Five Ways to Take Care of Yourself and Stay Sane This Winter

Though it’s easy to hibernate in a haze of holiday music and chilly nights, making sure you take care of yourself during the colder months is crucial. It’s easy to forget about the little things you can do to stay healthy — but the season will be easier to enjoy if you do. Amid the hustle, bustle, and holiday cheer, here are some simple things you can do to stay healthy (and sane) this winter.

Food and Diet

If you’ve got multiple holiday parties to attend this season, reconsider that extra candy cane.

Overindulging in popular party foods could leave you more susceptible to health issues like GERD, or heartburn, stomach aches, and food poisoning. While treating yourself is important, don’t forget to prioritize your health (and try not to go overboard with sugary snacks and drinks)!

Avoiding Dry Skin

Winter means one thing: dry skin. Cold weather and warm heaters are harsh on your skin, and the best way to prevent painful cracking is to take in more moisture.

Are you drinking enough water? It’s easy to switch to warm drinks like hot chocolate and tea instead of water when it’s cold out. Drinking enough water is vital to all aspects of your health, and your skin needs to be hydrated to stay healthy too.

After washing your face, lock in as much water as possible by applying moisturizer as soon as you’ve patted your face dry. Even waiting a few minutes after washing is a missed opportunity to keep your skin fresh and healthy.

Bundle Up

Be prepared for bad weather! Winter is a tough season to enjoy if you’re not dressed properly. When you’re out buying gifts for your loved ones, pick up a little something for yourself. Bundling up with a new hat or that cute scarf will help you stay warm when you aren’t cozied up by the fire.

If the roads are icy, throw on a pair of boots with good traction. Slipping on a patch of ice will likely leave you cold, crabby, and possibly bruised.

Store an extra jacket or sweater in your car. When you need another layer or your friend forgets their coat, you’ll be happy to have it!

Shorter Days, Longer Nights, Lots of Ice

With more overcast days, longer nights, and roads covered with snow and ice, remaining safe while driving is more crucial than ever. These hazards are even more dangerous if you have problems with your vision, like nearsightedness, which makes it difficult to see objects that are far away. An eye exam is a quick, easy way to ensure your and others’ safety on the road.

Making sure that your car is healthy is important for being safe on the road too. Double-check that your lights are bright enough to see the road and aren’t blocked by snow or grime. Coolant will prevent your engine from freezing, so having enough fluid in your car is a necessity.

Those are just a few strategies for staying sane and healthy this winter. What are some of your winter health tips? Comment below!