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Winter is a season for cozying up in front of a fireplace, for taking it a little slower, and, for many of us, letting our healthy routines get a little lax. It’s easy when the weather outside is frightful, to stay indoors and eat delicious treats. It’s also a time of slipping on ice and catching colds, so here are some essential tips for making it through this winter season.
1. Dress in Layers
It’s important to dress for the elements to protect your extremities. Being outside in the cold weather can take a toll on the body. If you must brave the outdoors, then it’s important to help trap heat by dressing in layers. Layers are helpful because they allow you to adjust to your body’s temperature fluctuations. Wear gloves, insulated socks, and a hat to protect your body from frostbite.
2. Stretch before Shoveling Snow or Any Other Physical Activities
Winter brings with it several seasonal chores like shoveling snow and picking up fallen tree limbs. Failure to properly stretch properly can lead to stiff muscles and muscle strain. Cold temperatures cause muscles and tendons to stiffen. When a person shivers from cold, the muscles rapidly flex and relax to generate heat. It’s one of the body’s ways of staying warm, but over long periods may result in tension or muscle aches. You can help with these pains by properly stretching and by keeping the body warm with appropriate clothes and heat packs.
Winter sports and walking along icy surfaces also risk injuring and straining muscles and other soft tissues. Always stretch properly and warm up before engaging in any wintery activities. Proper stretching helps increase blood flow and reduces the risk of injury. Stretching and massage can also help relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation during the colder months.
A form of manual therapy, the Graston Technique® uses specialized instruments to help treat soft tissue injuries. These instruments are gently scraped over the skin of the affected areas in specific, therapeutic ways. The technique has the goal of breaking up adhesions by increasing the blood flow to the affected area to promote healing and pain relief. It can also address fascial adhesions that could otherwise limit one’s range of mobility.
3. Hydrate
While it might not seem as important as in the heat of the summer months, staying hydrated is still a simple thing to do to take care of yourself. When you’re bundled up and active, it can be hard to tell how much you’re sweating. Getting plenty of water can help keep your body functioning, support your immune system, and it’s good for your skin.
4. Eat Well
Avoid holiday weight gain by practicing mindful eating: budget your calories, pause before going for seconds, and have a healthy snack before parties. Stay active with walking or dancing, and focus on fruits, veggies, and heart-healthy cooking. Remember, the holidays are about family and friends, not just food. Moderation is key.
East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Can Help You Stay Healthy This Winter
Whether it’s chiropractic treatment after a slip and fall or just maintaining your overall health, at East Bay Chiropractic Wellness we are here for you. We have more than 30 years of experience and helped countless Long Islanders. Contact East Bay Chiropractic Wellness today, and learn more about how we can help you.
