The recent bouts of cold winter weather can wreak havoc on both our skin as well as our body, leaving us feeling more than a little under the weather. At this time of the year, it’s all we can do to dream of the sunkissed glow we once enjoyed throughout the summer months. While some may prefer the cooler temperatures over the stifling heat any day, there’s no denying that the cold has its own consequences, especially when it comes to our health.
So let’s get started; here are a few ways you can beat the cold by undertaking some extra TLC to boost your wellbeing this winter:
Conquer the Cold
While colder temperatures don’t actually cause colds, they do make it more likely to pick up viruses and bacteria in the air which can make you ill. Allergy season is also in full swing. You should make prevention your priority this winter in order to keep colds and illness at bay.
Soothe and Stay Active – the cold weather may also cause increased joint pain for many individuals, especially older adults and arthritis sufferers. Please check here for more advice. This can be avoided by taking warm baths to increase blood flow as well as massaging affected areas with essential oils. Regular exercise and stretching also help to combat stiff joints.
Eat Better to Feel Better – our bodies actually require extra calories during winter in order to keep warm. Focus on eating better instead of less, by swapping out processed foods with natural, organic ones which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Keep Busy to Prevent SAD
For many, winter can be a time of hibernation, of cutting off from the bustling social life they once enjoyed when the weather was brighter and instead, spending more time indoors. While some time to recharge after a busy summer might be well-needed, don’t forget to keep yourself busy with other activities to avoid falling victim to SAD, aka Seasonal affective disorder. This type of depression is quite common during the colder months since it’s connected to the reduced exposure to sunlight given the shorter nature of winter days.
Here are just a few things you can do to keep yourself happy whatever the weather:
Boost your serotonin levels during the winter by getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day – join a gym or participate in online workout classes such as those offered by Peloton
Since winter may disrupt your circadian rhythm, keep your body’s internal clock functioning properly by waking up and going to sleep at more or less the same time every day
If the weather prevents you from going outside, you can still engage in activities that keep your mind active, you could play video games like FIFA or strategy games such as chess or solitaire. If you are located in Asia, you could even play MahJong or Surakata against family or friends. On the other hand, if you are looking for more thrills and want to try your hand at casino games, check out this for unbiased reviews, gambling strategies, and legal advice for Asian gamblers. This will not only keep you busy, but it will also allow you to play without fear.
Tweak Your Skincare Routine
The abundance of sunshine we are exposed to during the summer can do wonders for our skin, leaving it looking smooth and refreshed, while the cold weather can have the opposite effect, causing our skin to look and feel dry, blotchy, and irritated.
All hope is not lost until next summer, however, since following the right beauty regimen can make all the difference when it comes to preserving that effortless summer glow. Care for your complexion with these tips from the experts to retain your skin’s natural moisture.
Use a Good Scrub – exfoliating your skin at least twice a week helps to get rid of dead skin cells and promotes cell regeneration. The best scrubs for skin exfoliation are those which contain organic and natural ingredients such as sugar and sea salt as they are less likely to cause irritation.
Moisturise More – moisturizing more often keeps skin looking soft and supple all year round, and effectively creates a protective barrier on your face to shield it from the harsh effects of the cold winter weather. This is especially true when choosing a product that contains antioxidants thanks to their skin firming effects that you can read more about here.
