You know it’s time to upgrade your wellness routine when your sweaters and blankets suddenly become your BFFs.
Step into the winter wellness zone with these 10 healthy winter habits and say yes to a warmer and cozier season.
It’s the fourth night of December as I’m typing this post, and I’ve only sneezed twice since morning, which I count as an absolute win.
But even if I was still struggling with that nasty cold that I caught in the middle of November, I’d still be a happy marshmallow.
I mean, come on – we’re talking about Christmas, cookies, fairy lights, new decorations, and the arrival of a brand new year. What’s not to love?!
Alright, fine. The cold can get admittedly brutal, and there might be a few moments of brain freeze, but that’s what habits and routines are for.
Each season comes with its happy moments and unwelcome side effects, but adopting the right habits at the right time can make the transition easier on your mind and body.
In this post, we’ll look at 10 essential winter habits that I personally swear by for a cozy and comfortable season.
But before moving on, pin this post for safekeeping. ☃️
Here are 10 healthy winter habits you need to adopt this cold season to keep yourself strong inside out.
10 Healthy Winter Habits To Keep You Strong
1. Drink Warm Water
It is no secret that water is the key ingredient to good health. For attaining the ultimate body wellness, hydration is a must.
During summer, you might find yourself reaching for water often. The heat makes it impossible to go long without drinking water.
But once the cold hits, people get comfortable skipping water. While the weather may be colder, you still lose fluids through activities like breathing and sweating.
Additionally, indoor heating systems can contribute to dehydration.
Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain overall health, supports the immune system, and ensures proper bodily functions, even in colder months.
Keep your body hydrated by sipping on warm water throughout the winter. It’ll keep you warm and give you the hydration you need to keep your mind, body, and skin glowing.
2. Eat Seasonal Fruits And Veggies
If you’re looking to make full use of the winter season, then seasonal food should be at the top of your list.
The fruits and vegetables that grow at the end of the year are highly nutritious. Nature has been kind enough to design these foods in ways that protect you against the cold.
These include leafy veggies and some juicy, citrus fruits that are extremely beneficial to the body.
SOME WINTER FRUITS YOU CAN ENJOY :
Grapefruit, persimmons, oranges, tangerines, dates, pears, kiwis, pomegranates, and apples.
WINTER VEGETABLES TO PICK FROM:
Brussels sprouts, kale, carrots, broccoli, radishes, celery, cauliflower, cabbage, and beets.
Pick your favorites from the list, stock up your refrigerator, and enjoy home-cooked winter meals.
Trust me, these seasonal foods will be one of the best things you’ll miss when the cold ends.
NOTE: Ginger, mint leaves, and honey can also be healthy and warmth-inducing additions to your diet.
3. Keep Your Body Active
While the temptation to stay huddled under blankets can be strong, it’s important to strike a balance between resting and staying active.
Winter might be all about movie-binging and cozy reading sessions, but your body needs movement to stay healthy and active.
It’ll also help you beat the winter blues ( something that even my cold-loving self isn’t prone to).
Here are some interesting yet simple ways to stay active in the winter:
- Make a winter-specialized routine and stick to it.
- Head to your favorite cafe on Sundays to spend some quality me-time.
- Use your laptop at the desk instead of lounging on the bed.
- Take short and brisk walks in your neighborhood every morning and evening.
- Head outside to shop for groceries twice a week.
- Go out with friends on the weekend.
- Ditch the elevator and take the steps.
- Partake in as many winter outdoor activities as you can.
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4. Get Plenty Of Sleep
Your body and mind need eight hours of sleep every night regardless of the time of the year.
And thankfully winter, being the season of beauty sleeping, makes it all too easy to get good hours of sleep in.
Make sure not to oversleep, because doing so will only add to your lethargy and take away from your health routine.
Having a fixed sleeping schedule can come in handy.
Turn off the lights by 10-11 pm, and use a humidifier and a sleeping mask for a comfortable night. You can also sip some herbal tea before bed to soothe your senses.
Some other tips for quality winter sleep:
- Nap for 1-2 hours during day time
- Do some light reading for a cozy bedtime
- Put away your phone an hour before bed
- Do a bedtime stretching routine
- Use a heavy-quality quilt
Read: How To Create The Ultimate Winter Night Routine – 10 Cozy Tips
5. Add Tea To Your Diet
Because of its caffeine content, tea is amazing for making your laze-induced winter days active.
