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Most of you will agree that winter is a mixture of busy and exciting, as well as chilly and depressing. As December progresses and the temperature keeps dropping, you might have started to notice some common problems the winter brings. There is a range of problems people face during the winters, so let’s talk about coping with your winter body issues in this article.
5 Common Problems in Winter and Their Solutions
Coping with your winter body issues is a hard job. Therefore, we have listed the five most common problems that occur during the winter with solutions:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
According to the American Psychiatric Association, Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is linked to seasonal changes. SAD occurs at the same time every year, and the majority of SAD sufferers have symptoms in the fall, and they last through the winter. It can reduce your energy and makes you cranky. And these symptoms usually go away in the spring and summer.
Solution:
- Spend time with friends and family
- Start doing your favorite things more often
- Learn a new skill
- Start indoor workouts
- Sit in the sun and soak up Vitamin D
It is recommended to talk to a therapist if you are having depressive or suicidal thoughts. You can book an online appointment with the Best Psychologists in Lahore for as low as 100 PKR via Marham.
Cold and Flu
The influenza virus is at its most active during the winter season because it thrives in cold and dry environments. This virus usually begins with a high temperature that quickly escalates to chills, headaches, muscle pains, and a loss of appetite. More dangerous illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia can develop from the flu.
However, on the other hand, cold weather does not induce colds, contrary to what most people believe. So, why do colds seem to be more prevalent in the winter? The reality is that we tend to stay indoors when it gets cold outside. And when we remain in close contact with people, it makes it easier for cold viruses to spread. People with a weak immune system are the most at risk of catching a cold and virus.
Solution:
- Keep your environment clean
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick
- Keep children indoors
- Wash your hands often
- Eat immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits
Hypothermia
Long-term exposure to extremely cold temperatures causes hypothermia. When your body is exposed to cold temperatures, it begins to lose heat more quickly than it produces. Longer exposures deplete your body’s stored energy, resulting in a drop in body temperature. In the last five years, the number of elderly persons dying from hypothermia during the winter months has doubled. If you live in poorly heated homes and do not get much exercise, you are more at risk of developing hypothermia.
Solution:
- Drink warm beverages
- Wear several layers of clothing
- Do not wear wet clothes
- Do not stay outdoors for extended periods
- Wear gloves, socks, and hats to make yourself warm
Weight Gain
Another common problem in the winters is unwanted weight gain. It mostly happens because we keep sitting inside and avoid physical activity due to the cold temperatures. Also, we all tend to eat a little more than we usually do because of the holiday and wedding season. All of this adds a few extra pounds and can lead to overweight and obesity if not controlled within time. You can also read more about How to Avoid Weight Gain in Winter.
Solution:
- Start working out indoors
- Snack on fruits, vegetables, or nuts
- Be more mindful while eating
- Control your portion size
- Only eat whole and homemade foods
Dry Skin
Dry indoor heat, low humidity levels, and strong winter winds can cause your skin to become dehydrated. As a result, your skin may appear duller than usual, particularly on your face, hands, and feet, as well as other exposed areas. You can do the following things to keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from getting dry.
Solutions:
- Moisturize after washing your hands, face, or feet
- Apply face oil while sleeping
- Use a good sunscreen
- Keep a humidifier in your room
- Eat foods that have healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids
- Drink more fresh fruit juices
- Wear gloves to protect from cold winds and scratches
The Bottom Line
While winter is a great season, it also brings many problems as low temperatures do not suit everyone. Coping with winter body issues like SAD, dry skin, weight gain, hypothermia, and flu is challenging. However, you can easily manage such problems with the solutions listed here. But, it is always recommended to consult a doctor if you think any of your symptoms are severe.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top Dermatologists in Lahore through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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FAQs
How does winter affect your body?
Winter can cause issues like dry skin, cold and flu, hypothermia, seasonal affective disorder, and weight gain.
How do we keep our body fit in winter?
You can keep yourself fit in winter by doing indoor exercise and having a healthy diet.
How do I cope with winter?
Wear several layers of clothes, drink warm beverages, and do indoor activities to cope with winter.
