Self-care in winter

Skin and hair disease prevention

Dry winter air can cause dry, flaky, and chapped skin. Chapped lips and feet. Soaps containing glycerin, petroleum jelly, lanolin, vitamin E oil, milk, or honey can help retain moisture in the skin. Research has shown that adding baking soda to bathwater can help relieve itching.

Drinking plenty of water is also good for your skin. And don't forget to use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect your skin from UV rays, especially on sunny days. Winter air can take a toll on your hair. Dry scalp causes flaking, which can lead to infections or dandruff. Hair tends to become brittle and break easily. Scratching and picking at the scalp can cause bruising on the scalp. Experts recommend washing your hair twice a week using a mild shampoo in warm water. Eating foods rich in protein, vitamins A, B1 and B12 helps improve skin and hair health. Consuming plenty of antioxidant foods helps form protective mechanisms in the body and slows down the aging process.

Prevent allergies and colds

Cold weather, along with allergens, can trigger or aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions such as colds, coughs, bronchitis, or irritants such as dust, dust mites, pet dander, smoke, gas, etc. You are more likely to catch a cold, cough, aches or fevers. Cold air can also cause headaches. Pain relievers can help relieve the pain. The best way to prevent winter headaches is to protect your head and ears from cold air. Dry winter air can irritate your nose and throat, causing a sore throat or pharyngitis.

A dry, sore throat and painful swallowing can be miserable. Unresolved common colds can even lead to sinusitis, inflammation and nasal infections. Dry throats and bronchitis are common during this season and can be irritating. Colds usually clear up on their own. However, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help clear nasal passages and relieve pain. Antihistamines can help with coughs caused by allergies. Cough syrups, decongestant sprays etc. can help relieve symptoms. Salt water gargles, throat lozenges, drinking plain warm water or mixed with honey and lemon are also beneficial.

There are certain foods that can help you overcome colds and coughs easily. Spicy foods can be a remedy for nasal congestion. Sipping a bowl of hot soup with pepper can clear sinuses. Hot tea can clear a throat in addition to relieving nasal congestion. Scientists have studied chicken soup and found that it helps relieve cold and flu symptoms. Chicken broth helps relieve nasal congestion when you have flu symptoms: cough, cold, and fever.

Use vitamin C, an antioxidant found in citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, green peppers, radishes, apples, guavas, potatoes, etc. to help boost your immune system. When you have a cold, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Get plenty of rest and reduce the risk of spreading the disease to others.

Maintain a good mood

Winter depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder, can leave you feeling down, depressed, and sleepy all day. You may feel lonely and crave carbs. Severe cases may require antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy, and artificial light therapy. To avoid this, creating hobbies and pursuits, staying busy, and exercising can also help.

Boost your health in winter

Avoid fried foods, pastries, and sweets. Instead, eat hot soups, vegetables, fruits, nuts, protein-rich foods, and plenty of fluids like hot chocolate, herbal teas, green teas, broths, fruit juices, and smoothies that are not too cold.

Consume complex carbohydrates found in potatoes, pasta, and brown rice to increase serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain that improves mood. Get good sleep. Control your room temperature and use a humidifier. Aerobic exercise, walking, jogging, and yoga can help you stay in shape. Arthritis can flare up in the elderly during this season. So they need to stay warm, wear sweaters, scarves, and woolen hats. Children also need to stay warm. Try not to get stressed during winter as stress can weaken the immune system.