{"id":423,"date":"2021-10-27T10:11:16","date_gmt":"2021-10-27T09:11:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.lboro.ac.uk\/wellbeing\/?p=423"},"modified":"2021-10-27T10:11:18","modified_gmt":"2021-10-27T09:11:18","slug":"looking-after-your-wellbeing-over-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lboro.ac.uk\/wellbeing\/2021\/10\/27\/looking-after-your-wellbeing-over-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Looking after your wellbeing over winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Image courtesy of Getty Images<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As the clocks go back this weekend,\u00a0the UK\u00a0starts to plan\u00a0for this year\u2019s winter.\u00a0With\u00a0the recent rise of\u00a0Covid-19 cases\u00a0throughout October,\u00a0we\u00a0cannot accurately predict the level of winter respiratory viruses that\u00a0will circulate\u00a0and\u00a0the impact that these will have. Some\u00a0experts\u00a0are predicting that\u00a0winter\u00a0flu numbers will surge<\/a>\u00a0and phrases such as \u2018twindemic\u2019 have been coined to predict a combined flu and\u00a0Covid-19\u00a0pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how can we stay healthy this winter?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are seven top tips on staying healthy through the cold and darker months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin D<\/strong>   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Known as the sunshine vitamin, this is a great supplement to have during the winter months because of the decrease in light hours from October-March. Vitamin D<\/a> is known for improving bone health and reducing cancer cells and inflammation, and randomised trials have also shown that Vitamin D supplements can help to lower the risk of acute respiratory infections. People who are very deficient in Vitamin D have also been shown to experience more severe symptoms of Covid-19, which is why it\u2019s important to consider taking a daily supplement.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercise <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moving regularly is known to release endorphins (happy hormones), reduce fatigue, support a positive mood, boost immunity as well as reduce the likelihood of coronary heart disease, stroke and dementia.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercising outdoors<\/a> provides a greater opportunity to access natural light too, which in turn is linked to a better sleep pattern and greater wellbeing.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diet <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gut microbiome has been\u00a0strongly\u00a0linked to\u00a0our\u00a0immunity\u00a0and wellbeing<\/a>. Having a diet rich in\u00a0nutrients\u00a0(which can be obtained from eating food such as\u00a0nuts,\u00a0seeds,\u00a0wholegrains\u00a0and\u00a0plant proteins)\u00a0can boost levels of\u00a0Vitamin A, B6, B12,\u00a0C and D which support immune health.\u00a0High fibre plant-based foods\u00a0and eating\u00a0a\u00a0rainbow of different fruit and vegetables\u00a0along with\u00a0fermented foods and pulses all support gut health.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support in the workplace<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

NHS backlogs have increased during the pandemic, so supporting staff with health conditions in the workplace is key to health and wellbeing. A management referral into the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service<\/a> will help to identify how best to support your colleagues and may also lead to a referral to other services offered by the University, such as physiotherapy or counselling.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we cannot directly support treatment options, a report from Occupational Health will allow managers to determine if adjustments can be made whilst the employee is awaiting intervention and treatment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reduce your risk of catching the flu<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, the NHS is offering the flu vaccination to a much wider population. Individuals who are eligible for the NHS vaccine can receive it free of charge from the Medicine Box<\/a> (our on-site pharmacy). For those who fall outside of the NHS criteria, flu vaccines can be purchased at most pharmacies.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supporting employees in their recovery of the flu is also important and will help to reduce the spread further if they are advised to take the time they need to recover and\/or work from home where applicable.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support those who experience SAD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. SAD is sometimes known as \u2018winter depression\u2019 because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main treatments for SAD are lifestyle measures, such as:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n