Some tips for getting through winter

This winter is extremely cold. Some people may not endure it. Here are some tips that may help you get through this winter.

Get some z's

Sleeping is one of the most effective ways to refuel after a stressful day. Make sure to sleep in a dark room to ensure your body properly secretes the hormone melatonin, which is believed to help repair the immune system.

Go for garlic

The sulfur-containing compounds in garlic help increase the potency of two important cells of the immune system, T-lymphocytes and macrophages, which in turn help battle colds. Eat garlic raw or cooked for an immune-system boost.

Eat chicken soup

Chicken soup can zap a cold. Your mom or grandmother may have raised you to believe that there’s something magical about chicken soup when it comes to treating a cold or flu, but is it true? Yes, says Dr. Sun. “Turns out, there’s some real science behind this,” he says, explaining that chicken soup may have a positive effect on the immune system with something called neutrophil aggregation—which means “bringing white blood cells together.” White blood cells help fight off infection in your body and are integral to helping you feel better faster. While it’s not clear if other broths or hot beverages have similar immune system benefits, Dr. Sun says hot liquids like tea and broth can help reduce the symptoms of a cold or flu virus, relieving sinus and throat pain. 

Eat zinc-rich foods

Zinc helps prevent a weakened immune system. Get adequate amounts by eating oysters, liver, lean beef, pork, turkey, lamb, lentils, pumpkin and sesame seeds, garbanzo beans and yogurt.

Dress warm

There is nothing wrong with dressing fashionably, but rugging up will do more than simply keeping you warm. According to TCM, a lot of disease is due to the attack of wind and cold, with common problems in winter including arthritis, neck pain and back pain. Expert warns women not to wear short coats that expose their waist when bending and sitting, which may cause waist pain and irregular menstruation. In addition, you lose most of the heat from your body through your head, so you need to wear a hat.

 Move it

Don't succumb to inactivity this winter -- hit the yoga studio, run on the treadmill or suit up and head outdoors. A brisk walk burns calories, gets the blood flowing and increases energy.

And don't forget to watch your stress levels over the winter -- when we don't get enough sun exposure, mood and energy tend to fluctuate. Journaling, meeting with friends, enjoying "me" time and meditating are all wonderful ways to keep yourself healthy and happy.