When the temperature drops, the shorter days make you want to go into hibernation mode. It’s tempting to lounge around the house, snacking and binge-watching your favourite TV shows when it’s cold outside, but here are some ways to have a healthier winter.
Cook some comfort food
Elaborate meals are a part the holidays, and it’s important to acknowledge that you will be faced with food temptations, and there’s no way around that. Being in your comfort zone makes you want to break all the rules and give in to decadence, but it’s possible to enjoy the season without giving up on your diet and healthy eating goals. Try to whip up some traditional recipes using healthier ingredients and food swaps.
Don’t be lonely
It’s easy to stay indoors and isolate yourself, but don’t cut off from your social life completely. Loneliness can have a negative impact on your immune system. A study conducted by researchers at the Ohio State University found that lonely people produce more inflammation-causing proteins in response to stress than those people who make more frequent social connections. Inflammation results in heart disease, Type-2 diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s. Invite friends over and spend quality time with family, too.
Indulge in some wine
Research suggests that wine consumed in moderation can protect your heart. It could also keep a cold at bay. A study conducted by the American Journal of Epidemiology suggested that people who consumed more wine were less likely to catch a cold than those didn’t drink wine. Red wine has plenty of antioxidants. Women should drink no more than one glass a day, and men should have no more than two.
Plan engaging indoor activities
If you prefer staying indoors, there are plenty activities you can do, such as home workouts, cooking, indoor sports and DIY projects. Some of these activities can be done in your home or any indoor space, while others can be taken up at a club or local gym.
Find a good book
If you’re not up to braving the cold, reading fiction helps you de-stress. Studies show that it helps you understand others and empathise with them.
Stretch often
If you’re going to be lounging around the around the house all day, you need to ensure that your spine doesn’t get stiff and start to ache. Try some simple and pain-relieving back stretches.
Inhale relaxing aromas
While soaking for hours in the bath tub, breathe in the scent of aromatic soaps or oils. Studies have shown that people who indulge in aromatherapy have higher levels of happiness than those who don’t.
Source:- Healthmeup
