Big news from Pennsylvania — our lovely groundhog friend Punxsutawney Phil has decreed we have another six weeks of winter in our future. If the freezing temperatures as of late are any hint for what’s to come, it’s not a bad idea to start bundling up. Of course, for our unavoidable excursions into the cold (garbage day has never seemed more insurmountable), there are a couple of things we can do to stay healthy. 

Bundle Up

First and foremost — stay warm! Obvious, I know, but we’re all a little guilty of leaving behind our gloves and scarves, then regretting it later. The Mayo Clinic recommends layers over one big jacket, so as much as us New Yorkers love our puffer coats, it’s probably a good idea to toss on a sweater or two underneath — and not just to look fashionable to the Y2K lovers out there. Of course, no outfit is complete without fun socks — my favorite pair has strawberries on them — so when you’re dressing for the cold, make sure to bundle up in thick socks and boots too! 

Eat a Balanced Diet

There are also many ways to stay healthy and prepare for the cold within your own home, beginning with your diet. In these cold months, it’s even more important to eat well so you don’t get any of the bugs going around. Nutritionists recommend eating foods that will boost your Vitamin C and Vitamin D levels — especially since we’re not getting very much sunlight this time of year. That means it’s a good idea to incorporate citrusy fruits and vegetables like broccoli, beets, and leafy greens into your diet (these are also full of iron and antioxidants). Vitamin D additionally naturally occurs in eggs and fatty fish like salmon, so a bagel and lox might be just what the doctor ordered. 

Stay Hydrated

In the winter months, no one ever seems to drink enough water, and while yes, it's difficult to remember and not all that pleasant to drink cold water on a cold day, water is vital for your health, and you should be getting at least 8 cups daily. Drinking enough water can also help with those bothersome dry spots on your skin that seem to come back every time it gets cold. So if not for the sake of your health, take it from me, drink water for vanity’s sake! 

Get Plenty of Sleep

While we’re still looking at ways to stay healthy at home, sleep has got to come up. It’s important to get those 8 hours and log some good REM cycles. Sleep recharges you and your immune system, so you’ll be able to fight off nasty bugs. If you have trouble falling asleep, try not to consume large meals, caffeine, or alcohol before bed. 

Exercise

Alright, now that we’ve prepped to brave the cold — we’ve donned our layers, eaten our fill of salmon, lemons, and broccoli, drank 8 cups of water, and gotten 8 hours of sleep (whew, that was a lot), it’s time to exercise. Something as little as a walk around the neighborhood will help improve your mood, stress, and your immune system. Even for just 15 minutes a day, get up, move your body, find the sunlight where you can, and you’ll get great health benefits. Of course, if it’s freezing and the cold is too much to bear, there’s absolutely no shame in home workouts — I got familiar with more than a few regimens myself during 2020. Workout apps and YouTube videos can be a great alternative to outdoor exercise, and you’ll still get the benefits! 

Remember, the end is in sight. I know six weeks seems like a long time (we’re all very disappointed with you, Punxsutawney Phil), but if we stay warm, drink water, eat well, stay rested, and exercise, I’m sure we’ll make it through just fine.