Human body, like that of all biological beings, reacts to adverse environmental conditions with the decline in vitality that is manifested in psychological and physiological aspects. Doctors have told about the best ways to adapt our body for winter and cope with stress – physical and mental.
1. Sleep More
In particular, experts believe that the standard time needed for sleep must be changed in winter period. In cold weather, it is important to get enough rest, and the best way to do it is to go to bed early – at least an hour before midnight (falling asleep before midnight gives a greater positive effect than after it). In winter, it is generally more useful to increase the period of sleep by an hour or an hour and a half.
2. Search for Light
Doctors advise seeking additional sources of light around you. More light can be obtained from daily walks, solarium, daylight bulbs, and even the movies, which take place outdoors in the southern countries.
3. Positive Emotions
It is important to maintain confidence and positive emotions because they maintain your composure and give you an opportunity to find new sources of strength.
4. Healthy Nutrition
Another important factor of wellness in winter is proper nutrition. For example, at this time of year, it is not forbidden but rather encouraged to eat meat and meat offal. It is most useful to eat boiled or baked meat with lots of greenery – such a dish contains more proteins, vitamins, and minerals and contains much energy. As for meat offal – liver and kidneys, – they have a lot of choline, a substance that improves the response and the performance of nerve cells.
Doctors believe that the winter diet must include products containing trace elements such as copper, selenium and zinc – essential for high tone. In case of shortage of these substances a person becomes sluggish, thinks slowly, and gets easily influenced by infections and diseases. Copper is found in liver and eggs; zinc – in hard cheeses, crab, shrimp, nuts, seeds; selenium – in broccoli and seafood.
High levels of group B vitamins and vitamin E are of great importance for the organism in winter. Vitamin B is contained in many cereal grains. Along with folic acid, which is also part of whole grains, they provide high activity of muscle and nerve cells. Vitamin E is found in most vegetable oils, nuts, and wheat germ.
A tired body can rely on the help of plant food – adaptogens that increase the resistance of cells to adverse environmental conditions. Traditional adaptogens include Manchurian Aralia, Rhodiola rosea, Lemongrass, Leuzea, Eleutherococcus, Ginseng. Experts advise using them in cases of fatigue, season changes, increased stress, and strictly in accordance with the prescription information. It is important to remember that inappropriate use of these medications can harm your health.
5. Physical Activity
Doctors also remind that it is very important not to reduce the level of usual physical activity in winter. This time of year, we tend to hibernate like animals. Many experts believe that we should force ourselves to move one and a half to two times more than usual – this is the only way to avoid the accumulation of body fat, which is characteristic of winter. To move more, you should choose the kind of activity, which is easier and brings more positive emotions. For example, this can be a swimming pool, dancing or yoga. The most important thing is to make such studies regular – at least 2-3 times a week.
