Winter Wellness Tips: Stay Healthy and Energised Through the Cold

Winter Wellness Tips

As winter settles in across India, we face the season’s unique challenges. While the chilly weather brings along much-loved niceties like hot chocolate, warm clothes, and thick blankets, it can also affect our physical and mental health in various ways. From dry skin and weaker immunity to seasonal mood dips, these cold months require special attention to boost immunity in winter. 

No worries though—winter wellness is not just about staying warm and cozy. There are lesser-known tips and natural remedies that can help you stay active, healthy, and vibrant throughout the colder months. In this blog, we’ll explore practical wellness strategies tailored to urban living, from boosting immunity and skin care to managing mental health and incorporating Ayurvedic remedies. 

Physical Health: Stay Active with Simple, Indoor-Friendly Exercises 

Winter can often encourage a relatively more idle lifestyle, especially due to chilly mornings and shorter days. However, staying active is crucial to maintaining your energy levels and supporting your immune system. Here are a few ways to keep moving during winter, even when it’s cold outside: 

1. Morning Sun Salutations

The first rays of sunlight are an excellent source of Vitamin D, which helps improve mood and supports bone health. Soaking in the winter sun is a fantastic way to start the day. Incorporate Surya Namaskar (sun salutations) into your morning routine to stretch your body and let some natural sunlight seep in.

2. Indoor Exercise

If stepping out for a walk or jog feels unappealing in the cold, try bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks in the comfort of your home. These exercises don’t require any equipment and can be done in your living room.

3. Dance Your Way to Fitness

If you prefer something fun and energising, turn on some music and dance! It’s a great way to lift your mood, burn calories, and stay warm on a winter day.

4. Yoga for Flexibility and Strengths

To stay active and maintain consistency, it’s important to mix up your workouts. Cult Fit, available at a discount for Onsurity members, offers diverse options such as swimming, HRX, boxing, dancing, and more! Moreover, monitoring your health for early signs of issues is essential, especially during winter. Onsurity members can enjoy up to 60% off on Health Check-ups, conveniently available from home. 

Mental Health: Combat Seasonal Mood Swings with Unique Strategies 

With shorter days and less sunlight, winter can sometimes take a toll on mental health. A lack of sunlight and increased indoor time can lead to feelings of low energy, sadness, or even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Fortunately, there are unique strategies to boost your mental health during this time. 

1. Harness Light Therapy

2. Cost-Effectiveness

Social isolation can worsen feelings of depression during winter. Make an effort to spend time with family and friends, even if it’s indoors. Hosting a small winter gathering with warm drinks, board games, or a movie marathon can help lift your spirits and keep you connected.

3. Winter Journaling 

Take up winter journaling as a way to reflect on the season. Write down things you’re grateful for or things you love about the colder months, such as hot chai or cozy blankets. Gratitude journaling helps reframe negative thoughts and brings positivity. 

Emotional regulation and mental resilience are especially important during the winter months to maintain a strong and balanced state of mind. With the cold and shorter days, it’s easy for mental health to take a hit.

However, taking proactive steps to care for your mental well-being can improve your overall quality of life. Members of Onsurity can access affordable counseling sessions through our wellness partner, Amaha, offering support during these colder months. 

Nutrition: Eat for Immunity with Seasonal Ingredients 

Winter is a time where you should fortify your body with immunity-boosting foods. It’s also important to keep in mind hydration in winter as your body can be dehydrated. While warm, spicy foods are a natural comfort in Indian winters, some lesser-known ingredients can give you the edge you need to stay healthy through the season.

1. Local Greens Like Mustard and Methi

Mustard greens (sarson ka saag) and fenugreek (methi) are packed with iron, fibre, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to your winter diet. These greens are not only easy to find in Indian markets but also incredibly warming, perfect for soups and curries. 

2. Dry Fruits for Energy

During winter, dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, and cashews can provide a quick energy boost. Rich in healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins, they are perfect for snacking throughout the day. Soaked almonds and walnuts in the morning can help balance your body’s internal heat and keep you energised.

3. Herbal Teas

Kaadha is a popular Ayurvedic remedy made from an assortment of herbs and spices that work together to fight colds and improve immunity. Ingredients like ginger, black pepper, turmeric, and tulsi are used in this warming brew to help combat winter ailments. Drink a cup of kaadha every morning to strengthen your immune system and keep seasonal illnesses at bay.

4. Root Vegetables

Root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets are widely available in winter and should be included in your meals. These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall health and provide essential warmth to your body.

Winter wellness starts with a healthy gut. During the colder months, a balanced diet and mindful eating habits are crucial for supporting both mental and physical health. Here are a few health snacks in winter that are tasty and healthy – warmed & spiced nuts, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted chickpeas, and steamed veggies with hummus. 

Skin Care: Keep Your Skin Hydrated and Healthy  

During the winter months, it’s essential to pay extra attention to your skin, as the cold weather can strip moisture and lead to dryness. Ensuring your skin stays hydrated and protected is crucial for maintaining its health and appearance. 

1. Layering Your Skin Care Products

In winter, your skin requires extra layers of protection. Start with a nourishing cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Follow up with a hydrating serum or essence, and finish with a thick moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

2. Use Humidifiers

3. Protect Your Skin Outdoors

Cold winds and low humidity can damage your skin if it’s left unprotected. Before heading outside, apply a thicker layer of moisturiser, especially on exposed areas like your face, hands, and lips. Additionally, always wear gloves and scarves to shield your skin from the harsh weather. 

All Onsurity members can seek out expert medical advice on how to take care of themselves during winter with their five complimentary teleconsultations with specialist doctors like Dermatologists, Gastroenterologists, Gynaecologists, Paediatricians, General Physicians, etc.

Home Remedies: Solutions for Winter Wellness 

Winter is a time when the body requires extra care and attention to maintain overall well-being. The colder months can affect your immunity, digestion, and energy levels. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to help you stay healthy and energized through the season. 

1. Warm Foods and Herbs

2. Nourish Your Digestive System

Support your digestive health with warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest, such as soups, stews, and cooked grains. Avoid cold and raw foods, which can slow digestion and lead to discomfort. Including digestive herbs like cumin, fennel, and coriander in your meals can also help improve digestion and keep you feeling light and energised.

3. Coconut Oil for Full Body Hydration

Coconut oil works wonders as a winter moisturiser for your body. Apply it after a warm shower to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft. It’s an excellent solution for dry, cracked skin, especially on areas like the elbows and knees.

4. Avoid Hot Showers

While a hot shower might feel comforting in cold weather, it can actually strip the skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water instead, and use a mild, hydrating body wash to avoid drying out your skin.

Health issues can arise unpredictably during winter. Onsurity members can stay prepared for the season’s challenges by adding their family to a monthly health plan with comprehensive coverage and winter wellness benefits. 

Embrace Winter Wellness  

Winter doesn’t have to mean feeling sluggish or unwell. By incorporating these lesser-known wellness tips into your routine, you can stay healthy, energised, and positive throughout the colder months. From Ayurvedic remedies like kaadha and turmeric milk to indoor workouts and immunity-boosting foods, these tips are tailored to urban living in Indian metro cities.  

As with each changing season, it’s important to stay in sync with winter’s unique rhythm, keeping health and wellness at the forefront. So, embrace the season’s unique offerings, prioritise self-care, and enjoy the best of what winter has to offer!