1. Be kind to the person you kiss. Lips get dry in winter. It is the thinnest skin on your body and has few oil glands that provide natural moisture. Lip balm can also be helpful, but you need to choose wisely. Some products contain ingredients such as salicylic acid that can dry out your lips and create a vicious cycle.
Choose a petroleum-based balm (even good old Vaseline) with minimal ingredients.
“For people who want to avoid oil, I love the ones with beeswax and shea butter,” says Sarvenaz Zand, a dermatologist in Mill Valley, California. While it’s wise to use lip balm along with sunscreen in the summer, you may want to avoid it. Because it can irritate sensitive lips in the winter, she says.
“Remember to use lip balm twice a day,” Zand added. For severe chapped lips, she recommends trying an over-the-counter ointment containing hydrocortisone.
2. Plan more potlucks. You can find excuses to isolate because the coronavirus is lingering and you still have to get your end of the year work done, but resisting will save your heart and your brain. It could also help counter the loneliness epidemic that threatens the health of Americans.
If you don’t like the virus, find a park with a fire pit and set aside some time on a Sunday afternoon. If you’re feeling more ambitious, start a book club and make gatherings a regular thing. Give gentle advice to your friends about what to bring, especially if they’re adolescents, and don’t forget about friends who may be under the weather in the holiday blues. “The data still shows that depression and anxiety are on the rise in that age group,” said psychologist Tamar Mendelsohn, director of the Center for Adolescent Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. and talk.
Altruism doesn’t just help the target;be Ever-increasing research content It suggests that it could make you happier and perhaps even healthier. “It can be something really small, like sending an extra email or calling to check in,” Mendelsohn says. “Everything is helpful.”
3. Snow moth sample. Yes, that’s yoga in the snow. It’s obviously not for everyone, but it’s a new route to combating the tendency to eat vegetables in the colder months. study after study We know that people move around more in warm weather and become more sedentary in winter. But fresh air and exercise, like a walk in the winter air or a snowy day, can benefit your body and mood.Its followers include Giwyneth Paltrow.
I don’t want to do this barefoot. Skip the sheer leggings and enjoy snow regalia with gloves, scarves, and boots. Yoga instructors warn that now is not the time to test your limits. more fragile In cold weather. Afterwards, be sure to include some stretching indoors.
4. Groom your dog. Furry pets attract dust. In winter, they may also be tracked through snow or mud. Veterinarians recommend washing your dog at least once a month. You can also leave . Thick towels at the door Don’t forget to clean your feet.
While you’re at it, it’s time to: dust inventory Prepare your home environment to avoid the risk of indoor allergies and asthma. In winter, when the windows are closed, the dust inside the room gets worse. Is it time to replace your HVAC filter? The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology also recommends: Protect your bedding from dust mites Wash sheets, blankets, and pillowcases once a week in hot water and use special dust-mite-proof zippered cases for pillows if necessary.
5.Enjoy your mindful mug. If you want to go full tilt HyggeSit back and relax in your flannel pajamas and slippers. hot chocolate meditation. Winter can be tough, but for 20 minutes and with minimal cash outlay, you can stop and smell the cocoa while staying hydrated.
Breathe deeply through your nose, taking in the aroma of hot chocolate. Exhale through your mouth to cool it down and focus on where the chocolate lands on your taste buds. (Peppermint tea or a hearty soup can also help.) If sipping doesn’t appeal to you, just imagining drinking that hot beverage can have some benefits, say mindfulness teachers. says.
When it comes to hydration, be sure to drink plenty of water. The American Heart Association recommends that Women drink eight 8-ounce glasses each day, and men drink 12 8-ounce glasses each day.
Plus, when the air is dry, a humidifier can help your skin and respiratory system. mayo clinic. Remember that the gizmo requires maintenance such as cleaning every 3 days to avoid mold and bacteria.
6. Prevents bacteria. Get a flu shot. flu season Peak from December to February, it’s about time. While working, remember to wash your hands to prevent infection. For those who need a refresher, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Convenient online demo About best practices. Of course, don’t forget to apply moisturizer after washing your face. When the skin becomes dry and cracked, it becomes easier for bacteria to enter the body. The American Academy of Dermatology Association states:.
Additionally, don’t forget to stay on top of your vitamin D intake. Vitamin D is produced in the skin after exposure to sunlight and can decrease as the days get shorter and we spend more time indoors. Vitamin D isn’t just good for your bones. It also helps fight infections. Be sure to eat foods high in vitamin D, such as oily fish (such as tuna and sardines), and ask your doctor about taking supplements to ensure you get at least 600 IU per day.
Also, for a worthwhile supplement, ask your doctor about curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, as a winter immune system restorer. An ancient Indian herb that gives curry its tangy yellow color. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. However, it can interact with some medications, so it’s important to get your doctor’s advice before taking it completely.
7. Upgrade your shoes. Take the risk of falls as seriously as your doctor would. The CDC warns that millions of people, especially those over 65, fall each year, and the risk increases significantly in the winter. One in every five of his falls resulted in: fractures or head injuries.
Experts recommend rubber soles to prevent slipping in winter. Choose shoes or boots with linings that are waterproof and keep you warm. For snowy days, consider slip-on cleats. Make sure your footwear is snug. There should be enough room for thick socks. If you can’t live without your Jimmy Choo, why not carry it in your bag so you can change into it when you get to your destination?