Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.
– Jim Rohn
Although colds and flu can occur anytime, winter is when these ailments begin to strike more often. There are legitimate reasons why we seem to get sick more often in the winter: some viruses actually become more resilient in cold weather, and as the mucus membranes lining the nose and throat become drier – thank you, central heating – viruses can more easily invade our bodies and make us ill.
With the added challenge of dealing with Covid-19 this year, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself and reduce your chances of getting sick. And even if you do get sick – good self-care will improve your ability to recover more quickly and easily.
Many people are also suffering from anxiety about the threat of Covid-19. This certainly is a frightening time, but one way to help yourself deal with any fear or anxiety you may be feeling is to take action and do what you can to prevent catching or transmitting this serious disease.
In addition to the standard recommendations to wear a face mask while in public places and practice social distancing – here are five simple things you can do to help keep yourself and your family healthy this winter.
#1 – Get your flu shot
This is the #1 suggestion for a reason: it is the #1 thing you can do to reduce your chances of getting the flu. I can’t remember the last time I had the flu, and I like to think this is mostly due to getting the flu shot every year. Hopefully a vaccine for Covid-19 will be available soon, but the regular flu shot is available to everyone right now. The seasonal flu and Covid-19 are two different illnesses and require separate vaccinations. Protecting yourself from the regular flu is more important than ever, because if you were to get both the flu and Covid-19, your chances of becoming seriously ill, or worse, are even greater.
There are a lot of misconceptions about the flu shot. I think the most important things you need to know are 1) the flu shot will reduce your chances of getting the flu by 60%, and 2) if you do still get the flu, it will be less severe. Another thing to keep in mind: by getting the flu shot and protecting yourself from getting the flu, you are also helping protect your family and friends as well.
#2- Wash your hands
This isn’t just a winter hack, and of course should be done all year round – but with all the sneezing, coughing, and runny noses that are common with colds, flu, and Covid-19 – the simple act of washing your hands can make a huge difference in whether or not you come down with any illness. Hand sanitizers are great – especially if you don’t have the ability to wash your hands. But hand sanitizers can be drying, so I use them when necessary, but do regular hand washing whenever I can.
A couple of important points: Regular soap is all you need. Sing the Happy Birthday song to yourself (twice!!) while rubbing those suds all around. This will get your hands as germ-free as they can be!
What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.
John Steinbeck
#3 – Continue to wear sunscreen
The sun can be just as damaging in winter as summer – maybe even more so, since snow reflects up to 90% of the sun’s rays. And here in the South, winter can be just as sunny as any other time of year. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50, and yes… you still need to reapply every 3-4 hours if you are outside the whole time.
#4 – Eat seasonal fruits and veggies
Winter foods like kale, brussel sprouts, clementines, squash, sweet potatoes, and pomegranates contain the vitamins, minerals, and protein that your body needs to maintain its immune system to help you resist disease. There are many articles out right now discussing the possibilities of treating and preventing Covid-19 with supplements such as Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Zinc. While the therapeutic use of vitamins and minerals are soft recommendations – I believe there is a reason nature puts these ingredients in the foods that are typically harvested this time of year. So go ahead and get your doses of these health-supporting factors by taking them in the most natural form available – whole foods from Mother Nature.
Plus, these foods are delicious as well as being low in calories!
#5 – Get outside and enjoy nature
Don’t let cold weather stop you from getting out in nature! Bundle up if you have to and get outside a little bit each day – even more if you can. A few good reasons to get outside: fresh air and Vitamin D (just don’t forget to wear sunscreen!), to maintain physical fitness and healthy weight, and many studies show that being in nature is one of the best ways going to reduce stress.
Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos – the trees, the clouds, everything.
Thich Nhat Hanh