As the winter season approaches, bringing colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours, it isn’t uncommon to get into a funk. The transition from the vibrant energy of summer to the subdued winter can often leave individuals feeling burnt out and in need of a boost. Seasonal changes do impact us, but there are proactive steps to take towards self-care.

WINTER CAN MEAN MORE ILLNESSES- Taking care of your well-being is a no-brainer, especially during the colder season, for your physical and mental health. Cold temperatures can increase the risk of colds, flus, and trigger allergies, which would decrease your mental and physical health — making you unable to give your best.

DISCLAIMER- We are not medical professionals so if you have any concerns about the below seek a consultation from a doctor, health practitioner or nutritionist to see what is suitable for you.

HAPPY TUMMY, HAPPY BODY

The way to good physical health is through your stomach, meaning summer bowls and salads are on the backburner — it’s time to stock up on these winter-fighting superfoods.

YES, ALL THE HEALTH GURUS ARE RIGHT ABOUT GINGER- Whether you drink or eat it, ginger is considered an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant — it will make you feel better over time.

It also carries a list of health benefits such as lowering blood sugar, helping with joint pains, and lowering the risk of heart disease. It can also lower cholesterol levels and help with chronic indigestion such as irritable bowel syndrome, (IBS), Healthline states.

DATES FOR US ALL- Considered one of nature’s candy bars, this fruit is the cure to all the sneezing, coughing, fatigue and dehydration. This nutritional powerhouse has always been a big star in Middle Eastern and North African culture, but research confirms that they are a superfood.

Dates are low in calories and fat and have antioxidants to protect your body from cellular damage and inflammation. The daily recommended intake is three since they’re high in sugar and fiber.

GARLIC: YOUR PANTRY POWERPILL- Despite the bad breath, those cream cloves will fight most of your illnesses in the long run. They also increase white blood cells that wear off any virus that enters the body and lower your stress (which is beneficial during working hours), according to the British Heart Foundation. Plus, garlic makes cooking taste infinitely better.

ROOT VEGETABLES AND WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE THEM- Root veggies — carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and onions among a myriad of other great vegetables — are a foundation of any recipe and are packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating them regularly boosts immunity, fights inflammation, promotes healthy bones, and improves eye health,the National Institutes of Health explains.

EAT MORE CLUCKS- Another protein essential that can be increased during the cooler season. Eating more chicken will make you feel full, grow more muscle mass, and improve overall bone health, Healthline indicates.

SLEEP WITH THE FISH- Omega-3 fats, which are prevalent in fish, have various benefits for brain health, ward off the blues, and can help you get a good night’s sleep, the Washington Post reports.

POP THE KETTLE ON

GREEN TEA WON’T WASH AWAY ALL YOUR FOOD SINS… but having it regularly may speed up your metabolism and relieve headaches and digestive problems, Forbes mentions.

WHAT ABOUT MATCHA? This recently popular variation is where you consume the leaves, giving it a higher antioxidant content. One cup of matcha is equivalent to 10 cups of green tea, Penn Medicine claims — the more reason to have more of it.

HERBAL TEAS TO HELP WITH WELLNESS-Different teas do different things, where some have antioxidants, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties others can help detoxify the body, boost the immune system, and reduce blood clotting.

Herbal teas that are recommended are chamomile for its calming effect and hibiscus for antioxidants and to help with blood pressure, Harvard Health Publishing explains.

MOVE IT, MOVE IT

MOVE OFF YOUR COUCH AND BREAK A SWEAT- Engaging in physical activity that invigorates the mind, body, and spirit can play a significant role in combating the winter blues.

Opting for regular exercise, such as indoor workouts or embracing the great outdoors through winter sports like our Finnish friends’ Friluftsliv, not only helps maintain physical fitness but also releases endorphins that naturally improve mood and combat feelings of fatigue.

QUENCH THY THIRST

DEHYDRATION IS A THING — and it’s worse in the winter: Unlike in warmer months, we are less aware of the need to drink water during the winter and overlook it since there’s no heat.

But what we forget is we still sweat, which means we’re losing body water, and we don’t notice it because sweat evaporates quicker in the cold. The reason why you should hydrate is to prevent hypothermia, cramps, chapping, and peeling of lips which could cause infections, this Penn State article explains.

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