As it gets colder and dark earlier, you find yourself staying inside more, but how do you make sure you stay healthy? Of course, you want to make sure you are full of energy through the fall and winter. Then again, it is important to do everything you can to support your health. In this blog, we explain how to go about it.
Healthy through the fall and winter
Our climate changes quite a bit in recent years, yet it is a fact that autumn and winter can be cold, wet and windy. So during those seasons, we stay inside longer and more often. While that is nice and warm and cozy, sitting inside for long periods of time can cause problems, both physically and mentally.
You may suffer from a lack of daylight, and that can lead to mood symptoms, such as gloom or even depression. You may also soon find yourself exercising less, eating worse and having fewer social contacts. So it is important to keep an eye on this. Below are some points to look out for. Here are our 6 tips for staying healthy when you need to stay indoors more.
1. Provide adequate light
The dark days are coming again. But even though it will stay dark longer, you can still make sure you are exposed to as much light as possible, especially natural light. Exposure to natural light is good for your vitamin D levels. Furthermore, it also has a positive effect on your mood and biological clock. Get plenty of light into your (work) room and, whatever the weather, go outside every day.
If you do suffer from a lack of light, a daylight lamp can help. These lamps mimic the bright light of the sun. This light therapy could potentially help prevent seasonal depression.
2. Stay healthy when inside: Pay attention to air quality
The quality of the air in your home is also important to staying healthy through the fall and winter. Poor air quality can lead to health issues, such as respiratory complaints and allergies. Therefore, pay attention to ventilation in your home (including your workspace if you work at home). Open windows and/or doors regularly to get fresh air in.
3. Use supplements
It is not always necessary to take supplements. But if you suffer from fatigue, catch colds easily or suffer from a lot of stress, it may be helpful to take supplements, especially in the fall and winter. One of the most important supplements for your resistance is vitamin C, especially if you struggle to eat enough fruits and vegetables. Go for a natural-based supplement, such as Together Vitamin C. Propolis, Shijalit and Ashwagandha can also help support resistance.
B vitamins can also help you stay healthy if you have to be indoors a lot. They are important for your energy levels. It involves all B vitamins and especially vitamin B12. Together’sVitamin B12 complex is based on natural products and contains no chemical additives.
Another vitamin that is important during the colder seasons is Vitamin D. You’ve been hearing more and more about this lately, which makes sense. The body can absorb vitamin D when you are adequately exposed to the sun. But our summers are not always sunny and in winter you don’t see it much at all. Therefore, you may be deficient in vitamin D. For this reason, it may be a good idea to take a Vitamin D3 supplement.
4. A space to relax
Stress can undermine your health. Therefore, be sure to take adequate time for relaxation. The best way to do this is in a room set up specifically for this purpose. This is a place where you can unwind, meditate, do yoga or a quiet hobby. Dress this space nicely, with soothing lighting, a few plants and a comfortable place to sit or lie down.
5. Healthy eating and drinking
Do you want to stay healthy even if the weather is bad and you don’t get outside as often? Then it is important to eat and drink healthy. Of course, sometimes you can have a ready-made meal. But nutrition is the basis of your health, of your resistance and your energy levels. So preferably eat a healthy, home-cooked meal with fresh vegetables every day and likewise make sure you get fruit every day. Perhaps you could even create a small vegetable or herb garden in your garden or balcony. This is not only a healthy addition to your menu, but is also a great way to relax.
6. Sufficient exercise
The weather can really stop you from exercising outside. Consequently, many people exercise less in the fall and winter than in the summer. But it’s important to get moving anyway. Remember that there are other ways to get your body active. For example, go dancing to music, use weights and resistance bands to exercise indoors or go to the gym for a workout. And if at all possible, get outside to walk, bike or do some other fun sport.
As you can see, there are many ways to support yourself and stay healthy in the fall and winter. Listen to your body and see what it needs to stay healthy. This is sure to get you through the dark days!