Ways To Stay Healthy

Regular exercise, eating well and drinking plenty of water can help you stay healthy and fight off dreaded seasonal bugs. Here are 6 simple tips.

The season of colds and flu is well under way. Maybe it’s the lack of sunshine, the freezing cold temperatures or the dampness. Whatever the cause, winter is the season in which we are more likely to fall ill than at any other time of year. In fact, employees are more likely to call in sick to work in the winter months than at any other time of year. So how can you avoid the dreaded winter bugs and manage to stay healthy? Check out our top tips below.

Eat Well

It’s tempting to reach for those comfort foods – usually high in salt, sugar and additives during the long, grey winter months. But while these might lift your mood momentarily, in the long run they lead to ill health.

Instead load up on wholesome healthy nourishment. Think homemade soups, hearty stews and lots and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Super foods such as sweet potato, spinach, beetroot, kiwis, mandarins, bananas, garlic and ginger offer great supplies of nutrients and minerals to keep you healthy.

Boost your Immune System

It’s important to take care of our health throughout the year.

Boost your immune system by loading up on vitamin and mineral supplements. Those containing Echinacea, garlic, vitamin C and zinc will help to support a healthy immune function.

Exercise

We know it’s tempting to skip the gym at this time of year or opt out of your usual cycle to work when it’s freezing cold and raining. But unfortunately by not exercising you lower your immune system leaving you open to getting ill. Exercise not only lessens your chance of suffering heart disease, a stroke or high blood pressure, it also improves your circulation.

Get Enough Sleep

Never under estimate the power of sleep. The average adult needs eight hours a night and not enough sleep will only have a negative effect on your health. Sleep is particularly important at this time of year when your body is more vulnerable to colds and flus.

Regular, moderate exercise, relaxation techniques and establishing a regular sleep routine may help to promote improved sleep. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes as these substances can affect the quality of your sleep.

Improve your Circulation

Our circulation suffers as the temperature drops during this time of year. Our hands and feet are at the extremities of our bodies which means they are the furthest from the heart which is pumping blood around our body to help keep us warm. While exercise and wearing the right clothes will help to improve circulation to an extent, the right herbs and supplements can also be beneficial. Try Vitamin E and the herb Ginkgo help to support peripheral blood circulation.

Stay Hydrated

You might not feel like drinking water when the weather is cold outside, but we need adequate amounts of water just as much in winter as any other time of year. Water is essential to keep our bodies functioning normally.

Aim for about two litres per day. If you struggle with plain water try herbal tea or add a squeeze of lemon or lime to make it more palatable.

Avoid Bugs

It might sound obvious but by practicing simple hygiene you can limit the likelihood of contracting an illness.

Wash or sanitise your hands regularly and avoid close contact with someone who has a cold. Keep household and work desk surfaces clean at all times.

Need advice on getting life insurance?

No matter how much you care for your health however, it’s important to ensure you are protected should something happen. AIB offer a range of life Insurance plans to protect your loved ones. Find out more online today.

You can also get in touch with us on social media @AIBIreland or Facebook.

Protection products are provided by Irish Life Assurance plc.

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