It keeps you warm, relaxes your gut, and is a perfect addition to your winter self-care routine.
Tea also acts as an antidote for cold and cough, and some even help strengthen your immune system (like green tea.)
Make it a habit to grab a cup of tea at least once a day. You could also invite a friend for a cup.
For a dreamy solo experience, curl up under the blanket with a book, and sip on a cup of tea of your choice!
Some teas you can grab in winter:
- Green tea with lemon and honey
- Chamomile tea
- Ginger tea
- Black tea
- Cinnamon spicy tea
- Lemon and pepper tea
- Peach tea (my absolute favorite!)
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6. Do Home Workouts
I know all too well how hard it can be to convince yourself to exercise during the winter, but home workouts are what will save you from slipping into a health slump.
There are many fun YouTube workouts that will help you sweat it out on the exercise mat.
I am linking some of my favorite workouts below. Make sure to try each of them at least once before the end of season.
Related Post: How To Motivate Yourself To Workout When You’r Stuck In A Rut
Before getting started, put on some well-fitted clothes, wear proper footwear, and lay down an exercise mat to get into your workout mode.
My recommended YouTube workouts for winter:
7. Cover Yourself Well Before Heading Out
Before stepping out into the cold, cover yourself from head to toe, including all your ten fingers and all your ten toes.
Exposing yourself to the chill without proper clothing could lead to getting sick, which I’m sure is the last thing you need on your already-cold plate.
I usually keep a warm shawl within my reach so that I can put it on when I’m stepping outside for just a minute.
Here are some things you need to take care of:
- Cover your head using a beanie
- Wear thick gloves to protect your fingers
- Wear a waterproof jacket
- Throw on a pair of earmuffs
- Wear enough layers to ward off the cold
- Put on warm socks, and thick shoes (boots would be great)
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8. Take Care Of Your ‘Winter Emotions’
Winter can be a lonely season, especially if your with friends and family are scattered in different parts of the country.
While locked inside the house on extremely chilly days, it can be all too easy to get lost in the winter blues.
During such time, it becomes important to take care of your emotions and be in touch with your inner self.
This goes even for those who are surrounded by family. It’s okay to prioritize yourself during this busy time of the year and take care of your mental health.
Here are some emotional health tips for winter:
- Read feel-good books before bed
- Meditate for 10 minutes every morning
- Do yoga to calm your mind
- Listen to podcasts
- Indulge in hobbies that make you happy
- Keep a winter journal
- Facetime your friends and family
- Host frequent dinners for your loved ones
9. Get Sunlight Whenever You Can
Sunlight can improve your mood, help you sleep well, and energize your cold days.
That’s why it would do you much good to catch sunlight whenever you can.
On the rare sunny days, sit in your backyard and let your skin absorb the goodness of sunrays.
You could peel an orange and munch on it; it’s a healthy winter habit that my mom passed on to me.
Your skin will soak up the vitamin D, while your insides will be replenished by vitamin C from the citrus fruit.
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10. Pay Special Attention To Your Skin
The cold weather can make your skin and hair extremely dry and rough. This change is pretty common and should be handled with patience and care.
You might need to change your products. What works for you during the summer might not necessarily have the some effects during the winter.
Find the right products for your skintype and stick to a healthy winter skincare routine throughout the season.
Some healthy winter habits for your skin:
- Use gentle body lotions.
- Moisturize your face.
- Wear sunscreen even if you’re indoors.
- Don’t wash your hair too often.
- Use a room humidifier.
- Wear a hydrating night cream before bed.
- Head over to the salon once a month for professional facials.
Your Body Will Love Your For These Healthy Winter Habits
Okay, those were my 10 health tips for winter. Time to wrap things up with a short and sweet summary, so that you leave with all the points fresh in your memory.
Stay hydrated by drinking warm water, gorge on seasonal foods, and have a go-to tea. Stay active, sleep well, and work out regularly.
Wear proper winter clothes, practice emotional self-care, absorb the goodness of sunlight and pay special attention to your skin.
Do all of this, and you’ll be on your merry way to good health this winter. 🙂
Got any healthy winter habits up your sleeve? Share in the comment box! I would love to receive some fresh tips and ideas.
Pramod Mishra says
Nice info
Keep writting
Akansha says
Thank you! Will do that.