As the weather gets colder and we spend more time indoors, it's important to take extra care of our health. Here are 11 tips to help you stay healthy and avoid getting sick this winter.

1. Get a Flu Shot

Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself against the flu, despite the recent press surrounding vaccinations. The flu shot contains a dead or weakened form of the virus, which helps your body build immunity to the disease. 

Getting vaccinated can help reduce your risk of getting the flu, and can also help protect those around you who are more vulnerable to the virus, such as young children or the elderly.

If you're afraid of needles, there's no need to worry. Aside from getting a flu shot through the arm, there are also nasal spray options available.

Don't wait -- get vaccinated today and help protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu!

2. Eat Healthy Foods

No matter the season, eating healthy should always be a priority. However, it can be hard to resist comfort foods when it's cold outside. It's important to remember that processed and sugary foods can actually weaken your immune system.

Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are packed with nutrients that help keep your body strong. Eating plenty of these foods will help you stay healthy all winter long, which is why they should be a staple in your diet.

Make sure to stock up on healthy foods this winter. Your body will thank you for it!

3. Exercise Regularly

It's important to stay active even during the winter months when it's harder to get outside and be active. There are plenty of indoor exercises you can do to stay in shape, like yoga, Pilates, and calisthenics. Indoor workouts are a great way to stay fit and healthy during the winter.

When you decide to go outside, however, make sure you layer your clothes. Wear an inner layer of clothing that wicks away sweat, a middle layer for insulation, and an outer layer that repels water. This will help you stay warm and dry no matter what the weather is like.

4. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Just because it's cold, doesn't mean you can skimp on the H2O. In fact, you should be upping your water intake in the winter months. Why? Because when it's cold we tend to drink less water, and being even slightly dehydrated can make you feel tired, cranky, and foggy-headed. Not to mention, drinking plenty of fluids is essential for flushing out toxins and keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. 

It's recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and more if you're exercising or sweating a lot. Your body will thank you!

5. Get Adequate Sleep

It's no secret that getting enough sleep is important for our overall health and well-being. But during winter, when we tend to feel more sluggish and tired, it's even more important to make sure we're getting enough shut-eye.

There are a few things we can do to make sure we're getting the most out of our sleep during winter. First, we should listen to our bodies and if we're feeling tired, make sure to get the extra rest we need. Additionally, creating a cozy and comfortable sleep environment can help us drift off to dreamland more easily. And finally, making sure to wind down before bed with some relaxation techniques can help prepare our bodies and minds for a good night's sleep.

If we make sleep a priority during winter, we'll be sure to stay healthy and happy all season long!

6. Take Care of Your Skin

The dry winter air can take its toll on your skin, so it’s important to take extra care of it during this season. Here are some tips for keeping your skin healthy and hydrated all winter long:

• Use a humidifier in your home to add some extra moisture to the air.
• Take shorter showers with cooler water.
• Moisturize regularly, using a heavier cream or ointment at night before bed.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin cells hydrated from the inside out.
• Avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers that can strip away natural oils, and opt for products that are specifically designed for sensitive skin.

Healthy, hydrated, and happy skin can be yours all winter long if you follow these simple tips!

7. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Winter can be tough on our bodies. The colder weather means we're more likely to stay indoors, which can lead to us feeling run down and getting sick more easily. Add to this the temptation to cozy up with a bottle of wine or a pack of cigarettes, and it's no wonder our health takes a hit during the winter months.

Both smoking and drinking can weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to getting sick. If you do drink alcohol, make sure to do so in moderation.

Staying healthy this winter doesn't have to be difficult. Just by avoiding alcohol and smoking, we can help our bodies stay strong and fight off any potential sicknesses.

8. Manage Stress

Winter is cold, dark, and sometimes stressful. But there are things you can do to stay healthy during this season. Managing stress is one of them.

When you're stressed, your body releases hormones that can weaken your immune system. So it's important to find ways to relax. Take some time for yourself every day to do things you enjoy. Reading, taking a relaxing bath, or spending time outdoors can all help reduce stress.

9. Connect With Friends and Family

With the holiday season over, it's easy to feel isolated and lonely in the winter. Take the time to reach out to your friends and family, whether it's through social media, phone calls, or good old-fashioned face-to-face interaction. Staying connected will help boost your mood and keep you from feeling too isolated.

This winter season, make sure to take care of yourself by following these tips! And if you need help on how to manage your mental health, make sure to read our blog post about it here.