How to boost your health and wellness in winter
Melbourne’s cold, wintery weather has well and truly arrived, and with it comes the need to boost our immune systems and overall wellness.
To help you keep your mind, body and soul nourished all winter long, we’ve put together some helpful, healthful tips.
Keep your body active
While the icy wind and rain may put a dampener on your regular outdoor activities such as your walking group, lawn bowls or golfing, there are plenty of ways to stay active indoors at Applewood. You can swim laps in the heated indoor pool, get your step count up or work up a sweat at the fully-equipped gym, or join in on an indoor fitness class like Tai Chi.
Staying physically active keeps your body warm and increases your blood flow, which enables your white blood cells to circulate faster and fight off infections more effectively. It also helps to boost your mood which is especially beneficial on gloomy days.
Exercise your brain, too!
Your brain requires just as much exercise as your body. There are so many ways you can keep your brain active as you spend more time indoors throughout the winter, such as reading a good book as you snuggle up at home or by the fire in the communal lounge, completing puzzles on your own or with the help of your neighbours, or getting stuck into your favourite hobby. These activities can improve your memory, concentration, and mood to keep you feeling switched on.
Embrace opportunities for sunshine and fresh air
We generally spend more time indoors during the winter months because of the cold, wet weather, but being outside helps to boost our immune system and our mood. While it might not be realistic or healthy to spend hours outside in the rain, it’s certainly essential that we find opportunities to embrace the fresh air and winter sunshine each day. Whether it’s a quick walk while the sun is shining, getting out in the garden for half an hour, or having a coffee in your outdoor area, getting your daily dose of vitamin D is so beneficial. Just be sure to rug up so you stay warm!
Nourish your body from the inside out
During winter we tend to crave hearty meals, which is a sign from our brain and body that we’re in need of warmth and comfort during the cold weather. Luckily, there are many ways you can incorporate nutrient-rich foods into your winter meals. Adding vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and capsicum into your soups and stews is a great way to boost your vitamin intake naturally; while oats, nuts, seeds, and grains provide plenty of fibre to boost the immune system.
An important part of nutrition involves staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which helps your body to dissolve, digest and absorb the nutrients you eat. If the idea of drinking cold water isn’t appealing during winter, try drinking a herbal tea or warm water with a squeeze of lemon and honey.
Stay connected, socially
With spending more time at home comes the tendency to be a little more isolated, so making an effort to stay socially connected in winter is important to boost your mood and mental health. At Applewood, interacting and connecting with others is so easy – you don’t have to leave the village to engage in fun and enriching community activities with your neighbours. Simply head to the Community Centre for a friendly chat, have a laugh at happy hour, or invite your likeminded neighbours over for afternoon tea.
Sleep well
Getting enough sleep is vital all your round, but it’s extra essential in winter because it boosts our immune systems so we can fight off infections commonly associated with cold weather. Healthy sleep also increases our energy levels and eliminates stress hormones.
Practice self-care
The winter months are often linked with negative emotions because the gloomy weather can leave us feeling down. That’s why it’s so important to prioritise and practice the things that bring you joy. Whether it’s taking time out for your favourite hobby, listening to music, talking with your loved ones, or simply relaxing – looking after yourself and your own happiness is essential.
For more tips and insights on enhancing your health and wellness at Applewood, read our blogs: