Stay Happy and Healthy this Winter on a Budget

You might not want to think about it yet, but the nights have already started drawing in, autumn is in the air and before we know it we’ll be in deepest darkest winter.
rnWhilst there’s lots of festivities to look forward to in the winter season, it’s also the time of year when people are more inclined to succumb to coughs and colds, flu, and feel a bit down in the dumps due to the lack of sunlight.
Here’s some pointers to stay happy and healthy this winter, without breaking the bank.

Keep Moving
It’s tempting to curl up on the sofa in front of the TV and not venture out in the cold, but regular exercise will boost your immune system and release endorphins which will make you feel brighter. Walking, jogging or cycling are all great ways to stay in shape on a budget. But if the thought of exercising outdoors in the frosty air doesn’t sound appealing, you don’t have to spend lots on an expensive gym membership. Why not buy an exercise DVD that you can do in the privacy (and warmth) of your own home, stick your favorite music on and have a dance, or run up and down the stairs for ten minutes – anything which gets you moving and your blood pumping will do you good.

Avoid and Treat the Common Cold
Americans spend $2.9 billion per year on over the counter treatments for the common cold, and the average adult catches 2 to 3 colds every year. To reduce the likelihood of catching a cold, try this simple yet effective tip: wash your hands more regularly - it has been shown to reduce transmission of the cold virus. Also, make sure that your diet contains enough vitamin C and zinc, both of which are thought to decrease the rate and severity of colds. Garlic, which has anti-viral properties, is also thought to boost immunity, so try to introduce more into your diet in the winter-time – it’s cheap and great to add flavor to soups, stews, stir-frys and Italian dishes.
If you do catch a cold though, you don’t necessarily have to buy over the counter treatments, which can be expensive. Some natural treatments can be effective at alleviating the symptoms, and cost a lot less.
For a sore throat, try gargling with salt water. Salt water is a natural dehydrator and by drawing the moisture out of the inflamed tissues may ease the pain of a sore throat.
Another tip for a sore throat is a cayenne pepper gargle. Not for the faint hearted, but a lot of people swear by it. Try mixing a pinch of cayenne pepper with warm water and gargling. Increase the amount of cayenne pepper if you can handle it.
Take ‘regular’ painkillers. They will be just as effective in numbing the pain of a sore throat or sinus pain as a ‘specialist’ cold and flu painkiller – and a lot cheaper.
To clear sinuses, inhale steam from a basin of hot water (try draping a towel around your head to create a ‘tent’). The steam helps to loosen mucus and will provide temporary relief from that bunged up feeling. If you have some, try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the water.
Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the infection out of your system. Warm liquids especially can help to relieve congestion. Try steeping fresh ginger in hot water than adding lemon juice and honey for a warm, soothing drink. The ginger has anti-bacterial properties and the lemon will boost your vitamin C levels.
Rest up. Retreat to your bed and get some much-needed sleep as soon as you start to feel the onset of a cold. It’s free, and it will help you overcome the symptoms quicker than if you try to ‘soldier on’.
Boost Your Mood
A lot of people feel more prone to depression in the winter time for a variety of reasons, not least because of the lack of natural sunlight. Make an effort to spend some time outside during daylight hours to get some exposure to natural light, even if it’s only for ten minutes or so (30 minutes would be better, though!). However weak the sunlight is, it should make you feel happier and less lethargic.
Make sure that you don’t hibernate all winter – maintaining an active social life and keeping in touch with friends will make you feel less fed up.
Laugh – rent a favorite comedy or go to see some stand up at your local bar. Like exercise, laughter releases endorphins, nature’s own antidepressant.