Have the winter blahs hit you yet? 

Sometimes when the temperature changes drastically people get sick. When the weather is snowy, rainy, and/or cold we tend to stay inside more.  Here are a few tips on how to stay healthy in the winter…

1. Eat your fruits and veggies

Eating foods that are high in vitamin C will help keep your immune system strong, so include fruit and veggies such as lemons, kiwifruit, and broccoli to get the recommended two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables each day.

2. Drink plenty of water

Water helps the body carry nutrients to cells and get rid of toxins. Without enough water, you start dragging.

3. Exercise regularly

A moderate level of regular exercise has a long-term cumulative effect on immune response.  But don't go overboard. Overly strenuous exercise releases the stress hormone, cortisol, in the body, which can weaken the immune system.

4. Clean Hands

Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness.

5. Get some sunlight (vitamin D)

Go outside whenever there is a sunny day. About 10 to 15 minutes in the sun is a good mood-lifter.

6. Stay connected

Socializing helps strengthen your immune system by keeping you active and reducing your stress levels.

7. Get a massage

Massage has been shown to improve immune function and energy levels.

8. Sleep well

Lack of sleep can have a serious effect on your immune system, making you more vulnerable to becoming ill. Most experts recommend seven to nine hours per night.

As we look at the list above, the real key to developing these habits is…SELF-DISCIPLINE.

So how do we develop this self-discipline? It starts with awareness of what we are doing today. Turn the above list into a checklist that you can use throughout the day, and then evaluate your progress at the end of each day and each week. Are you seeing improvements in the number of checkmarks or Yeses? Include any comments in your checklist as you reflect on your daily review.

John Maxwell says “Everything worthwhile is uphill, all the way. The problem is we have downhill habits.”

Start developing your uphill habits today!

Feel free to use this checklist...