Health & Wellbeing

Winter Wellness: Essential Tips for Cold Weather Health

May 01, 2024

As the temperature drops and the frost appears, it is clear winter is on its way. While cozying up with a warm drink in front of the fire is one perk of the colder months, unfortunately, the darker, chillier days also come with some challenges. Read along to learn about winter wellness tips this coming season.

Skin Care

Cold weather and low humidity can lead to dry, cracked skin which can become itchy and uncomfortable.
To keep your skin hydrated, you need to be hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water; the amount of water you should be consuming depends on many factors such as age, activity levels, gender, and your environment, however, males need roughly 2.6 liters of fluids a day and females need roughly 2.1 liters of fluids a day. Staying hydrated also helps to support the immune system which is vital during cold and flu season.
Skincare products are another great way to treat your skin and look after it during winter. Use a moisturiser regularly to keep your skin hydrated. Low humidity may call for you to opt for a more moisturising product than what you would use in summer. Moisturisers containing urea are great at both hydrating the skin as well as sloughing off any dry skin cells which will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. It is also important to still apply sunscreen every day, as even if the days seem darker UV rays in winter can still damage your skin.

Exercise

Exercise is great for general health no matter the season, however, it can be harder to motivate yourself to get moving when it’s chilly outside. Try to find ways to stay active despite the colder weather, such as switching to an indoor workout, trying a new sport, or getting outside for a quick walk. Staying active can help improve your mood and energy levels. One recommendation we have is to layer up before you head outside for some outdoor activities. Instead of throwing on the biggest coat you own, try layering a thermal under a long shirt and a light jacket. This will allow for greater mobility as you’re not wearing bulky clothing and greater warmth as layers of air get trapped between the clothing and act as insulation.

Stay Connected

Mental health is an important factor in overall wellness. As we tend to stay indoors over the winter months, winter can sometimes feel isolating, so it is important to try to stay connected with friends and loved ones. Schedule regular virtual hangouts, phone calls, or outdoor activities to maintain social connections and support each other's mental health. Getting outside together can help not only with movement and connection, but exposure to the light can also help to reset your circadian rhythm for a good night's rest.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is also more prevalent during this time and can take a toll on your well-being. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms which can include persistent depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, agitation, anxiety, changes in your eating and/or sleeping habits, or increased fatigue, reach out to your friends, family, Doctor, or other health professionals for help. If you need someone to talk to, click here for New Zealand helplines.

Summary

Understanding the challenges of winter before they are upon us can help us to better prepare for the colder months. Drink plenty of water, get your skincare routine in place, find some forms of exercise you enjoy and can adapt to chillier temperatures, and plan some activities with friends to get your winter wellness in check!