Winter can feel challenging on your overall health. Staff Care Services are here to share some simple ways to boost your wellbeing, and stay safe and well this winter.

Keep up with your medication

Your heart needs to work much harder in colder temperatures to keep blood pumping around your body. If your heart health and underlying conditions are well managed, you’re less likely to have problems if you do get a cold as the cool weather sets in. If you do take medication, an important way to support your heart health is by taking your medication on time.

Protect yourself from flu and Covid

Staying free of the flu means you can get on with your life, rather than battling illness over winter. Flu can make you seriously ill, and you are more at risk if you are older or have a heart or circulatory condition. You can get the free NHS flu jab if you are aged 65 or over or have certain long-term conditions, such as heart disease. The NHS website contains further information on eligibility for 2024, but you can also consult your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist. Staying up-to-date with your Covid booster vaccines is also important ahead of winter, with both Covid-19 and flu circulating at once. Vaccination is the best form of protection we have against these viruses.

Stay comfortably warm

Stay indoors if the weather gets really cold. Try to keep the main room that you spend time in warm, heating it to a comfortable temperature if you can. Hot water bottles, electric blankets and heated throws can help you stay warm at night or when you're sitting still in the daytime, and are usually cheaper to run than turning up the thermostat. If you’re indoors more than usual, stay as active as you can. It’s a good idea to get up and move around every hour, which will boost your mood and your energy levels.

Fuel your body with tasty, healthy food

It's common to crave comfort food during the winter months - but it’s all about balance when it comes to your diet. This is just as true around this time of year. While heavy, stodgy dishes might be tempting during the winter weather, it's important to fuel your body with the food it needs to stay healthy.

Keep moving

Being overweight puts strain on your body, heart and immune system and may make you less able to fight infections. It also puts you more at risk of complications should you catch coronavirus. Exercising can be harder in the winter as the dark evenings and rainy weather can make us feel less motivated. However, there are lots of activities you can do indoors instead.   

   

Look after your mental health as the festive season approaches

It can be a joyful time, but it can also bring about stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness; we need to think of how we can maximise our experiences and minimise the impact on our Mental Health

Below are some tips to help you look after your overall health during the winter and the festive period.

Look after your mental health as the festive season approaches 

1. Identify Your Triggers: Recognize what causes you stress or discomfort. This could be certain social situations, financial pressures, or memories of past events/anniversaries.
2. Stick to a Budget: Financial stress can be a significant burden. Plan your spending and stick to it to avoid unnecessary stress.
3. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s okay to say no to events or activities you find overwhelming. It’s okay if things don’t go as planned.
4. Be Kind to Yourself: Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as reading, taking a walk. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend.
5. Stay Connected: Reach out to friends and family, even if it’s just a quick call or message.  Hibernating at home may be tempting in winter, but it can make you feel low over time. Prioritise the type of connection that most energises you. For instance, meet your friend for a chat over a warm brew, or attend a support group to connect with others
6. Limit Social Media Use: Social media can often lead to comparisons that make us feel worse. Consider taking breaks or setting limits on your social media usage.
7. Seek Support: If you find that your struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to talk to someone. For Support Line >> customers, telephone and text support is available 24 hours a day, all information can be found on your Support Line customer portal. Contact the team >> if you are unsure how to access this. For non customers there are lots of fantastic charities available over the festive period such as Samaritans >>,    Cruse >>, Mind >>.

The British Heart Foundation also have articles on winter wellness. How to keep healthy and warm >> & 5 Practices to help thrive during winter >>.