Indulging yourself is giving yourself a little “me time” or self-indulgence without guilt. Treating yourself is an act of self-compassion. Self-compassion is valuing yourself with the same kindness and care as a friend. Acting compassionately toward yourself may help you foster better mental health.

BOOST YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

There are many advantages to regular physical activity. Some of those benefits, as mentioned before, may include the following:

• Controlling your weight.
• Reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
• Strengthening your muscles and bones.
• Improving your mood and mental health.

Now is the best time to start reaping the benefits of physical activity that will help you better appreciate the warmer weather later. So choose the physical activity you enjoy the most whenever the weather permits.

WASH YOUR HANDS CORRECTLY

Hand washing is one of the most significant steps to prevent getting sick and dispersing germs to others. Follow the five steps of hand-washing:

• Wet your hands with clean running warm or cold water, turn off the tap and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them with soap. Ensure to lather the back of your hand, between your fingers, and under your fingernails.
• Scrub your hands for at least twenty seconds.
• Rinse hands thoroughly with clean running water.
• Air dry your hands or dry them with a clean towel.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN

Cold, dry outdoor air and indoor heating may affect the appearance and texture of your skin during the winter season. Take care of your skin using a cream or lotion that is right for you.

The winter season will affect your skin. The drop in temperature and lack of moisture in the air can make you feel dry and chapped.

Therefore, ensuring you take good care of your skin during these months is vital. Remember always to moisturize your skin and apply lip balm before going out.

Carry a bottle or tube of hand lotion with you when you go out, as constant exposure to cold winds may cause dry and cracked skin.

Since you may be limited to sun exposure during the cold months, individuals tend to forget to apply sunscreen, but it is crucial to do so on cold, cloudy days.

MANAGE YOUR STRESS

Stress may negatively affect your musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, gastrointestinal system, nervous system, and more. The best ways to manage stress in difficult times are through self-care.

Next, we will mention some ways to manage stress:

• Avoiding drugs and limiting alcohol consumption
• Finding support, reaching out to a supportive partner, family member, friend, counselor, doctor, or clergy.
• Connecting socially; avoiding isolating yourself.
• Taking care of yourself; you may do it by eating right, exercising, getting good rest, and taking a break.
• Staying active; staying active may help you take your mind off your problems.

PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WINTER

When the winter months arrive, you will be spending more time indoors. Make sure your home is comfortable, safe, and energy efficient by following these tips for the cold weather season:

• Ensure your home is well insulated, especially water lines running along exterior walls, to prevent damaging freezing.
• You should verify that the ducts, usually hidden in the attic or basement, are in order by sealing and insulating them properly, or else you could lose twenty percent of the air moving through them.
• Clean and maintain your furnace.
• Sediment can build up and make your system inefficient and potentially a fire hazard.
• Change your filters regularly during the winter to increase energy efficiency and airflow.
• If you are still determining or unsure what to look for, you may hire a professional to come out and inspect.
• Clean all gutters to prevent water from pooling and freezing in them.
• Make sure all your detectors are working.
• Test your smoke detector or install one if it is not present.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector that will alarm you if the deadly gas is present.
• Create a stockpile of emergency supplies in case of a snowstorm or blizzard.
• Fill it with water and non-cooking food that does not require refrigeration.

GET YOUR ANNUAL FLU VACCINE

The final safety tip for the winter season is to ensure you get your annual flu vaccine to protect yourself against the influenza virus. The medical field improves these vaccines each year to protect people against new strains of the flu virus.

VISIT OUR CLINICS FOR ALL YOUR PRIMARY AND ACUTE HEALTHCARE NEEDS.

It is our priority to keep you well this winter! Visit one of Modern Heart and Vascular Institute’s locations for high-quality primary care close to home. Call 832-644-8930 to schedule your appointment today.

At Modern Heart and Vascular Institute, we feel privileged to answer crucial questions about circumstances that could impact your heart. Our expert cardiologists can help you handle, foresee, and treat all aspects of your cardiovascular condition.

We are Modern Heart and Vascular Institute, a diagnostic and preventative medicine cardiology practice. For more information, contact us.

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