Tips to prepare your body for a healthy winter

The colder months are approaching, which means it’s time to start warding off flu, jelly belly and the urge to hibernate. Here are a few tips to keep you on track in the months leading up to winter, as well as during it.

Stay hydrated

It’s easy to take in plenty of cold fluids in the summer season, but in winter we struggle a little more. Ironically, winter can be just as dehydrating to the body as a hot summer. We may not be sweating as much, but the drop in humidity robs the skin of moisture, as well as the mucus membranes of your nose, throat and lungs. Keep your liquid levels high, adding in herbal teas for a powerful antioxidant punch.

Take your vitamins

One thing that doesn’t have to change in winter is your vitamin intake. Keep up your daily dose, taking care to include enough B vitamins and vitamin D for energy and stabilized moods, vitamin A and C to boost immunity and fish oils to lubricate the joints and keep your heart healthy.

Avoid hibernation

We’re all guilty of it; wanting to stay indoors – undercovers, preferably – moving as little as possible. Exercise is equally important in the winter months, so do what you have to to prioritise exercise. Whether it’s moving your workout indoors, swapping the gym for a workout DVD, or rescheduling your sessions to the warmer hours of the day, don’t forego your workouts. In addition to warding off the dreaded winter jelly belly, it will also help keep your immunity up and defending you from winter ailments.

Make an effort to get outdoors

It may be chilly, but your body still benefits from the fresh air and sunlight of the outdoors. Us South Africans are lucky to enjoy sunlight year round, so don’t forget to enjoy 10-15 minutes of direct sunlight daily. Apart from the vitamin D supply, sunshine plays a powerful role in regulating your body’s internal clock.

Get fresh with flavour

Natural flavours are your ticket to a healthier winter. Garlic still tops the charts as a great immunity booster, as do ginger, chillies, turmeric and rosemary. Load up on the flavour and you’ll be doing your health a favour.

Dry brush

Ward off the poor circulation and dry skin typical of the winter season by dry brushing. A few firm strokes over the whole body before bathing – particularly those problem areas – will scrape off dead skin and help pump blood more efficiently around the body.

Don’t soak in the tub

Sitting in steaming bath water for an hour may be one of your winter highlights, but enduring the hot water for an extended period of time actually dehydrates the body. Keep your cleaning habits the same as they are during the summer months, even adding some essential oils drops to a bath for added moisture.