from exercise the over exertion.
Stay warm
The first and most important way to stay healthy during winter is to wear plenty of layers and keep warm. This does not simply mean wearing lots of clothes at the same time; wear base layers that efficiently absorb sweat before adding thick mid layers and then loose-fitting windproof coats on the top layer. Layering is also more convenient if the conditions change and you are getting too warm.
Next, make sure your house is warm. With the rising prices of gas and electricity, this might not be as easy as it sounds. But, by doing the bare minimum and blocking draughts, closing up loose windows and installing insulation, this will make a significant difference when it comes to keeping your house warm.
Stay active
It might be tempting to lock out the outside world and snuggle up with your blanket until the season is over, but staying active is the key to coping with winter. Exercise keeps your body and your immune system strong, ready to fight off cold-related illnesses. It also refreshes your mind and maintains mental agility.
If you still want to work out outside, wrap up warm and take a shower as soon as you get home to avoid getting too cold. Alternatively, there are thousands of exercise tutorials all over the internet which you can enjoy from the comfort of your own living room.
Get some winter sun
The UK is a pretty lousy place over winter. Recharge your batteries on a much-needed getaway and let the warmth work its magic. And with NHS easyJet discount codes, you can escape the cold without overstretching the purse strings.
