At Phillip Island Massage Therapy we take health and well being very seriously and when it comes to your health and staying healthy it can be made very simple by following our top five health recommendations.
Each of these healthy steps are quite easy to follow and it might take a little bit dedication to begin with but once you get into a habit of following these steps you will be on your way to feeling healthier and energetic through these colder winter months!
1. Get plenty of sleep!
Staying up really late with very early starts or irregular sleep can lead to sleep deprivation. Having sleep deprivation and stress increases production of the cortisol hormone which can suppress healthy function of the immune system. So make it a habit to be in bed early at the same time every night and you are getting approximately eight hours of sleep so you are feeling recharged the next morning.
2. Get some fresh air!
As hard as it is getting outside when its cold you should still get some fresh air outside as it has been proven to increase your immunity but also great for your mood which helps if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Staying inside most of winter may affect your immunity, making you more susceptible to colds so get outdoors and get some fresh air!
3. Get exercising!
We all know that regular exercise is good for our overall health. It helps maintain our weight and our waistlines and also helps us feel great and protect us from various illnesses. Regular physical activity can improve our immune system by improving circulation which helps healthy cells to move more freely throughout the body. Incorporating walking, running or cycling will increase your fitness and your body’s ability to fight against illnesses.
4. Drink more water!
As the cooler months approach you may feel that you may not need as much water to maintain hydration. However that is incorrect. In winter you should be drinking more fluids. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day especially if you have a cold or flu.
5. Cook Healthy!
Fresh, seasonal ingredients are nature’s medicine cabinet for boosting your immunity especially during the winter season. If you’re getting sick frequently or need a healthy kick, then add these immune boosting foods to your pantry: green leafy vegetables such as kale, celery, spinach and super fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, kiwifruit, mandarins and oranges.