Winter Wellness: How to Keep Healthy & Warm Winter can feel challenging on your health. We share some simple ways to boost your wellbeing, whilst staying warm, safe and well this winter.
Tip 1: Keep to a daily routine – with shorter, colder days, it can feel harder to keep our normal activities going. We usually feel better if we’re up and dressed, eating at regular mealtimes and going to bed at the same time.
Tip 2: Stay connected – a friendly natter by phone, online or meeting friends in a way that feels comfortable to you can help you feel connected. Ringing a helpline if we’re lonely can help us feel better too. It might be useful to keep a few phone numbers handy, to remind us to stay in touch.
Tip 3: Do things you enjoy – in the bad weather or if we’re isolating, it’s still important to take time to enjoy ourselves each day. Whether it’s reading, watching a box set under a blanket, making handmade gifts or seasonal baking. It can also be fun to try something new, get creative or dust off an old hobby.
Tip 4: Get outside for some sunlight and exercise – try to get outside for at least 20 minutes of exercise each day. Walk in a green space if you can. This can help you feel refreshed and more energised, especially if you’re working from home or spending more time indoors. If it’s difficult for you to get out, open a window and let some fresh air in.
Remember to email us at Listening@e-qualitas.co.uk if you need to speak to us.
Recipe: Winter vegetable & lentil soup
Ingredients: •
85g dried red lentils
•
2 carrots, quartered lengthways then diced
•
3 sticks celery, sliced
•
2 small leeks, sliced
•
2 tbsp tomato purée
•
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
•
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
•
1 tbsp vegetable bouillon powder
•
1 heaped tsp ground coriander
Method: Step 1: Tip all the ingredients into a large pan. Pour over 1½ litres boiling water, then stir well.
Step 2: Cover and leave to simmer for 30 mins until the vegetables and lentils are tender.
Step 3: Ladle into bowls and eat straightaway, or if you like a really thick texture, blitz a third of the soup with a hand blender or in a food processor.