5 Ways to Stay Healthy This Winter

With so much to look forward to during the winter, from holidays with family to outdoor activities, like skiing and snowboarding, the last thing you want is to be stuck in bed with a cold. And while there’s no magic solution to keep you protected from illness, making sure your diet, exercise, and other daily habits align can keep you healthy and present this winter.

Here are five easy ways to stay healthy this winter based on our holistic chiropractic care method:

1. Wash Your Hands & Mask Up

Every day, you come in contact with millions of germs on various surfaces, so we can’t overstate the importance of washing your hands frequently and thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap and warm water. Keep hand sanitizer nearby for those times when you’re not able to wash up properly.

And don’t forget your mask! Not only do face coverings keep you protected, but they also help those around you by containing your germs, especially because you never know when you may be coming down with a cold.

2. Eat & Drink Well

Wintertime is well-known for all its delicious holiday meals. It’s completely acceptable to indulge on these special occasions. However, you should try to maintain balance by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats when you’re not at a social gathering. These foods contain zinc and antioxidant-rich vitamins C, D, A, and E to support your immune system and keep you energized.

You should also ensure that you’re drinking at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day. Water keeps your body functioning properly and helps flush out toxins that could make you feel ill. Keep a water bottle handy, so you can be sure you always have it when you need it.

3. Keep Active

Although the cooler temps make you want to cozy up on the couch, try to remain active, whether through daily walks, exercise videos in the family room, or a workout at the gym. Exercise not only decreases stress and anxiety, both of which reduce your ability to fight off infection, but all the deep breathing also opens your airways to clear the lungs of harmful bacteria.

4. Get Enough Rest

Sleep gives your body time to recharge and repair itself. During your slumber, you produce compounds that fight off infection and lower inflammation. Despite the late-night cooking, shopping, and wrapping that is common during this time of year, you should still aim for at least 7 hours each night.

Are you experiencing trouble sleeping due to pain or stress? Address the cause of your pain- or stress-induced insomnia with chiropractic care and massage. Spinal adjustments can offer continued pain relief, and massage therapy encourages relaxation, which can make getting to sleep even easier in the days following your session.

5. Stay Relaxed & Aligned with Chiropractic & Massage

Chiropractic care is a holistic treatment option that includes all the aspects mentioned above, as well as hands-on treatments like adjustments. When your spine is out of alignment, your brain cannot properly communicate with the rest of your body, and the immune system is compromised. By restoring alignment and removing pressure off of the nerves, chiropractic care optimizes communication between the brain and body.

Likewise, chronic pain puts your body in a constant fight-or-flight state, which means it can’t focus on stopping infection. By addressing your discomfort, chiropractic care and massage allow your body to focus all its energy and resources on healing.

Plus, massage therapy can increase blood circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system, which carries white blood cells and other elements that fight off infection. The techniques used during massage also release tension and toxins that may be causing you to feel ill (just be sure to flush them out with lots of water after your appointment). Our massage therapists in Bend are the best for helping you to relax as well as relieving muscle tension and pain.

Staying healthy this winter boils down to making sure your body is functioning at its best and able to fight off illness quickly and effectively. Visit the best chiropractors in Bend, Total Body Chiropractic & Massage, for a wellness check-up to ensure your body is aligned and ready to keep you on your feet this season.