As the cooler season kicks in, it’s easy to worry about coming down with a cold, or spending your days plagued by the sniffles and dry, chapped lips. Not to mention how the grey, rainy days can affect your mood and instantly cut your energy levels in half.
Well never fear beauties, because we come bearing five tips to ensure that you stay healthy, happy and well on top of your game in the lead up to winter… Sniffles be damned!
1. Get it popping
If you eat a healthy, balanced diet already, then you’re one step ahead of the game (well done you!) But the fact of the matter is, you can never have too many nutrients – which means multivitamins are your best friend when it comes to preventing a nasty cold from creeping up on you. We love HERRON Bio C 1000mg for its added vitamin C and Bio C, which can reduce the severity and duration of colds. Olive leaf extract, like this one from Pretorius, is also great at promoting general wellbeing and preventing illness. Just take 15mL a day and you should be okay!
2. Get a hand-le on it
Your hands are one of the first places to pick up bacteria. Stay one step ahead of the spread of pesky germs by carrying Dettol Instant Hand Sanitizer Chamomile with you at all times. The instant antibacterial gel will ensure that any bacteria you may have picked up is killed on the spot, while the infusion of chamomile will help your paws stay soft, pampered and oh-so soothed at all times.
3. Catch some Zzz’s
When you’re ill, the first thing your doctor will say to you is rest, rest, REST! They don’t just say it for the sake of it you know – it really is important as when you’re sick, your body’s immune system is weaker than usual, and can’t recover unless you let it. Likewise, not resting enough on a day-to-day basis can lead to your body giving up – which results in you getting ill – and then you’re pretty much forced to rest! If you’re having trouble getting some shut-eye, a spritz of lavender on your pillow can help you drift off into snoozeville, pronto. We recommend: Lavender Water by Crabtree & Evelyn.
4. Stay hydrated
You should already be gulping down eight glasses of water a day anyway, but as soon as you begin to feel rundown, up that number to two litres. Not consuming enough h2o can keep toxins floating around your body and make you feel a whole lot worse! Likewise, the arrival of autumn and winter often means the addition of opaque tights to your wardrobe. Although lovely under your summer dresses, these babies can seriously dry the skin out – which is why it’s important to ensure your pins are thoroughly moisturised before you even attempt to slip a pair on. For deep hydration, we love Dove Visible Beauty Body Lotion, or Dermalogica Body Hydrating Cream.
5. Kiss dry lips away
Flaky, sore-looking lips are strictly not for kissing. Not only are they pretty unsightly, they’re also a literal pain to deal with. Before the cold wind sweeps in, ensure you’ve prepared yourself properly with a nourishing product that will act as a shield for your lips, keeping them soft and smoochable all throughout the cold front. Look for hydrating balms that include ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamins A and E. We can’t stay away from MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF15, or NIVEA Lip Care Essential.
What’s your best tip to kick a cold in winter?
I try to take supplements like vitamin C and zinc when I have a cold