As we enter the gruelling season of winter, we must now be extremely cautious of how we take care of our health to combat illnesses. Here are five steps to help you keep the winter blues at bay this year.
1) Wash your hands- It is advised to wash your hands twice as often in winter. Hands are perhaps the most prevalent way of spreading winter viruses. Ensure to wash your hands with warm water and soap.
2) Opt for hot foods- Try ditching your cold sandwiches for hot soup this season. Drinking warm liquids, such as tea, stew or soup, can help relieve cold and flu symptoms. It also helps loosen congestion and stimulate the flow of mucus.
3) Top up on vitamin D- Our levels of vitamin D drops during winter due to less hours of daylight, as well as people spending less time outdoors. It is recommended to eat foods that are rich in vitamin D. Plus, taking a vitamin D supplement during the winter can be beneficial as well.
4) Keep your distance- As difficult as it may sound, but one must try keeping their distance form people coughing and sneezing. This may seem difficult when travelling on buses and the tube, but keeping a sensible distance from infections can prevent you from falling ill as well.
5) Inhale fresh air- Undoubtedly, winters are cold and you'd rather snuggle up in your blanket than leave the comfort of your home to get some fresh air. But going for a walk, away from the central-heated air at home can often help stop your sniffles. Plus, inhaling fresh air in better for your lungs than breathing in re-circulated air.
