10 Tips for Staying Healthy Through Temperature Shifts

From sandcastles to snowmen – Milwaukee saw a temperature swing yesterday from 72 degrees during the day and 16 degrees at night. It is hard to stay healthy with that much variation in the temperature.

So what can we do during these swings in weather? It’s essential to prioritize your health and well-being, that way you can keep on functioning. Here are 10 tips to help you stay healthy during these changing weather conditions:

Dress in layers: Be prepared for both warm and cool temperatures by wearing layers that can easily be added or removed.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body properly hydrated, regardless of the temperature.

Eat a balanced diet: Consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support your overall health.

Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body stay resilient against temperature changes.

Exercise regularly: Engage in physical activity to boost your immune system and maintain your overall health. 300 minutes (maximum) a week of exercise that raises the heart rate has been shown to prevent all sorts of health related issues. In fact, according to a new study women need to workout less than men to get the same benefit! So for women, 140 minutes is the recommended amount.

Protect your skin: Use sunscreen and moisturizer to shield your skin from the sun and prevent dryness in cooler temperatures. A good sunscreen will be broad-spectrum with a spf of at least 30. Broad spectrum sunscreen will protect the skin from both UV-B rays and UV-A rays.

Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and maintain a clean living environment to reduce the risk of illness. As acupuncturists we wash our hands at least 70-100 times a day. With that much washing, finding a good moisturizer is key. Find one with natural ingredients that help protect the skin barrier.

Monitor indoor air quality: Keep your living spaces well-ventilated and free of pollutants to support respiratory health.

Manage stress: Incorporate stress-reducing activities such as acupuncture, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.

Keep a positive attitude: Mind over matter is a real phenomenon. If you want to be healthy and stay healthy you need to keep a positive attitude. Look for the small things that you can do to maintain a positive attitude.

By implementing these tips, you can better equip yourself to navigate the temperature swings and maintain your health and well-being. Remember to prioritize self-care and listen to your body’s needs as you adapt to changing weather conditions.