Winter Health: The Importance Of Looking After Yourself 

As the winter months begin to hit us with full force, many people turn to Winter Health Tips to help them avoid catching the illnesses and viruses that so often plague us this time of the year. Shorter days and dull, dark weather are bound to have an effect on us all in some shape or form. 

Although looking after yourself is important all year round, it is even more so during the winter season. Without taking the right supplements or putting the proper preventative measures in place you could unknowingly put your health in jeopardy. Which is the last thing that we want to happen! 

If you are looking for the best way to keep your body in tip-top shape this winter season, you’ve come to the right place. Read on as we talk about the best winter health tips that you should keep in your arsenal to kick winter illnesses straight to the icy curb.

Why Our Immune Systems Take A Hit When The Cold Weather Comes

The winter season can essentially be our immune system’s worst nightmare. While the cold weather itself won’t make us sick directly, it does make it possible for other factors, such as the common cold virus, to breed ultimately impacting our health. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of Americans develop the common cold each year. The most common cause of the cold and other cold-like illnesses is due to rhinoviruses. Viruses like this one replicate and reproduce significantly once the temperatures outside drop. 

But this in itself doesn’t guarantee that we will get sick. It is other factors that come into play that can weaken our immune system. For example, the winter months mean fewer hours of sunshine resulting in less exposure to vital natural supplements such as vitamin D. Colder temperatures also mean that we are more likely to spend time indoors with artificial heating. When this happens, it is easier for viruses and illnesses to spread from person to person. 

With that said, it doesn’t mean that you have to worry each winter when the cold weather starts to come. As long as you are using great natural ways to protect yourself each winter, you will be fine. And we know just the ones to try. 

The Best Natural Ways To Keep Yourself Healthy This Winter

Keeping yourself healthy during the winter months is going to take some forward planning and commitment on your part. After all, our bodies need regular upkeep to stay in great condition all year round. 

Read our list of the best natural winter health tips below that you should certainly try out for yourself over the next few months.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Staying hydrated is a must. Just like during the summer months, our bodies need hydration to be able to function properly when the weather gets colder. 

As our bodies are made up of 60% water, we are already about 2% dehydrated when we are thirsty. Even though you may associate dehydration with the summer months, cold weather is known for zapping moisture from our bodies too. Especially when artificial heating is involved. 

Keeping ourselves hydrated is vital for a number of important functions such as cognitive abilities and allowing our digestive systems to regulate themselves. So, make sure to continue carrying a reusable water bottle with you all through winter.

Nourish Your Body

Nourishing your body is a must for staving off illnesses all year round. Be mindful of what you are eating. When the temperature drops, it is normal to want to reach for classic comfort foods but for the sake of your gut, it is important not to forget healthy eating habits. 

Make sure to continue eating a wide range of fruit and vegetables even into the winter months. Adding spices such as ginger and cinnamon into your diet can also be beneficial for improving digestion and giving your immune system a well-needed boost. But don’t forget to let yourself indulge with some delicious organic snacks and hot chocolates while you are at it.

Get Plenty Of Sleep 

Sleep is one of the best natural healers when we become sick and it’s also one of the best preventative measures. 

Going to bed at a reasonable time and getting adequate sleep each night is vital for keeping your immune system strong. Without it, our immune systems become compromised, leaving us more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses. 

According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults should be getting on average between 7 and 9 hours of good quality sleep each night. So, take your cue from the shorter winter days and go to bed earlier, limit screen time and avoid caffeinated drinks. Your immune system will thank you for it.

Keep Active

Another great natural way to keep our immune systems boosted during the winter season is to keep ourselves active. Going for a brisk walk or using an indoor gym are great ways to keep our bodies moving no matter what the weather is like outside. 

Many studies have found that regular exercise is a great way to strengthen our immune systems. Not only that but it is also great for those who are prone to seasonal affective disorder and other mental health issues at this time of the year.

Have Some R&R

Sometimes when the days get darker and the weather cooler, it can make us feel like we are being less productive than at other times of the year. 

When it comes to our winter health, allowing ourselves to enjoy some rest and relaxation is also a top priority. The reason people become run down at this time of the year is often because they try to take on too much. 

Having a guilt-free duvet day, movie marathon or hot bubble bath is something that everyone should be making time for during winter. So, why not light your favorite organic candle and relish in putting your feet up. 

Enjoy Warming Teas 

Organic herbal teas are a miracle beverage when the cold season comes. In addition to water, drinking warm fluids such as tea helps to keep us hydrated. Drinking tea is essentially like giving your body a warm bath on the inside. 

Herbal teas act as a great natural remedy for our bodies during cold temperatures as many have the ability to cleanse our bodies of toxins. Echinacea and Green tea are widely known for their benefits when it comes to supporting the immune system. Brands such as Yogi Tea also offer particular recipes that are aimed at fighting off cold and flu symptoms.

The Organic Vitamins & Supplements Your Body Will Thank You For 

While the natural ways mentioned above that’ll help you to take action against illness during the colder temperatures are great, it should always be combined with essential organic vitamins and supplements. 

Vitamins and supplements are a year-round necessity and will do wonders for your health when the elements are against you. Here are the top organic vitamins that we recommend every person to stock up on during the winter: 

• Vitamin C – Looking to boost your immune system? Organic vitamin C is a great way to do this. Even if you are starting to come down with the common cold, taking this once or twice a day acts as a great antioxidant for the body. 

• Vitamin D – As the days get darker, we need a little extra help replacing the nutrients we are missing from those vital hours of sunlight. Taking vitamin D such as these Deva Vegan Vitamin D tablets will have your body thanking you profusely. 

• Multivitamins – Go a step further and pick a multivitamin to invest in this winter. As we all know, organic and vegan multivitamins are packed full of the nutrients that our bodies need most at every stage during the year. This is a perfect choice for maintaining your health this winter. 

At the GreenLine Market, we know how harsh the winter months can be on our bodies and for that reason, we make sure to stock our store with everything you need to give your immune system a well needed boost. So, make sure to practice the health tips above and to set your body up for its best winter yet.