Winter Survival Guide: My top 5 tips!

It's that time of year again- kids are back in school, the temperatures have cooled and everyone seems to be catching a cold. So, I've put together my top 5 tips for not just surviving, but striving this winter!

1. Get organised.

This is a great time of year to get into a routine- holidays are over and everyone is back to work, school and college. Having a routine can help us feel more calm and less stressed, and having a routine that works can help all areas of our lives (you'll see as we go through the other tips!).

Get a wall planner or calendar and get yourself organised!

2. Good food.

With cooler weather and darker evenings, it is normal for us to crave more warming, spiced and comfort foods. There is no problem with leaning into that, but there are a few dietary additions that can help us stay in good health.

- Plenty of veggies: Have your stews and curries, but make sure they're full of veg. Be sure to include lots of colour, different colours= different nutrients.

- Plenty of hot drinks: We tend to drink less water in cooler weather, so up the hot drink intake. Try not to over-do the caffeine though- switch between tea, coffee, herbal teas, hot chocolate (and try to drink some water too!).

- Vitamin D: Take a 10 microgram vitamin D from October to May. Any brand will do, just be sure to take it with or after food. If you take a multivitamin, check the vitamin D content before adding another supplement (max 25 micrograms/day).

-Make a plan: Having a meal plan, even if just for dinners, can make shopping easier and help to reduce food waste.

3. Exercise.

Summer tends to be an active season, but we tend to become more sedentary in winter months. While we can't always get outdoors, it is important to keep active. Getting regular exercise can help with sleep, heart health, mental health and lots more!

Some ideas-> take up a class, YouTube video workouts, dance in your kitchen, go to your local swimming pool.

Whatever you choose, don't forget to add it to your calendar!

4. Sleep.

Having a good sleep routine can be life changing!

- Wind down routine: Limiting screen time an hour before bed time can help. Add in meditation or mindfulness if you're into it, or just read for a bit.

-Pick a time: Having the same wake up and bed time can help us to feel less tired and can improve sleep quality.

5. Be prepared.

Get the winter coats, jumpers, hats and scarves out and washed, and put away the summer clothes while you're at it!

Pick up tissues and hand sanitiser, and stick some in your hand bag /car/desk.

Stock up your medicine cupboard (download my handy guide here & keep for reference!).