6 Easy Ways to Stay Healthy This Winter

Spending more time indoors during the winter season can take its toll on your health. Taking extra steps to stay healthy this winter can ward off a cold or flu virus that interferes with your busy schedule. You don't have to battle the flu when you eat foods that boost your immune system and take measures to eradicate germs from your living spaces. Protect yourself from germs and adopt some healthy lifestyle habits to keep the flu at bay this season.

Here are six easy ways to stay healthy this winter:

1. Load Up on Vitamin C

One of the best ways to immunize yourself against health problems over the winter season is with a healthy diet. Eat foods that are high in vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that can also protect your immune system. Try to eat more servings of fresh fruits and vegetables during the colder months, and pick foods that have the highest nutritional content whenever possible.

2. Sanitize Your Office Space Regularly

Whether you work in a cubicle, share an office space or work from home, take steps to kill of germs that can accumulate on your keyboard, mouse and other office equipment. Working in a busy office environment makes you prone to catching the cold or flu so make sure you keep your space as clean as possible. Sanitizing wipes can help you get rid of germs in a flash throughout the day.

3. Keep Up with Your Workout Regimen

When it's too cold to go running outside or participate in outdoor sports, make sure you're still getting some daily exercise with an indoor routine. Invest in some at-home workout DVDs or plan on hitting the gym for an intense workouts session a few times a week. Exercise will increase circulation and also give your metabolism a much-needed boost to ward off those holiday pounds.

4. Eat a Healthy and Wholesome Breakfast

Eating breakfast can help to ward off hunger pangs throughout the day and keep cravings under control. Eating a breakfast rich in complex carbohydrates and lean protein can give you plenty of energy to get through a busy morning and also keep your appetite in check. My favorite wintertime breakfast is a bowl of old-fashioned oats with almond milk and a protein shake. Enjoy a bowl of oatmeal with low-fat milk and fresh fruit, or an egg white omelet with a generous serving of fresh vegetables to kick off a cold morning.

5. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule

It's natural to feel like hibernating and sleeping in during the cold and dreary winter months, but try and be consistent with your sleeping and napping routine. A lack of sleep can cause fatigue and take its toll on your immune system. Aim to get at least seven to eight quality hours of sleep each night so that your body can repair itself and fight off any cold or flu viruses this season.

6. Change Your Bedding More Frequently

Bacteria and germs lurking on your pillowcases, blankets, bed sheets and quilts can prevent you from recovering from a bout of the cold and flu. Make sure you're washing and sanitizing bedding regularly so that these germs don't end up sticking around all season long.