8 Winter Wellness Tips

Winter is a beautiful season filled with cozy moments by the fireplace, snowflakes gently falling outside, and the joy of holiday celebrations. However, the colder weather and shorter days can lead to some unhealthy habits. To help you stay healthy and vibrant throughout this season, we've compiled a list of helpful health and wellness tips for winter to help you stay in shape!

1. Make Healthy Food Choices

It's common to crave comfort food during the winter months - but it's all about balance when it comes to your diet. Opt for nutritious snacks that will satisfy cravings and provide your body energy but contain less fat and added sugar. Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein can help you stay healthy during the colder months. Indulge in hearty soups and stews packed with leafy greens and common root vegetables such as beets and sweet potatoes. When making your food shopping list, think about healthier alternatives to your traditional favourite comfort foods.

2. Stay Hydrated

Now, you might not feel as thirsty during the colder weather, but your body still needs adequate water. Aim to drink enough H2O to equal two-thirds of your body weight in ounces every day. If cold water doesn't appeal to you, sip on warm water or herbal teas. You can also get creative by whipping up mocktails at home. 

On top of maintaining a sufficient water intake, replenishing our bodies' electrolyte levels is also important. Electrolytes support various bodily functions, including digestion, tissue repair nerve and muscle functions.* Even though sweat is less visible in cooler months, it is vital to ensure you’re still adding the electrolytes that are in every Root’d pack into your diet to ensure your body can function optimally.*

3. Manage Dry Skin

In the cold winter temperatures, the air can't only be chilly but also very dry. Cold air and low humidity can cause dry, itchy skin. Protect it by using a humidifier in your room, limiting your time in the shower or bath and applying lotion right after you dry off. You'll also want to wear a lip balm or petroleum jelly to avoid dry flaky lips. Taking supplements with vitamin E and biotin also helps rejuvenate and protect your skin from the inside.

4. Prioritize Sleep

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night give your body the adequate rest time it needs after a challenging time out on a cold winter day. By keeping your wake-up time and bedtime consistent, you will train your circadian rhythm and your body will eventually stick to that schedule, meaning you'll naturally fall asleep when it's time and wake up feeling more energized!

5. Up your Vitamin D Intake

Winter is also a good time to load up on foods with vitamin D since vitamin D levels suffer when there's limited access to sunshine. Foods like mackerel, salmon, tuna, cereals and fortified milk are some the its best sources, but it can sometimes be difficult to meet your daily recommended intake since most foods don't offer enough. A vitamin D supplement can be your best friend during these times, and Root'd has got you covered there, too!

6. Soak Up the Sun

While the availability of sunlight is limited during the winter season, it is important to spend some time outdoors even when it’s cold. Sunlight helps improve your mood by boosting the release of a hormone called serotonin. Exposure to sunlight is especially beneficial to those dealing with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression. Exposure to sunlight also helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which controls your body clock and affects sleep habits.

7. Get Moving

It might be tempting to curl up under a blanket during the coziest time of the year, but regular exercise is vital for both your physical and mental health. Whether it's a brisk walk in the crisp air or a yoga session in the living room, keep your body moving. There are also plenty of winter-specific activities to try such as skiing, skating and snowshoeing to help you burn calories and keep your heart health in check during the winter season.

8. Boost your Immunity

Despite how much COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our world, the seasonal viruses and colds are still at play! During the winter season, it is crucial that you take extra care of your immune system. Taking an immune booster, whether that is getting a flu shot or drinking a daily multivitamin like Root'd, can provide your immune system the extra support it needs this season! 

Takeaway

Winter doesn't have to be a time you simply "survive." By following these 8 winter wellness tips, it can be a season you thrive in. Keeping your immune function robust, staying hydrated, managing your mental health, maintaining heart health, and getting adequate sleep, can help you enjoy the beauty of the season to its fullest. And, with Root'd as your trusty companion, you'll have plenty of reasons to toast to good health, even on the chilliest of days. 

Each packet includes 25 essential vitamins and minerals plus 3X sugar-free electrolytes, 9 superfoods, probiotics and enzymes — ALL the robust nutrition you need to stay healthy. Start this season strong with Root'd! Use code WINTER for 15% off + free shipping on your first order! Shop now!

And, if you don't feel the difference, you're covered by our 100% Love Guarantee. What does that mean? It means that If you don't love Root'd, it's on us!