As we head into the new year, we also run into the coldest months of the year if you live in the US and many other parts of the world. When the days seem shorter, the sun sets earlier, and the weather gets more frigid, we need to give our bodies more than when in the warmer months to stay healthy.
Due to the weather, we’ll find ourselves staying indoors more than we would in the spring and summer – which means hanging out with friends and family in close quarters, potentially exposing ourselves to seasonal germs and viruses.
Our homes are already our safe havens and provide us essential protection from the elements no matter what time of year. But, there are upgrades you can do inside your home to keep everyone as healthy and happy as possible during the winter.
Let’s look at some things every house can use this cold and flu season to keep us healthy.
1. A Deep Cleaning
Cleaning a home is good for your health. We all know what a dirty home does to our mood levels, and some of us may be allergic to dust and other common allergens found in homes.
By keeping a clean house, you not only cut down on those allergens that can irritate you, but they don’t compound on top of colds or cases of flu you may catch during the winter months.
Not to mention the physical activity of cleaning can provide so much needed exercise after being sedentary on the couch binge-watching holiday movies.
2. Home Gyms
This past year was the year of the Peloton – there’s no denying that! So many people jumped on the Peloton wagon it goes to show; we want to stay active in our homes year-round, especially in the winter when we can’t brave the elements to get outside for a bike ride or run.
Take things a step further by installing a home gym to stay in peak physical health and your immune system functioning seamlessly. There’s no need to try to recreate a state-of-the-art gym in your basement; go with the equipment you know you’ll use.
If you’re more of a strength trainer, start with some free weights and maybe one machine for leg presses. If you’re into yoga, create a calm space with meditation mats and other things to help you achieve your Zen.
You get the idea, but home gyms are something that pays off no matter the season.
3. Immune-Boosting Supplements
While you may have just renovated your kitchen and installed brand new cupboards, make sure you’re filling them with things that will boost you and your family’s immunity during the winter.
Supplements like Vitamin D gummies for adults, elderberries, Vitamin C and Zinc are all great places to start. Place the immune-boosting items at eye level in your cabinets so you don’t forget to use them every day.
Don’t forget to have plenty of fresh lemons and local honey on hand in case someone does come down with the sniffles.
4. Air Purifiers
During the spring and summer, it’s easy (and delightful) to keep your windows open to let the fresh air in and enjoy the beautiful breeze and smells of warm weather. In the winter, this idea is less than appealing.
While you may not have it in your budget to install a whole house purifier, plenty of air purifiers are on the market in all sizes and price points. Consider smaller plug-in units for bedrooms and nurseries in your home.
There are HEPA purifiers for larger spaces or homes with open floor plans that can cover some serious square footage. Keeping the air clean in your home while everyone is gathering in tight spaces is an investment that quickly pays off – after all, health is wealth.
In addition to electric air purifiers, don’t forget about the powerful purifying effects of houseplants. Not only can plants do a fantastic job of purifying the air, but they also bring some greenery inside the home during months where the weather outside is bleak and provides an essential mental and emotional boost.
Staying healthy is a priority for everyone, no matter what the season – but statistically, we’re all much more likely to come down with a bug or two during the winter.
By making these simple changes in your home, you can give yourself and your family a head start at staving off germs or handling them with ease when they arrive. Here’s to your home and your health!
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