{"id":3739,"date":"2020-11-13T08:31:04","date_gmt":"2020-11-13T13:31:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.www.getmaple.ca\/?p=3739"},"modified":"2025-01-15T14:02:09","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T19:02:09","slug":"stay-healthy-winter-long","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/blog\/stay-healthy-winter-long\/","title":{"rendered":"Stay healthy all winter long"},"content":{"rendered":"

This winter we\u2019re heading into a period of hibernation. With COVID-19 numbers rising, and cold temperatures making the outside world inhospitable, we\u2019ll be spending lots of time inside. This is especially tough on those of us who experience seasonal affective disorder. It can feel like we\u2019re way too cooped up, even though we know it\u2019s for the best.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The winter season should be a time of joy, but we have to be careful to take care of ourselves for the sake of our families and communities. Check out our tips to keep up your mental and physical health all winter long.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tackle stress<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for help. Chronic<\/span> stress<\/span><\/a> can<\/span> lower immune functioning<\/span><\/a>, making us an easier target for diseases like the<\/span> flu<\/span><\/a>. Grocery delivery services are a convenient way to save some effort and hours. If you\u2019re struggling with workload at your job, have a transparent conversation with your boss about your mental state. Most companies have COVID-19 policies in place to be compassionate to their staff\u2019s needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Get plenty of sleep. This can sound more like an item on your wish list than a real possibility but give it a try! Our bodies need <\/span>seven to nine hours<\/span><\/a> of sleep a night to recharge and stay healthy. If you have kids, try alternating early morning wake-ups with your partner so you each have a day to sleep in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Get outside<\/h2>\n

Winter can be fun if you embrace whimsical outdoor activities. A nice, socially-distanced winter hike is very clearing for the mind. If you have access to a lake, ice-skating is a picturesque Canadian staple. What about your own backyard? Challenge your family members to a snowball fight, or make a snowman together. Putting on winter gear and playing in the snow is a great way to get active.<\/span><\/p>\n

Curb the overindulging<\/h2>\n

Excess belly fat<\/span><\/a> can increase your risk of developing a host of health problems like heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Sitting around bored, surrounded by snacks is a sure-fire way to end up overeating. So, schedule a daily walk to get a break from munching and to get your limbs moving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Having a glass of water before you unwrap a snack can also help stop you eating too much \u2014 it will keep you from confusing thirst with hunger. And make sure you have some favourite healthy options on hand for those times when you really need a snack.<\/span><\/p>\n

Look at your sunshine and vitamin D intake<\/h2>\n

Also known as the \u201csunshine vitamin,\u201d our body produces vitamin D when we are exposed to sunlight. As Canadians, we usually <\/span>don\u2019t get enough sun<\/span><\/a> in the winter to make the vitamin D we need. Low levels of Vitamin D are linked to higher rates of<\/span> depression<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> osteoporosis<\/span>, so it\u2019s worth talking to your doctor about whether you should be taking a Vitamin D supplement, especially in the winter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Practice proper hygiene<\/h2>\n

Being cooped up indoors with family and friends is a great way to spread germs. There\u2019s a reason colds and<\/span> flu<\/span><\/a> peak during the coldest months — they have their pick of hosts! It sounds simple, but practice proper hygiene by washing your hands regularly. Doing it before and after cooking and as soon as you get home helps to stop the spread of germs. And be mindful of touching communal surfaces like elevator buttons or subway poles and then touching your face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get your flu shot<\/h2>\n

This is a critical year to get your flu shot. You can get COVID-19 and the flu at the same time, which is a terrible combo. Plus, the seasonal flu puts many people in the hospital annually. We need to reserve some hospital beds for COVID-19 patients to avoid overwhelming our healthcare system. So, take a precautionary step in keeping yourself healthy by getting the flu shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep up COVID-19 measures<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s been a long road so far in battling COVID-19, and it\u2019s unfortunately not over. Many of us are looking forward to 2021 as a harbinger of better times, but the stroke of midnight on New Year\u2019s won\u2019t do anything for public health. We have to keep up measures to flatten the curve, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n