Wanna know a secret? I have a superpower—I don’t get sick (knock on wood)! My fiancé hears it every year when cold season rolls around. We’ve been together for over 11 years, and he’s only seen me sick twice. How do I do it? Well, today I’m letting you in on my wellness tips, tricks, and habits so you can stay healthy this fall and winter.
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Physical Health and Wellness
Staying healthy during the colder months can be tough, but it’s especially crucial for busy moms. Between school season and the holidays, you and your family are bound to come in contact with plenty of germs. Here are 5 tips for winter wellness:
1. Stay Hydrated
Aside from my morning coffee, I stick to water throughout the day. But somtimes it can be tough to keep track of how much I’ve had. I suggest using some kind of water intake tracker to remind yourself to drink regularly. Whether it’s a written chart on your fridge or a water bottle with markers ($22), a visual cue can keep you on track.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet
A colorful, well-balanced diet is a great way to boost your health in colder months. Seasonal fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals that support wellness, and they help you stay hydrated—hello, soup season! Try adding bone broth, citrus fruits, or smoothies to your diet for a nutrient-packed boost. You can check out my tips on Simple Meal Planning for Busy Moms for more ideas or subscribe to the Taking Time newsletter to get a FREE printable weekly meal plan with clickable links and grocery list straight to your inbox!
3. Wash Your Hands
I can’t stress this enough: wash your hands—often! Between cooking, managing toddler messes, and running errands, handwashing is one of the simplest ways to avoid getting sick. I keep hand sanitizer in all my go-to spots, like the car, my purse, the diaper bag, and by both the front and back doors, so it’s always within easy reach wherever I am.
Babyganics Foaming Pump Hand Sanitizer, Alcohol Free, Travel Size, Fragrance Free, Kills 99.9% of Common Bacteria, Moisturizing, 1.69oz (Pack of 6)
4. Prioritize Sleep
Getting enough rest is probably the most important tip for staying healthy during the winter. I know it’s hard with little ones, but quality sleep makes a world of difference. Try setting a nighttime routine that helps signal to your brain that it’s time for sleep.
I know it can be tempting to binge a show on Netflix or get lost doom scrolling on your phone after the kids go to sleep to feel like you have some time to yourself, but it will only make you more exhausted the next day. Try to limit screen time before bed or wear blue-light glasses to avoid disrupting your circadian rhythm. I have found that reading a real paper book until my eyes feel heavy (usually only around 15 minutes!) helps me to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly throughout the night.
5. Take Your Vitamins
During the fall and winter, I up my intake of certain vitamins and supplements. Vitamin C, Vitamin D, zinc, elderberry, and even garlic can help boost your immune system during the cold and flu season. This can be achieved through supplements in either pill or powder form, or by intentionally choosing foods rich in these vitamins, such as oranges for Vitamin C, salmon or fortified cereals for Vitamin D, and spinach or pumpkin seeds for zinc. I love these Mary Ruth gummies for both me and my son!
Mary Ruth’s 5-1 Immunity Gummies with Elderberry for Kids & Adults | Cherry | Pectin Based | Vegan | 90 Count
Mental Health and Wellness
Many wellness techniques for physical health can also improve your mental well-being, but here are 5 more tips for mental health.
6. Make Time for Self-Care
I know it’s hard to find time for yourself when you’re juggling everything, but small moments of self-care can make a big difference. A great cup of coffee in your favorite mug, lighting a cozy candle, or putting on a face mask can give you a mental boost. For more ideas, check out this simple 30-day self-care challenge.
7. Get Fresh Air
Don’t let the cold keep you inside—getting fresh air can do wonders for your mood. Even if it’s chilly, bundle up and take a quick walk around the block. The vitamin D from the sun and fresh air will leave you feeling refreshed. When you get home, you can look forward to a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate to warm up.
8. Keep a Routine
Having a set routine can relieve a lot of stress and make your days more manageable. Knowing exactly what needs to be done and when makes it easier to focus on more enjoyable activities. If you’re looking to streamline your days, I’ve got a FREE time management toolkit with templates and guides when you subscribe to my newsletter. You can also check out my post on 4 Time Management Strategies for Busy Moms.
9. Practice Mindfulness
Being mindful in your daily life helps you appreciate the little things. Instead of rushing through your days, focus on living intentionally to remove what drains your joy and highlight what brings you happiness. For more ideas, check out my post on Mindfulness Tips for Moms.
10. Plan Fun Activities
Being cooped up inside can dampen your spirits. Plan something fun like a trip to a local winter festival or pumpkin patch to boost your mood. It gives you and your family something to look forward to as the days get shorter and will help create lasting memories for the whole family! If you need ideas, check out my post on 20 Outdoor Fall Activities to Keep Kids Active and Engaged.
Summary
With these 10 tips for wellness, you’ll be ready to tackle the fall and winter seasons head-on. Remember to stay hydrated, eat well, prioritize your rest, and take care of your mental health, too! Don’t forget to subscribe to the Taking Time newsletter for more great busy mom tips, a free printable weekly meal plan, and exclusive offers. Until next time, mamas!
Shakia says
I love these tips! Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet is definitely something I’ve recently started mainly focusing on.
shelby says
Thanks! Sometimes it really is the most basic things that make all the difference.
Jarrod says
My number one activity to stay healthy in Winter is to avoid winter and migrate south!! Thanks for sharing; hopefully, people will stay a bit happier during these cold months!
shelby says
haha! this really is the best tip! 🙂
Dusty says
These are all wonderful tips. Thank you for sharing!