The winter season, with its frost-kissed windows and chilly winds, has its own allure, but it also brings a desire for comfort, warmth, and togetherness.
While we appreciate the beauty of winter, keeping warm becomes our main focus, we also want to avoid the “bugs” that come with the chill - cold and flu. With the right mindset, knowledge and routines, you can turn winter's cold into a cozy embrace.
And, for those of you looking to stay a step ahead in maintaining your health this season, you'll want to check out our comprehensive guide to weathering the cold and flu season, packed full of health-boosting insights. Learn more here!
Bundle up for warmth: keeping yourself warm
Ready to conquer the cold? We've got you covered! Here are some ways you can bundle up and stay warm!
- Layer up: Trap body heat with layers.
- Outer layer magic: Choose water and wind-resistant materials.
- Embrace the cozy: Opt for wool or fleece inner layers.
- Scarf it up: Wrap yourself in a thick-knitted scarf.
- Beanie bliss: Keep your head warm with a snug beanie.
- Glove game strong: Protect your hands with thermal gloves.
- Sock sensation: Invest in insulated socks for comfort.
- Conquer winter: Stay warm and stylish on your winter adventures.
Your warm sanctuary: tips for keeping warm inside
There's nothing quite like staying warm and cozy within the four walls of your home when it's snowing outside. A well-heated room, a comfy couch, a fluffy throw blanket and your favourite Netflix series is the preferred way of spending winter for 75% of our MedAdvisor community. And remember, few things can banish the winter chill like a hot, steamy shower!
Embracing the cold: keeping warm while outside
While winter might push us towards indoor comforts, there's much to enjoy in the outdoor winter wonderland, regardless of where you are in the world. According to our MedAdvisor respondents, half love to ice-skate, while a quarter enjoy snowboarding. When you're braving the cold, remember to seek out sunny spots, shield yourself from biting winds, and make sure your outer layer is wind-proof!
Warming up the winter nights: how to keep warm at night
When the night draws in and temperatures plunge, your bed should be a warm, inviting haven. Opt for warmer bedding materials – swap out your cotton sheets for flannelette ones. Hot water bottles, electric blankets (make sure they are new and not damaged!), and heating pads can be excellent bed warmers. A fluffy, high-tog duvet or quilt can provide the much-needed warmth, and don't underestimate the power of thermal pajamas in fending off the night chill.
Warming tricks up your sleeve: other tips to keeping warm during winter
While the previous tips focus primarily on layering and heating methods, there are numerous other lifestyle choices and strategies that can further boost your warmth throughout winter.
Warming from within: enjoying hot foods & beverages
The right food in winter can make all the difference! Think of it as internal heating - hot foods and beverages that raise your body temperature from the inside. A steaming cup of your favourite beverage can be an immediate remedy to the winter chill. In a recent survey of our MedAdvisor community, a comforting cup of hot chocolate was the most favoured choice of 50% of respondents as a warming winter drink. Yum!
Hearty, hot meals play a vital role too. Consider filling, warm dishes like stews and soups that slowly simmer away on the stove, releasing a warmth that fills your kitchen and tantalises your senses even before you take your first bite. They’re also often loaded with immune-boosting ingredients that can help you stay fit and healthy throughout the winter. Our MedAdvisor community vouches for this, a warm apple pie being voted as the favourite winter comfort food!
Heat it up: the benefit of staying active
As the temperature drops, our instinct is to hunker down, wrap up, and limit our activity. Yet, staying active during the winter is one of the most effective ways to raise our body temperature. Exercise increases our heart rate, pumping warm blood around our bodies and helping us to generate and maintain our internal body heat.
There are numerous ways to incorporate exercise into your winter routine, some of them are:
- Go for a walk in the sun (remember to bundle up in warm clothes!)
- Head to the gym or indoor heated pool!
- Embrace the snow and go ice skating or snowboarding (our community loves this option)
Be prepared & stay warm with MedAdvisor
Let's not forget that winter often brings with it some unwanted guests - colds and the flu. During these times, MedAdvisor is here to ensure you have one less thing to worry about.
Our user-friendly medication management app is designed to streamline your medication routine, helping you keep track of your medications and organise your refills, even when you're under the weather. Get organised this winter here!
To stay ahead of the game as the cold and flu season approaches, you can also book in your flu vaccination with ease on our app! Easily book your vaccination here.
The chill of winter is a given, but how we choose to deal with it is in our hands. With the right approach, we can enjoy the best the season has to offer, remaining warm, healthy and comfortable. Here's to a snug and delightful winter!
Try for yourself & download the app for free today!