3 Top Tips For Surviving Cold Weather

Along with the seasonal festivities of Christmas and New Year unfortunately comes the harsh winter weather, which can leave many of us feeling ill and unable to fully enjoy the winter break.

In this blog we look at 3 top tips that can help keep you in good health as we go into a new year.

Tuck into a hot meal

Eating well is essential in winter, as food is the fuel that keeps your body warm. Hot meals such as soups, stews or currys will keep you feeling full and healthy throughout the cold months. Make sure you get plenty of vegetables and fruit as well, as this will give you the energy you need to stay active and fit even when it's cold outside. Being cold burns calories, so keep this in mind and ensure you are eating enough to allow for this.

Keep your cool

Although it's tempting to turn the thermostat up full blast, doing so is not the best idea for your health. Not only is it expensive to constantly heat your home, you will find that you become used to high temperatures, making a trip outside even less appealing. Constant central heating dries out your skin and eyes, and has also been blamed for exacerbating cold and flu symptoms. Not only this, but research suggests that moving from a very warm environment to a cold one can play havoc with your blood pressure.

Aside from the very young, over 65s or anyone with a health condition, most of us can easily adjust to an indoor temperature of around 16-18 degrees. Try gradually lowering your thermostat one degree at a time over a few weeks. Wear warm layers and enjoy regular hot drinks if you are still feeling cold, and use a hot water bottle in bed. Eventually you should find that when you go outside the cold is less of a shock to the system!

Stay active

With winter being a time of relaxation and sitting around the telly with friends and family, exercise can often be the last thing on your mind. However, staying fit is a great way to make sure you don't fall victim to the winter sniffles.

Giving the sofa and boxset marathons a break and going for a run, or even just taking the dog for a walk, can prove vital in helping you stay healthy over the winter break. Exercise not only burns calories, it also gets your blood moving, and improves heart health.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a relaxing and healthy winter and be fit and ready for the year ahead.