The winter months can be difficult to stay healthy due to cold, rainy weather and a lack of sunlight. When it’s cold and dark, we’re more prone to catching bugs, and it’s more difficult to maintain our motivation to eat well and exercise. But don’t give up! There are numerous things you can do to maintain your health during the winter.

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Vitamin D

It’s recommended that we all take a vitamin D supplement during the fall and winter months. We won’t be able to make enough of it ourselves because of the lack of sunshine. Vitamin D can be obtained from some foods, but not enough through diet alone. Pharmacies and health food shops sell vitamin D supplements. You should ask for a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (which is what we need).

Medicine Essentials

Regular exercise, good nutrition, and adequate sleep are some of the best medicines for staying healthy. Consume plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to boost your immunity. Take regular exercise and get out in the sun as much as you can to lift your mood. You should also aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

You may also want to stock up on some medicine essentials for your home including having your Benecard PBF. The following are key medicines that your pharmacist can recommend to you.

If you develop a high temperature or aches and pains related to a common winter virus, you should take painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen.

In case of diarrhea or being ill and not being able to eat, take oral rehydration sachets. Fluids such as these can prevent dehydration and replace fluids you are losing.

Antiacids – for indigestion and heartburn. Symptoms such as heartburn, stomach ache, trapped wind, and indigestion can occur if you overindulge a bit over the holiday season. It is important, however, to seek medical advice if you don’t feel well. 

Wash Your Hands 

Winter is a time when illnesses like the flu, colds, and norovirus are more common, so keeping your hands clean is especially important. We are more likely to stay indoors because of the weather, and we are more likely to pick up germs, so it’s important to minimise spreading infection. The best and easiest way to do this is to regularly wash your hands.

Feed Yourself Well

You should eat right to stay energized, healthy, and nourished. Winter is the perfect time to eat comforting foods, but don’t forget to eat fruit and vegetables, which protect our bodies from illness. There are some delicious winter vegetables that are perfect for making soups and stews. 

Stock up on canned tomatoes, sweetcorn, kidney beans, chickpeas, and chickpeas. Don’t forget to get some frozen vegetables so you can make a nutritious meal even if you are short on time. Each meal should include three vegetables at least. You can boost your intake of vegetables even more by eating some vegetarian or vegan meals.

You can make winter a healthy and happy time of year by preparing, staying active, and taking care of yourself. Do you have any other tips that you could share in the comments?