Is prioritizing your health a goal this winter? Follow these tips for a healthier, happier season:

  1. Make your home a haven. Transform your home into a cozy retreat from the cold. Adding fuzzy blankets, fleece pillows, scented candles and family photographs to your living space can help create a warm, welcoming environment to soothe your soul.
  2. Try your hand at winter sports. Exercise is great for your mind and body, and can strengthen your muscles and immune system. Winter sports like skiing, ice-skating or even snowboarding can be a fun and invigorating challenge
  3. Be mindful of your mental health. With low sunlight and cold weather, it’s easy for the winter blues to set in. A light therapy lamp can help supplement natural light, but remember to speak to a mental health therapist or physician if you need extra support.
  4. Practice good sleep hygiene. Sleeping well is key to staying healthy. Try to keep good habits, like going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. It may sound obvious, but avoiding screens before bed can help you get to and stay asleep. If you have trouble staying offline, use an app or timed lockbox to make sure you unplug.
  5. Get on top of your healthcare. Check in with your healthcare provider to make sure your tests and vaccines are all up to date. If you have a cough or feel the winter blues, speak to someone sooner than later to feel better faster. To see a doctor or nurse practitioner quickly and conveniently, try a virtual care platform like Maple. Connecting with a provider from home can help you stay on top of your health and tackle problems when they arise.
  6. Plan healthy meals. Fruits and veggies packed with nutrients, antioxidants and fibre can boost your energy and keep you feeling your best. Try new recipes featuring seasonal produce like sweet potatoes, winter squash, beets and apples.
  7. Fight back against germs. Help prevent colds and flus by washing your hands regularly, coughing into your sleeve and carrying hand sanitizer with you when you’re on the go. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home, like doorknobs and light switches.

Find more tips for staying healthy this winter at getmaple.ca.