Winter…. Time to hibernate and eat more carbs, right?
Hah, the answer is no! What if it didn’t have to be that way?
Check out the below for our Top 5 Winter Health Tips.
Sydney Remedial Massage’s Top 5 Winter Health Tips
1. Exercise
Winter is a great time to juice up or start your exercise routine. And before you know it, you’ll be ready for Spring and Summer.
If you are bored of doing the same exercise or not getting the results that you want, there are lots of different activities that you can do in Winter.
Indoor sports like aqua aerobics, boxing, basketball, martial arts, rock climbing, squash or volleyball can be a fun way of keeping active.
There are also lots of group sports like netball, soccer or football that run throughout Winter. Ice-skating or ice-hockey can also be fun for something different.
Joining a running club is also a great way to exercise during Winter as you train towards an event (such as the City to Surf in August).
If it’s not raining, then why not also increase your incidental exercise. It’s quite nice to walk out in the fresh Winter air. Get off one or two bus-stops earlier but maybe carry an umbrella just to be safe!
2. Keep Warm
Although it’s been proven that you DON’T lose 40-50% of heat through your scalp, keeping warm is a no-brainer in Winter. Beanies, hats, scarfs and gloves and coats can be fun to dress up in for a month or two.
However, the best way to keep warm when you’re outside is to dress in lots of thin layers. This can help trap body heat and as you warm up you have options available to help keep you at the right temperature.
If you’re indoors and don’t want to go crazy on the electricity – you can try the following:
- block any draughts using “door snakes” or rolled up towels
- use heavy curtains to keep the heat from escaping through the windows
- rug up with blankets when you’re on the couch
- use a hot water bottle on the couch or to help warm up the bed.
3. Eat Well
It’s also important to make sure that you’re eating well and not feasting on heavy Winter foods every day. There are lots of low carb options that can taste just a good as the more calorie heavy versions of the meals we love. It’s a great way to experiment and see what you can create in the kitchen.
Load up on heaps of the delicious in-season Winter vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks, rhubarb, spinach to name a few.
And hot soups are also a great way to warm up during Winter.
4. Drink Water
Many people may not feel as thirsty when the weather isn’t hot but air-conditioning and heaters will dry out our skin and bodies.
Symptoms such as chapped lips, a dry cough and/or headaches can be a good indicator that your body is dehydrated.
Sometimes we can also think we are hungry, but in reality, we are actually thirsty. Try having a glass of water and waiting a few moments to see if you still feel hungry.
We suggest that you try to drink at least 8 – 10 glasses of water a day to keep hydrated in Winter (more if you’re exercising).
5. Look After Your Skin
Your skin is your largest organ and it can dry out very easily in Winter.
Even though it’s super tempting, especially on a frosty morning, try NOT to have long and hot showers and baths. Go for lukewarm instead if you want to have a longer shower or bath time.
Try exfoliating twice a week and moisturising daily to keep your skin looking fresh.
And don’t forget to wear sunscreen. Even though it may not feel hot, ultraviolet (UV) radiation is still abundant in Winter and excess exposure can age your skin or cause cancer. Using a daily facial moisturiser which has sunscreen in it is an easy way to make this a part of your beauty regime.
Don’t let the Winter Blues get you down.
Now is the time to revitalise your body, mind and soul with a rejuvenating massage. Massage has been shown to help with depression, the immune system and skin health.
If you’d like more information, please feel free to contact us or book online for a session with one of our qualified therapists.
If you have enjoyed this article on Winter Health Tips, then why not check out these related articles –
Article by Melanie Yeoh, Sydney Remedial Massage.
Please note: this article is for the purpose of information only and does not constitute as medical advice. We suggest that you consult with your local GP or chosen medical professional for any exercise, dietary or general and/or mental health advice.