Stay healthy, fit and happy during the cold, winter months with these easy life hacks.

Winter is often a time when the metabolism slows done and people start feeling weary and generally sluggish. But there is a lot you can do to ensure that the winter is a season full of cheer. And what’s not to be happy about? Starting November, it’s festival time in India, and wedding season too. So deck up, meet friends and family, and have fun. We tell you how to beat the blues, and stay happy this winter.

Light up

Get as much natural sunlight as you can. This will not only ensure that your vitamin D levels stay on track but will also put you in a better mood. Ten minutes a day is all you need but you can spend a little more time soaking up the sun’s rays in the winter to ensure that you stay perky.

Eat fresh

Stock up on locally available, seasonal fruits and vegetables. And ensure you get your five portions of fruits and vegetables every single day. This is a sure shot way of getting all the nutrients in, boosting your immunity and ensuring glowing skin and lovely hair throughout the dry, cold winter months.

Breakfast

like you mean it Eat hearty at breakfast time. Winter is definitely not the season to skip your breakfast. Ensure you start the day with a big, nourishing helping of carbohydrates, protein and fibre. Oh, and go easy on the sugar.

Sleep well

Is there a malaise that a good night’s sleep cannot fix? We doubt. Practise going to bed and rising at the same time every day. Sleep helps the body fix itself and you can avoid many a serious illness by just getting your sleep schedule on track.

Up, up, up

Yes, get off the couch and get moving. There’s nothing like exercise to get your serotonin levels flowing and to give you that ‘smiley’ feeling. Needless to say, sticking to your exercise routine keeps you fitter, keeps off the excess weight and boosts your immunity levels. What’s not to love about exercise! Get going already.

Practise these five winter life hacks, and you will be fit, fabulous and fun throughout the coming months. What’s more, if you stick to this, you will enter summer feeling refreshed like never before.