10 Ways I Protect Myself in Winter

This time of year requires some extra precautions. Germs are making their way around offices, grocery stores, and more. I just recovered from a stomach bug that has been going around, and I hope to avoid any more sicknesses for awhile.
Here are 10 ways I plan to protect myself:

1. Reduce exposure to the elements. Being outdoors in a dry environment can weaken your immune system. Other elements such as wind and cold can also wear you down.

2. Drink water. Water helps prevent dry skin, acne, sinus pressure, headaches, and more! Your body needs water as nourishment and to remove waste.

3. Take a daily vitamin. A daily vitamin can supplement your diet during the winter months when you may not be eating as many fresh fruits and vegetables, and it is a quick and easy way to reduce your risk of a number of ailments.

4. Carry tissues. There is nothing worse than being around a sick person who is sneezing their germs on you. Be prepared to offer a tissue. And, if find yourself getting sneezy you will want to have a tissue handy.

5. Limit shower length. Longer showers can dry out your skin. Dry skin has a decreased capacity to heal and is more vulnerable to infection and irritants because of the tiny crack that let invaders in.

6. Apply moisturizer. Dry weather and indoor heating create special moisturizing needs for our skin. Apply moisturizer as needed throughout the day and after you shower.

7. Bundle up and dress in layers. If you work in an office or go in and out of stores, you can appreciate why it is important to dress in layers. And, this time of year the temperature can vary greatly throughout the day.

8. Change the furnace filter. We changed our filter at the end of fall, and it was disgusting! Changing your filter regularly will cut down on the amount of dusting you have to do, as well as reduce your exposure to allergens.

9. Use a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to a room, and prevents dry nose, throat and skin. Many viruses that cause sickness can only thrive in a low humidity environment.

10. Wash your hands! This is the best way to stop germs from spreading. Think about all the things you touch every day, end of story.

photo by RobertsNL

Check out this recent post at The WellGrounded Life to find out if your diet is winterized.

How do you protect yourself in winter?

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