What you need to know about winter wellness

It’s important to look after your wellness in winter to stay happy and healthy for the festive season; additionally, the better you look after yourself throughout the winter, the easier it is to shift into a new routine in the New Year. Here is what you need to know about winter wellness.

Season Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder, commonly known as SAD, is a form of depression that closely follows the changing of the seasons. SAD is thought to be caused by changes to light levels, shorter days, and disrupted sleeping patterns that change the chemical balance of the brain.

There may be no direct cure for SAD, but there are effective treatments; for instance, being aware of the condition can help significantly, and then someone can take action to counteract the effects of the condition. For instance, it might help to take some vitamins or exercise.

Winter Allergies

Allergies can be more pronounced in the winter season mainly because people are spending more time indoors, where there are airborne particles, dust particles, and dead skin cells in the rooms. If you notice more allergies in winter, this is very normal, so what can you do for them?

The best way to avoid winter allergies is to take appropriate action and make sure your home and living spaces are clean and disinfected more regularly; you could also visit retailpharmacymagazine.com.au/dds-announces-pharmacy-award-recipients/ for some advice.

Physical Activity

There is no end to the benefits of physical activity, especially in the winter. With so many challenges to our mental health and wellbeing, regular physical activity can reduce stress and improve the chemical imbalances in the brain caused by low light levels and shorter days.

The trouble is that it’s harder to get your regular dose of physical activity in during the winter since it’s cold, dark, and inhospitable outside. In the winter, you might want to switch up your training regime and join a gym or online classes to improve wellness and beat the winter blues.

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating is another important feature of staying well in the winter. Studies have shown that winter weight gain has its roots in evolution; there is evidence to suggest that the body holds onto fat stores when it gets colder outside, and there is reduced sunlight as a safety precaution.

Of course, when it is dark and cold, there is less chance of finding food, so holding onto fat is beneficial, or it was at one point in human evolution. Nowadays, we might want to stay trim through winter, so maintain a healthy diet and reduce your intake of fats and refined sugar.

Skin Protection

Another winter consideration is the condition of your skin. Chances are your skin is drier in winter thanks to changes in the atmosphere, so you might want to use a moisturizer regularly. If you choose to use sunscreen – also a sensible idea in the winter – choose one that is also a moisturizer to prevent dry skin and protect against the UV radiation caused by the winter sun.