6 Tips for Winter Wellbeing

Want to give yourself the best chance of staying healthy during the colder months? Here are a few things you can do to boost your wellbeing this winter.

So, the cold, wet, windy, snowy season is well and truly upon us. The winter weather can really take a toll on our physical and mental wellbeing. So, how can you keep the winter blues and sniffles at bay, especially in the run up to Christmas? Here are a few top tips on how to stay well this winter.

1. Get your vaccinations

Having your flu jab could help you avoid getting ill – not just with the flu, but with other conditions that can stem from the flu virus. People over 65, some carers and others who have certain medical conditions (like asthma) are entitled to a free flu jab. The pneumonia vaccine is also available to over 65s or people with some long-term health problems. Ask your local surgery for more information.

2. Keep your home cosy

Staying warm will help stave off those winter illnesses. Indoors, it’s best not to let the temperature dip below 18C if possible. As well as setting your thermostat to the right temperature, it’s a good idea to try and keep the heat in by using draught excluders and drawing the curtains. If you’re older, you may be entitled to claim a Winter Fuel Payment. In the event of a severe cold snap, you might also meet the criteria for a Cold Weather Payment. It’s also a good idea to get your boiler checked and a carbon monoxide detector fitted if you haven’t already.

3. Be careful out there

Although it’s important for your health to get out of a centrally heated house and enjoy some fresh air and natural daylight, be careful! If it’s particularly cold, windy or icy, it might be better to stay at home to avoid catching a chill or slipping on icy pavements. When you do get a change to venture out, wrapping up warm is a must, especially your extremities. So, as well as wearing that cosy winter coat, always remember your scarf, hat and gloves.

4. Eat well

Eating a healthy diet is really important for keeping your immune system strong and helping your body fight off all the nasty winter bugs out there. Getting enough of the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy could make a big difference to staying healthy over the winter months. Trying a Mediterranean Diet is a good place to start. Vitamin supplements can also be useful.

5. Think about hygiene

Germs are everywhere. While they’re obviously not all harmful to us, they’re easy to pick up and spread if you’re not paying attention to hygiene. Try to avoid people who have colds or sickness bugs, like the dreaded norovirus. And if you get the sniffles yourself, make sure you sneeze into a tissue, discard it and then wash your hands so you reduce the chances of passing it to others. Washing your hands properly is really important, particularly before preparing food or after doing things like handling money, shaking hands or blowing your nose.

6. Don’t forget about your mental health

The short days, long nights and lack of sunlight can be a bit of a downer during the great British winter, so it’s really important to take care of your mental as well as your physical wellbeing. Try and get as much natural sunlight as possible or perhaps try a daylight lamp if you think you might have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If bad weather makes it more difficult to venture out, try keeping in touch with others by phone or online. Or maybe get back into that favourite hobby you haven’t done for a while. Staying connected and occupied will help you fight off the winter blues.

If you think you or someone you know could use a bit more support to stay living safely at home, we can help. Just call our Bluebird Care Clapham and Streatham team on 0208 677 6665 or email us at claphamandstreatham@bluebirdcare.co.uk to find out more about our daily homecare and live-in care services.