Gentlemen, this read’s for you, too.
Okay, now that we got that out of the way — what better gift is there than to enter 2022 with clear, bright, beautiful skin (and a healthier immune system) this winter season?
According to www.mindbodygreenpath.com, there is a lot to upping one’s skin and mental game during the winter, including starting from the inside out:
- Eat a nutritious diet.
- The skin can be a fickle thing that needs things like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (not only for good health) but improving the immune system and one step toward getting beautiful skin.
- Integrative family physician Dr. Bindiya Gandhi said that immune-system-boosting foods can do a great job for overall wellness.
- “Get lots of vitamin-C-rich foods, like bell peppers, oranges, carrots,” Gandhi said. “Pumpkin seeds and oysters are rich in zinc and great to support your immune system.”
- Get to Movin’ – Physically and Beyond
- It’s wintertime and it doesn’t matter what the weather is – get moving inside (and outside) so that general health reflects the inside with the outside.
- “Managing stress is always the key when talking about supporting your immune system,” Gandhi said. “Make sure you have carved out time weekly for self-care and to do things that nourish your soul!”
- Acknowledge what is presently impacting your health.
- Eat nutritionally dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, lean meats, whole grains, etc.
- Exercise in fun and easy ways like walking or dancing.
- Rest/relax by getting adequate sleep, doing breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, stretching, or praying.
- Connect with others safely in person and via social media, calling/texting, joining online support groups, writing letters to friends and family.
- Still Breathe (Despite it All)
- Detroit-based counselor Patrece M. Lucas said previously that mental health issues, especially in the Black community, can typically take a toll in this community used to bearing the brunt of things.
- “African/Black Americans globally suffer at a higher rate than non-Blacks on good days and on bad days,” Lucas said. “When white people catch a cold, Black people get pneumonia. What this speaks to is the greater impacts on our community because of how our community is already suffering in oppressive conditions.”
- Get Some Good ZZZs
- Reduce Blue Light Exposure in the evening. That means you, you late-night scrollers. Exposure to light during the day is beneficial, but nighttime light exposure has the opposite effect — it tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. This reduces hormones like melatonin, which helps you relax and get deep sleep.
- There are several popular methods you can use to reduce nighttime blue light exposure. These include:
- Wear glasses that block blue light.
- Download an app such as f.lux to block blue light on your laptop or computer.
- Install an app that blocks blue light on your smartphone. These are available for both iPhones and Android models.
- Stop watching TV and turn off any bright lights two hours before heading to bed.
- Don’t Consume Caffeine Late in the Day. Yes, you probably need an afternoon boost during the long day, but caffeine, when consumed late in the day, can stimulate your nervous system and may stop your body from naturally relaxing at night. In one study, consuming caffeine up to six hours before bed significantly worsened sleep quality.
- Reduce Irregular or Long Daytime Naps. A power nap is, well, powerful, but it can negatively affect your sleep if they are too long or irregular.
- Consider Supplements. Several supplements can cause relaxation and help you sleep, including:
- Ginkgo biloba
- Glycine
- Valerian root
- Magnesium
- L-theanine
- Lavender
Make sure to only try these supplements one at a time to boost sleep.
“Winter is a season of recovery and preparation. Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration,” American novelist Paul Theroux said.
Indeed, relax, rest, and be ready for what’s to come in 2022. Happy New Year!