BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE

Winter Wellness Tips

Feeling tempted to make a stop at the hibernation station this winter? The hearty meals, that comfy couch, a good book or gripping TV series… it’s not hard to get into the cosy winter mode. It can, however, be a hard habit to break, and while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying some cosy comforts this winter, staying active and eating healthily are key to bolstering your immunity and staying energised.

You may already be on the road to better health following the OMSMAF Total Turnaround campaign earlier this year, and if not, it’s never too late to start. Either way, shifting gears with the change of season and incorporating some healthy wintertime habits will go a long way to keeping you fit, fabulous and happy, too – yup, staying active is an effective way to boost your mood and keep the winter blues at bay.

Winter wellness tips from OMSMAF

Take lunch break laps. Outdoor exercises are particularly challenging in the colder months, but you don’t have to give up your daily walk. Pack your sneakers and take a walk during your lunch break to get your body moving, boost circulation and give your brain a break from the desk! Even if it means doing laps around the building, you’re getting some much-needed movement at the warmest time of the day.

Let the music move you. Want to work out your whole body in a fun way? Dancing just might be the answer. Whether you follow along to a YouTube dance workout, sign up for a nearby class or make it a family fun night in your living room, dancing helps to get your heart rate up, move your muscle groups and helps you to feel energised, giving you an overall lift.

Clean house. And we mean this literally! Household chores such as vacuuming and cleaning can help to work up a sweat with the added benefit of making your space feel fresh and inviting. Plus, when September rolls around, you’ll be way ahead of the Spring-cleaning schedule!

Gardening gloves on! Grab your rake and get going because outdoor activities such as weeding, digging, raking leaves, bagging up garden refuse and mowing the lawn are great ways to move your body while getting some fresh air.

Seek more steps. Simply walking more every day can have enormous benefits to your health. While physical activity naturally tends to slow down in winter, you can boost your step count by parking your car further from the entrance, taking the stairs instead of the lift, or adding a couple of circuits at the mall, for example.

Stay hydrated. Drinking anything that’s not hot and steaming in winter can feel like a chore. If you are struggling to drink the same amount of water as you do in summer, try drinking hot water with a slice of lemon throughout the day to keep you hydrated and warm.

Eat more plants. No need to forego the veggies in winter – get creative with warm salads and satisfying soups. This is a great way to incorporate lots more legumes into your diet, such as lentils, chickpeas and beans (great sources of budget-friendly protein), alongside seasonal fresh veggies to ensure you get plenty of nutrients and fibre. You’ll be thankful that you saved yourself from sweating over that summer-bod in a few months’ time.

Keep your hands clean. Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of germs during cold and flu season. You may also want to carry around a small bottle of sanitiser or some sanitising wipes to keep you from contracting germs and illnesses via your hands wherever you go.

Annual flu shot. While it’s best to have your annual flu shot in April or May, you can still go and get it. This benefit is covered by OMSMAF for all beneficiaries because it is proven to be the most effective way to prevent bad influenza symptoms and even serious complications that could land you in the hospital. Not sure how to claim for this benefit? Simply call us on 0860 100 076 and one of our friendly contact agents will gladly help you.