5 Ideas To Help You Stay Well This Winter

Honestly, I normally get one good bout of being ill over winter and that’s it. Considering my health isn’t great I don’t mind that. 

So far this year, I’m on cold number 2. 

With that in mind, I’ve been looking at different ways to stay a bit healthier as the weather gets cold and all we want to do is curl up under a blanket – after all, we really don’t want to feel unwell.

There are lots of health problems which can be exacerbated in winter, especially for older people who are aged 65 or older. 

Snack on Fruit and Vegetables.

Let’s be honest when the winter draws in sometimes we all crave something a bit sweet and it is so easy to reach for things like chocolate and sweets.

However, there are healthier alternatives, for instance, if you are craving sugar a clementine or satsuma might be just what you need.

While vegetables can be made into delicious winter soups and stews to help keep you warm and filled with good foods which are full of vitamins and minerals.

Get Outdoors.

While the temptation might be to stay inside when the weather gets bad, you should really try and get out and about as much as possible, especially during daylight hours. Make sure you wrap up warm, with lots of layers of clothing which you can remove if you get too warm or add to if you get too cold.

It is also worth getting yourself into a good sleep pattern, by going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day. Make sure you keep your bedroom window closed at night time as breathing in the cold air can increase the risk of chest infections.

Take Vitamins.

We call all lack in the vitamins over the winter, thanks to the dark days and coldness.

Studies have shown that topping up your intake using a multivitamin and mineral complex such as these from Epsilon Life can really help avoid illnesses.

Containing a mix which includes; Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, Iron, B-complex, Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng to name just some.

What’s more, it has just been Vegan certified, meaning it is perfect for a whole host of people. 

This multivitamin complex is not only said to help with your immune and digestive system, but help give you healthy hair and skin. 

All you need to take is one tablet a day. 

Get the Flu Jab.

OK so the flu jab isn’t for everyone, but after having the flu jab change my life forever it is something I don’t go a year without.

I have definitely been lucky since I’ve had the flu vaccine, as while I might have come down with some nasty colds and sore throats, I have been flu-free! 

Remember, if you aren’t eligible to get a free flu jab, you can always buy it at your local pharmacy. (Your pharmacy will also give them for free if you are struggling to get into your doctors and are eligible).  

You can get a free flu jab if you’re aged 65 or over, pregnant, or have underlying health problems or a long term condition like kidney, liver or heart problems, and this will massively reduce the risk of you catching flu.

Check Your Home Temperature.

Don’t forget to heat your home. Allowing your home to get too cold can not only be uncomfortable, but detrimental to your health.

Did you know that it is recommended to keep rooms at 18c-21c?

At 18c you are looking at a basic temperature for a healthy well-dressed person, over the winter months. However, of course, you will want to change this within the parameters to suit you. 

The cold weather means that you heart has to work harder to keep you warm and it also increases your risk of developing blood clots which could lead to a heart attack or stroke, so it’s important to keep wrapped up warm.

If you’re still cold, a hot water bottle or electric blanket are good ideas for keeping warm, especially at night time. Make yourself a hot water bottle for snuggling up on the sofa, keeping on your lap at your desk or popping under the covers for a toasty warm bed.

Age UK has got some great tips for keeping warm.

Wash your hands

Washing your hands with soap and hot water removes all germs from your hands. You frequently touch your eyes, nose and mouth without even realising, and germs can get into the body through here and make us ill.

Washing your hands regularly, especially when you’ve been to the toilet or been outside, will help to minimise the risk of spreading these germs.

Competition.

I have teamed up with Epsilon Life to offer you the chance to win £50 to spend with them. 

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning is follow the steps on this widget below. Please note this giveaway is being hosted by Epsilon Life and all information submitted will go straight to them.

Good Luck.

This is a collaborative post.

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