Stay healthy through the winter: tips and tricks for the cold season

Winter can be challenging for your health, from dry skin to winter depression. But with the right precautions and strategies, you can protect yourself from winter's hazards and enjoy the cold season to the fullest.

In this blog post, we address important topics related to your well-being and health during the winter months.

Strengthening the immune system

Winter and the first cold days are often followed by colds or even flu outbreaks. A strong immune system can protect you from such stresses and serves as the first line of defense in the fight against viruses and bacteria. Below, we'd like to share some tips to help you keep your immune system in top shape.

• Nutrition: A balanced diet is essential. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, and spinach, in particular, should be regularly on your menu during the cold season, as they are true immune system boosters.
• Vitamin D: A lack of direct sunlight can also lead to a vitamin D deficiency in the body. If such a deficiency occurs, it's worth considering dietary supplements.
• Movement: Physical activity, especially outdoors, increases endorphin production and boosts mood. Exercise can also increase white blood cell activity, which allows the body to fight pathogens more effectively.
• Sleep, hydration and stress reduction: Getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and reducing stress are important factors that enrich your immune system.

Skin care in cold weather

Winter not only affects our immune system, but also our skin. The cold air outside and the dry, heated air inside often put a strain on our skin. To keep it supple and prevent it from drying out during the cold season, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The skin is our largest organ and requires special attention, especially in winter. A rich moisturizer should be part of your daily routine during the cooler season. It supplies the skin with essential nutrients and prevents it from becoming dry and tight. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and shea butter provide particularly high levels of moisture.

Our lips are also particularly prone to dryness in winter. A nourishing lip balm, ideally with natural oils and waxes, should be in every bag. For rough hands, an intensive hand cream can help. This should be applied after every hand wash, and especially before bedtime, to nourish and regenerate the skin overnight.

A regular body scrub can also help remove dead skin cells and prepare the skin to absorb moisturizing products. And although it may sound surprising, sun protection is important even in winter! The UV rays from the winter sun can be just as damaging as the summer sun, so you shouldn't skip a day cream with SPF even in the colder months.

What can you do about winter depression?

As the days get shorter and darker, some people may experience what's known as winter depression. This form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by sadness, lack of energy, and an increased need for sleep. But there are strategies to counteract this chilling mood.

An important and extremely easy-to-implement strategy for warding off winter depression is sufficient exercise. The positive effects of exercise, such as increased endorphin release, not only boost our immune system but can also help us combat impending winter depression.

It may also be advisable to surround yourself with good friends and family. Convivial and social interactions can reduce feelings of isolation and significantly boost your mood.

The targeted use of light is another way to support the body. It can support the body's melatonin production and, by mimicking daylight, increase the release of endorphins.

In addition, a healthy diet, regular routines and exemplary sleep hygiene should be observed.

Stay healthy through the winter

Winter brings both challenges and joys. How we adapt to this season and how we face it is in our hands. With the tips and advice presented here, you should be well prepared for the coming months and can hopefully enjoy the cold season in good spirits and good health.

By the way: An important factor that has received little attention in this article is warmth. It is essential for our well-being and, especially in winter, the number one comfort food.

How do you ensure warmth and well-being in winter? Share your best tips in the comments or read more about the Heat and its benefitsWe look forward to exchanging ideas with you.