The winter can take a terrible toll on physical and mental health. There is something about the cold weather that can work against us if we let it. So, read on for a few tips to help you combat the stresses and strains of winter.

A hot bath

The latest research out of the University of Freiburg in Germany suggests that taking a hot bath twice a week holds immense benefits for depressed patients. Albeit a relatively small study, the researchers concluded that taking regular hot baths helps to improve general mood in people suffering from depression.

Now, you don’t have to be depressed to obtain the benefits of this clever little trick – just take an hour for yourself, put on some relaxing music and have a lovely long soak in the tub!

Exercise

A short run, an aerobics class or just a brisk walk in the winter air can lift your mood and beat the winter blues. If you work in an office, why not take a quick walk around the block before settling back to work, after lunch? This is sure to lift your spirits and gives you a chance to take a quick look the world around you. If you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of some trees or wildlife along the way.

Fruit

Fruit is choc-full of antioxidants, which help the body fight all kinds of nasties floating it, some of which, for example free radicals, have been linked to cancer.

Fruit is packed full of vitamins, minerals and fibre so regular consumption can have major health benefits including helping to ward off cancer and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. The government doesn’t recommend 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day for nothing!

Some multi-national businesses are using companies like the Fruitful Office brand to supply employees with fresh fruit baskets, because providing employees with complementary fruit have been proven to create healthier, more productive work forces.

Wrap up warm

The winter can be a drag if you really feel the cold when you are out and about. There is a quick and easy answer to the problem, and that is simply – wear appropriate clothes for the weather you are about to step out in.

Sounds rather obvious, right? Well, lots of people don’t plan for cold weather by wrapping up warm and the result is they just feel uncomfortable all day. Planning your attire before you leave home can bring a world of benefits. Remember you can bring clothes in a rucksack or handbag, and so take them on and off as required. Better to be prepared that stuck in an office or on a day trip all day, feeling too cold.

A simple trick to beat the cold is layering clothes. Warm air gets trapped in between the layers of the clothes and provides another layer of insulation for the body.

Meditation

Winter can be very stressful, especially for parents in the run-up to Christmas, so meditation has been recommended to help ease stresses and strains. Just 15-20 mins of deep breathing in a relaxing environment with no distractions can work wonders. If you don’t believe us, give it a try!

Have you any super ideas of beating winter blues? Why not post and share your ideas?