6 Simple Tips for Staying Healthy This Winter

Winter is a topic that divides opinions. Some of us love it for the sound of rain tapping against the window, the warmth of a cozy cup of tea in our hands, and the fresh (though cold!) air outside. Others, however, dread the viruses, illnesses, and colds that seem to be winter's constant companions. So is there a way to prevent winter maladies, or at least lessen their impact? We've gathered 6 easy tips that you can start implementing right now to keep your body healthy, benefiting both you and your family:

1. Take Vitamin C

We've all heard about Vitamin C. Even a small child can tell you how important it is to eat oranges in the winter, "because they have lots of Vitamin C." Indeed, eating oranges and other citrus fruits is highly recommended, but it's also wise to strengthen your body with a Vitamin C supplement containing at least 1000 mg per tablet daily. And if you're already sick? Increase the dosage to 4000 mg a day, spreading the amount into smaller doses—a tablet every two to three hours. And what if there's an excess? If your body becomes saturated with Vitamin C, it will naturally eliminate it.

2. Ventilate Your Home

It's very important to air out your home all year round, but especially in winter. Open all the windows in your house every morning, leaving them open for about five minutes to ensure fresh air circulation. Yes, even if it's stormy and raining. The fresh air that enters will refresh your home and contribute to the overall health of its occupants.

3. Use Essential Oils

If you're not familiar with the term "essential oils," it's time to add it to your vocabulary. Essential oils can be incredibly useful in winter and throughout the year. Some are great for colds, others for children's coughs, stomach aches, and many other ailments. They're also excellent for purifying the air we breathe at home. How do you do this? Purchase a simple electric diffuser for a few bucks into which you can add a little water and a few drops of essential oil like mint, lavender, or eucalyptus radiata. The diffuser will disperse the chosen scent throughout the house, purifying the air. For more on essential oils, click here.

4. Drink Water

If there's one thing many find difficult in winter, it's drinking enough water. Remind yourself to drink water throughout the day. You can use regular reminders on your phone or carry a large water bottle as a constant companion. Water rejuvenates and refreshes the cells in your body and brain, essentially strengthening the body. It's no wonder they're called living waters.

5. Eat Healthily

Even if you really love fried and "heavy" foods, try to avoid them during winter and focus on consuming fruits, cooked vegetables, and fish. Winter meals should be warming and energizing, not heavy and lethargic. White sugar, empty carbs, and junk food weaken the immune system and weigh down the body. If you're struggling to change your habits, at least try to add fruits and vegetables that will benefit your body and provide it with the vitamins and minerals needed during the colder months.

6. Study Torah

The Torah is called the Torah of Life, and its study has the power to strengthen both the soul and the body. As our sages said, "A person should always pray not to fall ill, for if he does, he is told: 'Bring proof and be saved.'" (Tractate Shabbat 32a). And they also said (Tractate Sanhedrin 44b): "A person should always pray that the ministering angels strengthen his power and that he has no accusers from above." Therefore, those who strive to study Torah even when tired or busy with their affairs are deemed worthy of having the ministering angels advocate on their behalf, strengthening them to keep troubles at bay.

And Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi further said: If someone suffers from a headache, let him study Torah, as it is said: "They shall be a graceful wreath for your head." If someone has throat pain, let him study Torah, as it is said: "And chains about your neck." If someone has stomach troubles, let him study Torah, as it is said: "For they bring life to your whole being." If someone feels his whole body aches, let him study Torah, as it is said: "And a healing to all his flesh." Rav Yehuda said: Come and see that the method of Hashem is not like that of flesh and blood." The approach of flesh and blood, when a person gives medicine to his friend, it may help one organ and harm another. But Hashem is not so. He gave Torah to Israel - the elixir of life for the entire body, as it is said: "And healing for all his flesh." (Tractate Eruvin 54a). And Hezekiah said: The words of Torah are a healing for the heart, as it is said: "The precepts of Hashem are right, rejoicing the heart," and a remedy for the eyes, as it is said: "The commandment of Hashem is pure, enlightening the eyes" (Yalkut Shimoni Vayikra 829).

Wishing you good health!