When that northern gust threatens to sweep us off our feet, and when half our colleagues are on sick leave to the flu, we know it can only mean one thing: winter is approaching.
Winter always seems to come with its own unpleasant companions – disease, depression, and exhaustion- which all work to drag down your physical as well as psychological wellbeing. In order to keep winter‚s evil minions at bay this year, we have searched the globe for some of the best bits of advice and compiled them in one place for you. While every household has their own remedies to the flu, grandma‚s chicken soup does have a tendency to get rather dull, so here is what the experts have to say:
Your Nutritionist says: Carbs, carbs, carbs! Forget Atkins and all these low-carb diets – your body needs carbohydrates in order to produce the energy you need to keep warm in the winter. Of course, eat in moderation: the key to a healthy body is to eat quality food (whole foods, starch, veggies, and protein) in the right quantities.
Your GP says: Build up your defences in as many ways as you can. One of the ways you can do this is by getting the flu jab. Modern medicine is a wonderful way of tacking long-existing illnesses. Other ways to boost your immune system are to take vitamin tablets and to get plenty of rest. A few extra hours of sleep a night will also increase your chances of staying healthy, doing miracles for your mind as well as your body. Also get some extra nutrients in addition to your daily meals, such as Zinc, Iron, and Vitamin C, will help strengthen your defences against the inevitable flues and sniffles that come knocking at your door at this time of year.
Your Osteopath says: Get a soothing deep-massage to loosen up your joints and muscle and stimulate the blood flood. Acupressure and acupuncture are also great alternative practices which help balance the energy in your body and help it recuperate from any unwanted pains or illnesses. Many forms of muscularskeletal manipulation will tackle your ailments at the root of the problem. Don‚t just treat the symptoms; treat the underlying causes of the problem.
Your Psychologist says: Many of my clients suffer from seasonal depression. This is primarily caused by a lack of sunlight during the winter months – you won‚t believe the positive impact light has on your mood, as well as your body. Go on a vacation this winter, to a place where you can get plenty of sunlight, exercise, and peace. The French Alps or Spain are excellent destinations.
Now that you are armed with these expert perspectives on how to stay healthy, you are ready to face the challenges of winter head-on and, come spring, you‚ll resurface as being as strong as you did going in.
The content of this page is informed by feedback from osteopathic practitioners in Kent and also practices in Leeds. Further input was received from a practitioner in Luton and osteopaths in the Covent Garden area. Finally a contribution was made by clinics in Derby.