6 Tips to Staying Healthy This Winter

This time of year is when illness, injury and festivities can get in the way of exercising and sport. But, we’re here to ensure that nothing holds you back! Supercharge your defences with our tips to keeping your health in tip top condition this winter.

Shorter days and colder weather may lead you to exercise less. But even moderate exercise, like a brisk walk, raking leaves, or climbing stairs, can help reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and (most importantly for your immune system) improve your quality of sleep! Mild to moderate physical activity is usually fine if you have a cold and no fever. Exercise may even help you feel better by opening your nasal passages and temporarily relieving nasal congestion.

During exercise, not only does your body lose water but also important electrolytes which your body needs to keep moving and stay hydrated.

Try to eat a wide variety of fruit and veg, the more variation, the more vitamins and minerals you will consume, which boosts your immune system. Also consider getting ingredients like ginger, turmeric and echinacea into your diet.

Vitamin C has lots of health benefits but in particular it can contribute to the maintenance of the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise. Consider taking a supplement to ensure you're getting your daily allowance. Fun fact: our collagen bars are high in vitamin C from Camu Camu, the highest documented source of natural vitamin C complex in the plant kingdom!

Getting sufficient rest is crucial to health and well-being. Most people should be getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep at night. If you have a hard time falling asleep, make sure to turn off computer screens, TV screens and electronic devices at least 2 hours prior to sleep. The light being emitted from these devices can excite the brain and decrease sleep quality. Try to go to bed at the same time every day to create a solid routine. Your body will thank you for it and you will wake up ready to greet the day.

Sometimes, winter care is as easy as covering yourself in multiple layers, so that the chill can’t affect your health. So, keep sipping on your favourite hot beverage and bring on your winter sweaters and coats.