The season, yes that very season is back again! We love winters, but with it come a lot of do's and don'ts. Winters make us lazy but that should not stop us from being healthy, productive and active. Let’s get up in arms against the lazy minions that the winter sets on us. Stay healthy, avoid getting cold and flu, avoid falling sick and do something good with all that indoor time the winters bless us with.
Health
Do: Eat foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Load up on vitamin C-packed fruits like oranges, kiwi, strawberries and papaya. Foods that are high in Omega 3’s like fish and walnuts all help in building your immune system. Also eat spicy food as spicy seasoning boosts blood circulation and keeps you warm.
Don’t: Eat cream-based soups and other high in corn-starch foods, rather opt for broth-based ones.
Do: Drinks lots of fluids, drink between six and eight cups of water daily.
Don't: Drink too much of coffee or other caffeine based drinks.
Do: Wash your Hands regularly. Washing hands is the best way to avoid getting sick in winters.
Don’t: Use anti-bacterial soap a lot, but some cream based soap to avoid dryness in hands which may then lead to irritation and itching.
Do: Make sure you get quality sleep for at least 7-8 hours daily.
Don’t: Stay up too late at night as lack of sleep may be detrimental to your immune system especially in winters.
Do: Exercise in winters, regularly and religiously for some fixed time daily to boost blood circulation and your energy levels.
Do: Get plenty of rest when you feel a cold coming on. Your body releases chemicals into your system that boost your immune system in the deeper stages of sleep. So getting good night’s sleep can help fight off germs and bacteria during the day.
Skin Care:
Do: Use a lip balm for your lips. Avoid matte lipsticks, use a lip gloss instead. Before you go outside, apply some petroleum jelly to your lips as this creates a protective barrier between the cold air and your lips, locking in moisture.
Don’t: Overlook sunscreen, we tend to stay under the sun more in winters. Be sure to be protected.
Do: Stay moisturized, drink plenty of water and also use a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Don’t: Use toners and astringents in winter , too much, as they are alcohol-based and will further dry out your skin.
Do: Take lukewarm bathes and avoid too much hot water for washing your hair and body.Use a good body lotion to keep your skin hydrated.
Don’t: Use air conditioners as well as room heaters for long hours. These will make the skin drier by ripping the moisture away. Keep a bowl of water near the radiator to maintain moisture in the room.
Do: Snack on healthy nuts which are a great source of vitamin E, that also prevent your skin from drying out.
Don’t: Snack on oily junk food if you don't want to pile on those extra kilos.
Quality Time
Do: Grab some good books off the shelf and be sure to finish them. Good Books are your soul food.
Don’t: Become a potato couch surfing the net all day or killing your time in front of the TV. A good movie , documentary or stuff , once in a while isn't that bad, but be sure not to marry your TV or Laptop this winter.
Do: Indulge in some productive activity, work on some hobby of yours, or start a new one, learn something new. Be productive, winter’s give you a lot of indoors time; be sure to cash on it.
Don’t: Sulk on the cold, dull days of winter, learn to like every season and find something of your own liking in it.Let not the season down your spirits and mood.
Do: Stay connected with friends and family, not just through Facebook, but have some small gatherings and enjoy time with them.
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” - Edith Sitwell
Open your arms to embrace the winters, in love and happiness. Stay productive, stay healthy and make some good memories this fall. Happy Winters :)