Six Essential Expert Tips for Winter Wellness

As we prepare for the winter months, the days are growing shorter, the temperature drops, and maintaining health and wellbeing becomes more challenging for many.

This can cause sleep disturbances as changes in daylight disrupt circadian rhythms, increase stress and anxiety as well as increase Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs as the days get shorter.

With this in mind, here are six top tips from nutrition expert Dr Richard Allison, Herbalife Nutritionist and member of the Sport and Exercise Nutritionist Register (SENR), which will help you to keep your mind and body well as we transition into the colder and darker months. 

Keep your body in sync with the season by sticking to a regular schedule. A consistent routine for sleep, meals, and exercise helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which can go a little haywire with shorter days.

Staying active not only keeps you physically fit but also boosts your mood and immune system. This helps counteract the effects of reduced daylight on mood and energy.  Adjust your lifestyle habits to fit the season - such as indoor workouts or cold-weather sport! 

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are your mood-boosting friends this season. They help reduce inflammation and fight off the winter blues, so try and work some of these into your diet. 

Natural light is a powerful mood booster. Get outside during daylight hours to soak in what sun there is! For what the winter sunlight can’t provide, a vitamin D supplement like Herbalife’s Xtra-Cal, can be an effective way to maintain adequate levels!

Feeling stressed or struggling to sleep? Magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and leafy greens help you relax and improve sleep quality, making them a must for colder months.

Vitamin C and zinc are your immune system’s best friends. Load up on citrus fruits, berries, legumes, and nuts to stay strong and fight off seasonal bugs.