Winter Wellness

In December Retail Trust are talking about Winter Wellness. Looking after your health and wellbeing can be much more challenging in winter. So, it’s time to be kind to yourself and take a look at their wellbeing guide. From eating well and staying active to boosting your mood and coping with seasonal stressors, looking after you is important, and the Retail Trust are here to help.

Here is an extract from The A to Z of winter wellness.

Avoid too much comfort food
Many studies show it’s a normal urge to want to eat more in winter (mainly linked to it being darker and colder) the trick is to switch the heavy-on-the-carb rich winter favourites for simpler grilled meat and vegetables every so often. Basically, think summer BBQs a few times a week. Or try some healthier food switch-outs, like choosing wholegrain pasta over white, it’s more nutrient dense and higher in fibre so fills you up for longer.

Boost your immune system
With around 70% of your immune system housed in the gut, belly bacteria are key to keeping healthy when more common illnesses are circulating. You’ve all seen probiotics in the form of yoghurty drinks, but they’re also available in tablet form, fermented vegetables such as kimchi, and ‘live’ yoghurt.

Close your windows at night
Contrary to popular belief, night time – especially in winter – is not the time for some fresh air. Instead, the NHS recommends keeping your windows closed to reduce the chance of illness and have your bedroom at 18 degrees Celsius.

Don’t be SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder is officially a thing, affecting around one in fifteen of us. But it can be treated. Getting as much daylight as possible, exercising and eating healthily can all help, but if you’re feeling particularly tired and lethargic, don’t suffer alone – see your GP.

Exercise more
Obvious to say, much harder to do when it’s cold and gloomy outside. However you like to exercise, don’t use winter as an excuse not to get your recommended 150 minutes a week. Top tip: try exercising in late afternoon – it doesn’t have to be an intensive HIIT class, a brisk thirty minute walk will do it – it’s been shown to reduce early-evening fatigue and help you sleep.

To find out what the other 21 tips are for this winter, or to read other exclusive content on topics such as how to feel less lonely this Christmas or seven tips to stop you feeling overwhelmed this Christmas don’t forget to log into the Retail Trust website using your CRA membership access.

28/11/2024 18:37