‘Tis the season for winter that can bring in cold blizzards, sniffling noses and seasonal gatherings that may distract you from your healthy routine. There are plenty of ways to stay healthy this winter and avoid bad habits with our list below.

Balance Your Wellness

A small misstep can throw you off balance this winter. You might be hibernating from the cold but may be neglecting your self care. Consider these suggestions when facing germs and challenges along the way.

• Catch up on sleep
  Sometimes your body needs to restore energy and is signaling you with fatigue. Wind down during the season’s longer evenings before bed to prevent the common cold. Well-rested people are more likely to fight off infections.
• Let off some steam
  If signs of winter depression or high levels of stress start to bog you down, steam rooms and saunas are great relievers. They reduce extra tension around the muscles and alleviate anxiety. It also detoxifies your body and skin.
• Meditate
  Counter that winter melancholy with a healthy alternative such as mediation. Practice a steady routine of deep breathing whenever your stress levels start to rise.
• Keep it social
  Especially around the holidays there are many community programs you can get involved with like festivals, tree lightings and parades. Connect with old friends and family for a game night.

Diet and Exercise

When the holidays are around the corner, you may be avoiding your exercise routines and healthy habits.

• Plan your exercises
  Plan weekly by choosing your workout routines or physical activities to get your heart pumping. Keep yourself accountable with a workout schedule every day with a set time so you will stick with it.
• Workout at home
  If the chilly weather is preventing you from going outdoors, stay motivated by seeking online workouts to find your favorite yoga, aerobic or strength training video.
• Cook healthy
  Incorporating more nutrients from whole fruits and vegetables is the key to maintaining your waistline. With a colorful plate and spices in your recipes, you are on the right track. Add spices like onions, garlic, cilantro and ginger which make dishes more flavorful. Other immune-boosting spices are turmeric and cumin that target inflammation and heart disease.

Eat Nutritious Food

Who doesn’t want to binge on comfort food this time of year, but to stay healthy this winter don’t get carried away with unhealthy carbs and fats.

• Reduce carbs
  Splurging on delicious treats every day can build your cravings by releasing higher serotonin levels. They convince you that you need these empty calories for nourishment. Pack your plate with healthier proteins in the morning and healthy snacks throughout the day to reduce cravings.
• Healthy Fats
  You many want to start increasing your omega 3 fatty acids that are found in fish, nuts and seeds. These foods can reduce inflammation in joints and muscle stiffness.
• Healthy fruits and veggies
  Stock up on more nutritious fruits and vegetables with this list: squash, leafy greens, carrots, oranges, berries, sweet potatoes, kiwis, grapefruit, apples and pineapple. And don’t forget your mighty mushrooms, such as white button or shiitake, that have medicinal qualities. They fight off illnesses and have natural antibiotics.
• Consume fiber
  We usually neglect fiber intake during the holidays. However, apples, oats and nuts will reduce cholesterol levels and aid you in losing weight while protecting your digestive system. Adding more fiber into your diet also decreases inflammation and boosts your immunity.

Combat the Cold and Flu

This is the season where cold and flu symptoms can linger for days, so here are a few ways to stay healthy this winter.

• Reduce germs
  An everyday task we take for granted but hand washing numerous times a day maintains a healthier you and protects your immune system from unwanted illness.
• Cover your cough
  A proper way to prevent spreading germs is to cover your cold and flu symptoms by coughing and sneezing into your elbow.
• Clean surfaces
  Another way to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria is to clean surfaces that are touched often by disinfecting the areas. If someone is sick at work or school, dust or wipe keyboards and workspaces. Clean doorknobs, TV remotes and common area spaces at the house.

Here’s to a winter of good health!