Winter is the time of year when coughs and colds tend to dominate our lives. The cooler weather means you may suffer from dry skin and unhealthy eating habits too, so what better way to look after your body then by following some healthy habits for winter months.

1. Eat healthy

Eating a healthy, balanced diet should be one of your healthy habits for winter months. It will boost your energy levels and ensure that you’re getting the vitamins and minerals you require. Eating oily fish, broccoli, oranges, whole grains, red peppers, strawberries and other foods high in vitamin C will help to ward off flu and colds. Healthcare professionals advise to limit your intake of fried, fatty and sugary foods as these tend to have little goodness in them. 

2. Drink lots of water

Adults should aim to drink around eight glasses of water per day to keep hydrated. Being hydrated throughout the day keeps your energy levels balanced and reduces the risks of you suffering from migraines and fatigue.

3. Limit smoking and alcohol

Smoking regularly increases the risk of cancer and heart-related problems. If you’re a heavy smoker, cutting down on your consumption will help you to gradually quit. If you’re a social smoker, try weaning yourself off cigarettes or purchasing an e-cigarette to help you quit. 

Consuming large amounts of alcohol is also bad for your health, including increasing your risk of liver damage. Try limiting your alcohol intake to a few glasses throughout the week rather than binge drinking. You could always try creating your own alcohol-free cocktails with fresh fruit juice instead. 

4. Take Vitamin D

Make sure Vitamin D is one of your healthy habits for winter months. In winter our natural Vitamin D supply via the sun is limited due to less sunshine and spending minimal time outdoors. Milk, butter and cod liver oil are all good sources of Vitamin D, however, taking a supplement will boost your levels even more. 

5. Stay active

It may be too cold outside to spend time walking, but that doesn’t mean that you have to quit exercise completely. Instead of using lifts, try taking the stairs instead. You could also try step exercises or a DVD workout at home instead to keep yourself active while indoors.

6. Relax

Stress is one of the main causes of heart attacks, depression, migraines and high blood pressure. Learning to relax will help to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. Even taking half an hour out from your busy schedule will help to improve your health. Try a soothing bath, yoga, meditation, reading a book or listening to music to help you unwind.

7. Be hygienic

Remember to wash your hands regularly or use an anti-bacterial hand gel to limit the contamination of germs, especially if you’re in public places. This will prevent illness from spreading.

These 7 healthy habits for winter months will keep you looking and feeling healthy. However, if you do feel ill and require a home GP in the Costa del Sol, contact Helicopteros Sanitarios. Their professional team are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to deliver the best service for your health needs.