Winter always creeps in faster than you’d expect. The days shorten, the light changes, and the cold brings all-too-familiar challenges: knees that feel stiffer in the morning, colds and sniffles that now linger for weeks, and a dip in mood that makes even getting a coffee feel heavy. The good news is that you don’t need a full lifestyle overhaul or expensive supplements to make it through the colder months.
Here are a few gentle habits that you can adopt right now to stay healthier, warmer and more comfortable until spring blossoms again.
Stay cosy without driving up the energy bill
Keeping cosy in winter is about being comfortable as you go about daily life. But staying warm also supports circulation, reduces stiffness and makes it less likely that you’ll get sick. A stable environment helps your body maintain energy and stay healthier during colder spells. And you don’t have to put up with sky-high energy bills to do it.
For example, try layering clothes (such as a soft long-sleeve under a jumper) to trap heat. Apply draught excluders along doors to stop cold air leaking across floors, and set heat timers so you only warm the house when you need to. Modern new-build homes often include stronger insulation and energy-efficient features, which can make a big difference to heating costs and also maintain a steady indoor temperature.
Stay active without leaving the house
It’s hard to stay active when it’s so cold outside. But all you really need to reduce joint stiffness and support circulation is a bit of gentle movement. The good news is that you can do this easily at home.
Even five minutes of slow walking around the house while lifting your knees slightly higher than usual can warm the body and ease any tension. And try some chair exercises; they might seem simple, but they’re a great option, and you can do them while watching TV or waiting for the kettle to boil. Regular movement like this will reduce stress and release natural feel-good hormones.
Nutritious foods to help your body cope with winter bugs
The best thing about winter meals is that they don’t need to be complicated to be nourishing. Add nutrient-dense foods to your meals to support immunity and help your body recover more quickly from winter illnesses. For example, make simple soups and stews with vitamin-rich seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips or swede. And hydration is not just for summer – even if you don’t feel as thirsty, keep your fluid levels up with plenty of herbal teas or hot water with lemon.
Mental wellbeing: Simple habits to banish the winter blues
It’s normal to feel a bit low in winter. The long evenings and reduced daylight can make even the most upbeat among us feel those ‘winter blues’. Making it a habit to sit near windows during the brightest part of the day can be a big mood booster. And try some warm lighting to soften the atmosphere in the evenings. Most importantly, keep in touch with friends and family (even if it’s just a quick video call or going over for a cup of tea) to maintain connection and routine.
Small daily actions for a manageable winter
Winter can feel restrictive and difficult at times. But with just a few small actions (staying warm, moving gently, eating well and caring for your mental health), the season is much easier to navigate. And if you live in a new home with good insulation or smart heating features, you’ll find it easier to create a warm and comfortable environment through the coldest months.
Image Credit: depositphotos.com
