Dealing With Cold Weather Challenges

As we head into the cold winter months, it can feel as if we're being hit from all sides.  We spend more time inside, where we're often exposed to extremely dry air.  With windows sealed to keep the heat in, we're sealing in all that stale air as well.  Meanwhile, we get far less sun exposure, which takes a toll on our physical and emotional health.
 
Here are some ways to deal with these common cold weather issues.

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Dry air:
Continual exposure to dry indoor air can wreak havoc with your skin, even exacerbating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.  Investing in a humidifier will restore moisture to the air and help to alleviate all of those skin problems. 
 
Indoor air pollution:
Indoor air pollution tends to be a much greater concern in cold weather, when we're more likely to keep doors closed and windows tightly shut.  Try opening things up, even briefly, to get some fresh air flowing through.  Consider switching from chemical cleaners to more natural alternatives like lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda, as this will help to reduce the total amount of contaminants you're breathing in on a daily basis.
 
Lack of sunlight:
Shorter days combined with more cloudy, overcast skies can dramatically reduce the amount of sunlight we're exposed to in winter.  Lack of sunlight can dampen one's mood, severely in some cases.  Take advantage of those bright, sunny days when they do come and try to spend some time outside.  Even just a short walk at lunch time can do wonders to brighten your mood and help you feel refreshed.   
 
A lack of sunlight also limits the body's ability to process vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.  Supplementation* can help keep your vitamin D levels in an optimal range.
 

*Canada's Food Guide recommends that all adults over the age of 50 take a daily vitamin D supplement.