9 Health and Wellness Tips

During the winter, it’s a tradition to gather together and give thanks for what you have, but this year things could be a little different.

Since the coronavirus started, we just don’t know how things are going to turn out. As daylight hours continue to shorten, and as the weather continues to get colder, people will shift from outdoor to indoor activities. Since the coronavirus spreads more easily indoors than outdoors, it’s vital to make sure you’re taking steps to stay safe.

The cold and flu season is upon us and with that comes a number of health problems. Hopefully, by taking care of your body and mind, you can prevent or avoid these problems. Here are our 9 top tips for staying healthy in the winter.

1. SCHEDULE YOUR FLU SHOT

Influenza spreads around the year. People usually get the flu between October and March. However, there is an expected increase in the number of people getting the flu during winter because there is a good chance of two different types of flu viruses spreading simultaneously. In fact, according to the CDC, both influenza and COVID-19 viruses will probably spread in the United States in the fall and winter of 2020. Although the influenza virus can spread throughout the year, the peak flu season — the time when the flu is most rampant — is between December and February. 

There are several clear benefits to this five-minute endeavor:

• It is proven that flu vaccines reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization, and death.

• Getting a flu vaccine may help save resources down the line for people who need them.

It’s no myth — the flu vaccine won’t make you sick. The virus strains in the vaccine are dead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends anyone 6 months and older get vaccinated.

Here is something you can do to help protect yourself and others around you. Take five minutes of your day to do the right thing and prevent any potential harm. It’s the right thing to do.

2. WASH YOUR HANDS (THE RIGHT WAY)

I don’t want to repeat myself over and over, but this really is important. You need to wash your hands often. It will help you avoid germs like cold and flu, and will also help keep you healthy.

There is an actual scientific approach to hand washing which has been proven to be effective. It involves washing for 20 seconds.

• Turn on the tap and wet your hands

• Turn off the water and apply soap

• Begin lathering your hands, making sure to get between your fingers and under your nails

• Scrub-a-dub-dub for at least 20 seconds

• Rinse your hands under clean, running water

• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them

If you have no idea what to sing for 20 seconds while washing your hands, here are 15 songs that you can sing instead of singing “Happy Birthday” twice. These songs are guaranteed to make you laugh and give you a moment of peace during a long, boring task.

3. MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

Dry skin becomes irritated and develops flaky patches of eczema when it doesn’t receive enough moisture. Keeping skin hydrated is essential for its proper functioning. Your skin is your most important protective barrier. When it is not well hydrated, it leads to irritation, cracks, and infection.

The solution? Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Here are some ways you can keep your skin looking supple and fresh all winter long:

• Find a lotion that works for you. There are tons of moisturizers and lotions out there for all different skin types. Find one that helps you and stick with it.

• Use a humidifier: Winter is so drying for our skin because there’s not a lot of moisture in the air. On really dry days, consider using a humidifier to keep your skin soft.

• Shower in warm water: Hot showers can strip the skin of its natural oily barrier and cause further dryness. Instead, you should take a warm shower that isn’t as hot as normal.

• Hydrate from the inside: One of the easiest ways to hydrate not just your skin but your entire body is drinking lots of water. It’s scientifically proven, and we need water to survive. As you might imagine, we also recommend the therapeutic benefits of drip hydration.

4. LET IN THE SUNSHINE

The lack of sunlight affects the human mood, according to studies. Depression can occur in the areas of the world where there is less sunlight in the fall and winter. Most of the stories about this condition involve people who live in the Arctic and Nordic countries.

The solution to SAD is to open your curtains and blinds and let some sunlight in! Studies have shown that light therapy, which is commonly used to treat SAD, improves serotonin levels and can stabilize moods.

For many people around the world, this is a strange time; however, a bit of sun cannot harm. Using sunscreen to block the harmful rays of the sun can help people cope with the changing weather.

5. FIND A HOBBY

Having a hobby is fun, but can have both physical and mental health benefits. Playing an instrument can be good for your heart and mind, and learning to sew can improve your concentration. Also, playing an instrument, doing crafts, or running can help reduce stress.

As humans, we want to feel good. Our DNA is hard-wired to release feel-good hormones when we do something that actually feels good, like taking a bath or eating a piece of cake. Hobbies can accomplish those same feelings, as well as provide a good distraction from the crazy and very hectic world around us.

Hobbies such as playing music, reading books, and dancing can also provide us with mental and physical health benefits. A study conducted by the American Heart Association showed that doing these activities lowers our heart rates and our blood pressure.

According to the New York Times, you should look for something that isn’t too hard or boring. Like painting, yoga, or arts and crafts, but you need to be careful with these hobbies, as it could end up being a pain in the butt.

6. CONSIDER FINDING A THERAPIST

People react differently to stress, and mental health is increasingly becoming more accepted. When you are under a lot of stress, people might be willing to open up and talk about it.

To learn more about ways to cope with stress and other mental health issues during this time, visit the CDC’s webpage on coping with stress.

7. STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK

The CDC recommends limited contact with other people, including social distancing, as the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. People, however, crave contact with other people, and the lack of socialization can have significant impacts on their mood and mental health.

Thankfully, we can still connect with friends and scratch that socializing itch we all innately crave while also protecting ourselves.

Our two favorites are:

• Zoom with your friends and family. Connecting with your friends online is the safest way to enjoy social interaction while also doing your part to keep others safe. While you won’t get that same physical interaction, it is nice to see someone and talk to them when you really need it.

• Hang out outdoors within a safe distance. Though gathering in any form presents certain risks, social distancing while outside and with masks on is generally accepted. It is safer than socializing indoors because natural ventilation can disperse the coronavirus more easily than indoor ventilation can.

There is always a risk when interacting physically, but there are steps we can take to reduce the risks.

8. Staying physically active will help you to stay healthy. 2. Eat right will keep you healthy.

According to the World Health Organization, staying active is more important than ever. Not only does physical activity strengthen your muscles, boost your stamina, and help lower blood pressure, but it’s also a natural mood stabilizer.

Being active stimulates certain chemicals in our brain, including dopamine and endorphins, which leaves you happier and feeling less anxious. Exercise also contributes to overall good physical health, which, in turn, contributes to an overall better immune system.

You can also feel better and boost your immune system during the winter by eating healthy foods. We recommend increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals, including:

• Kale

• Broccoli

• Spinach

• Berries

• Nuts

• Olive oil

Dark leafy greens and bright berries contain lots of antioxidants, including vitamin C, A, and K.

9. CONSIDER INJECTING YOURSELF WITH AN IV DRIP

If you’re looking to maintain a healthy immune system this winter, you should consider getting these vitamins through an IV drip. For instance, you can get vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B12, folic acid, omega 3, and calcium in a daily IV.

• Zinc

• Vitamin C

• Glutathione

• Vitamin B Complex

Many of these supplements can also help you to ward off bacteria and viruses like the cold and flu. They can promote cell growth and healing. With an intravenous drip, you can administer them orally, but they can also be given directly into your bloodstream.

All of these ingredients can be found in our immunity IV drips.

Only through our unity can we make it through winter 2020. Hopefully, we’ll remain safe, hydrated, and healthy in our bodies, minds, souls, and spirits.