Solved: Winter health problems
Photograph: Shutterstoock
The change in the weather brings about changes is our health too. Winters especially can be very cruel on a women’s health. From physical and psychological, winter can affect your overall health. Here are four of the most common, yet lesser known ill-effects of winter on our health, and simple ways to get over them.
Low immunityEver wondered why so many people around you fall sick just at the onset of winters? We always blame it on the weather and rightly so. Your body spends some time in getting used to the weather changes. And during this time your immunity will be low, making you prone to common cold and flu.
Battle it:
--> As simple as it sounds, keeping your hands clean can go a long way in keeping you healthy. Always keep a hand sanitizer in your bag and keep washing them whenever possible.
--> You may not feel thirsty due to the cold weather, but it is important that you keep your water intake in check. Being hydrated helps your system to flush out germs and toxins.
Low on energyFeeling more tired or lazy during winter is more than just psychological. We don’t have enough light hours in a day and since our bodies are programmed to sleep when it’s dark, the gloominess we see in the winter months makes our bodies lethargic.
Battle it:
--> Longer nights and shorter days mean that it is time for you to go early to bed and rise early too. Make the most of your morning energy and the sunlight. This is the best time to out for a walk, work your body up and also feed on some natural Vitamin D.
--> Have protein the morning and carbs in the evening and night to keep your energy levels in check throughout the day.
--> Do not push your body. It is essential that you take breaks and give it time to refresh and recharge. So if you are really feeling tired or sleepy, take a power nap.
Unexplained mood swingsStudies suggest that women experience extreme mood swings during the winter months, also dubbed as winter depression. This can be blamed on the reduced levels of serotonin due to longer nights and shorter days. Serotonin is the chemical responsible for keeping us in a good mood.
Battle it:
--> Indulge! Since serotonin is the natural mood booster, what we can do to tackle its deficiency is keep our bodies and moods happier with indulgences that make us happy. So coffee, cheese, chocolate, whatever it is that works for you - grab a bite!
--> Go for a walk in the morning sun for a few minutes and soak up the light. Your natural and best energy source will be sun light. This will help control the winter depression symptom.
The change in the weather brings about changes is our health too. Winters especially can be very cruel on a women’s health. From physical and psychological, winter can affect your overall health. Here are four of the most common, yet lesser known ill-effects of winter on our health, and simple ways to get over them.
Low immunityEver wondered why so many people around you fall sick just at the onset of winters? We always blame it on the weather and rightly so. Your body spends some time in getting used to the weather changes. And during this time your immunity will be low, making you prone to common cold and flu.
Battle it:
--> As simple as it sounds, keeping your hands clean can go a long way in keeping you healthy. Always keep a hand sanitizer in your bag and keep washing them whenever possible.
--> You may not feel thirsty due to the cold weather, but it is important that you keep your water intake in check. Being hydrated helps your system to flush out germs and toxins.
Low on energyFeeling more tired or lazy during winter is more than just psychological. We don’t have enough light hours in a day and since our bodies are programmed to sleep when it’s dark, the gloominess we see in the winter months makes our bodies lethargic.
Battle it:
--> Longer nights and shorter days mean that it is time for you to go early to bed and rise early too. Make the most of your morning energy and the sunlight. This is the best time to out for a walk, work your body up and also feed on some natural Vitamin D.
--> Have protein the morning and carbs in the evening and night to keep your energy levels in check throughout the day.
--> Do not push your body. It is essential that you take breaks and give it time to refresh and recharge. So if you are really feeling tired or sleepy, take a power nap.
Unexplained mood swingsStudies suggest that women experience extreme mood swings during the winter months, also dubbed as winter depression. This can be blamed on the reduced levels of serotonin due to longer nights and shorter days. Serotonin is the chemical responsible for keeping us in a good mood.
Battle it:
--> Indulge! Since serotonin is the natural mood booster, what we can do to tackle its deficiency is keep our bodies and moods happier with indulgences that make us happy. So coffee, cheese, chocolate, whatever it is that works for you - grab a bite!
--> Go for a walk in the morning sun for a few minutes and soak up the light. Your natural and best energy source will be sun light. This will help control the winter depression symptom.
Weight gainFeeling low on energy or feeling depressed will all lead you to eating more and reaching out for the wrong eats. Also, the holiday and party season will be incomplete without some sweet indulgences. And if you do not get out of your snug zone and do some physical activity, you are sure to put on some calories.
Battle it:
--> Once again, make sure to make full use of the morning sun light and your energy. Do some kind of physical activity so that you can live guilt free the entire day. If you have a fitness routine that you follow in the evening, move it to the morning for the winter months since you will not be left with enough energy to workout in the evening on most days.
--> Instead of coffee breaks in office, go on short walks break. It will also up your body’s temperature, keep you warm and shake you up from your lethargy.
--> Winter is also the best time to try out some outdoor activities. Play badminton or tennis, have some fun and get fitter too.
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