Common winter habits dangerous for health: Stay safe with these tips

It’s mid-October, and it seems like winter has set in already, with low temperatures in the mornings and a little cold wind at night. The cold season is all about food, comfort, and the constant urge to stay warm all the time. Whether it’s by drinking hot chocolate or staying a little too close to the space heaters, one has got all their winter plans in check. But, not all cozy indulgences can be really good for the health. A report by Clever Dude reveals some habits or practices that can harm health.

This includes the overuse of space heaters, which has fire risks and can dry out air, while taking hot showers for longer durations thins the skin of natural oils. Avoiding hydration, consuming too much of rich foods, tightly sealing the windows, and not exercising regularly can also have harmful health effects. By taking small measures, with some changes to the lifestyle, one can stay safe and healthy during the winter season.

Excessive use of space heaters A space heater’s warmth can be extremely satisfying on a cold day. But relying on these devices can have several health concerns. The study reported that overusing space heaters for longer intervals in poorly ventilated rooms can dry out the air, which causes irritation in the eyes, skin, as well as respiratory system. Further fuel-burning heaters lead to a risk of carbon monoxide exposure, with unattended units causing winter house fires.

Safety tip: Make sure to keep heaters at a safe distance, at least one meter away from anything flammable. Do not leave them on overnight, and choose models that have automatic shut-off functions. Moreover, ensure adequate ventilation while the heater is in use, so that there is warmth as well as safety.

Longer hot showers Who doesn’t have the urge to soak in hot showers every frosty, chilly winter day! But, it might not be as beneficial as effortlessly relaxing as it feels to be. Hot water removes the natural oils from the skin, which leads to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. It can also add to or even worsen conditions like eczema and rosacea. And, in case you take very hot showers, your body starts feeling cold as soon as you step out. This is because there is a rapid heat loss. 

Safety tip: Instead of an extremely hot shower, one must bathe with lukewarm water. After drying, immediately moisturize yourself. You can also wrap around a warm robe and have a hot drink, which can be comforting, without causing any damage to the skin. 

Skipping hydration: The most ignored winter risk The biggest risk during winter is skipping or avoiding hydration, as we do not feel the need to. We tend to forget to drink enough water, as we do not sweat much. But Clever Dude states that heated indoor environments and dry winter air can increase dehydration. Lack of hydration can result in fatigue, headaches, and increased exposure to cold and flu. 

Safety tip: Include herbal teas, broths, and water-rich fruits such as citrus in your diet. By hydrating consistently, your immune system functions well, your skin stays healthy, and joint flexibility is well-maintained. 

Winter is also about good food that's tasty, creamy, sugary, and comforting. However enjoyable it is, overindulging in it can cause weight gain, sluggishness, and higher cholesterol levels. Most of the comfort foods have a high amount of saturated fat and sodium, which can be a little burdening for the cardiovascular and immune systems. 

Safety tip: Try incorporating roasted vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your meals. Instead of relying on heavy desserts for sweet cravings, try some fruit-based options or dark chocolate, which will be healthy as well as less indulgent. 

We tend to shut down all windows during winter, thinking that it might retain heat. But it only results in indoor pollutants trapped inside. As mentioned by Clever Dude, poor ventilation in the winter season only builds up dust, dander, and germs, leading to indoor air becoming more polluted than outside. 

Safety tip: It is very important to improve indoor air quality. For this, make sure to open windows for some time in the day or use an air purifier to ensure the circulation of fresh air. Even ventilating spaces for a short period results in the reduction of pollutants and supports respiratory health. 

Physical activity is often reduced due to the cold weather, reduced temperatures, and shorter days. However, this sedentary lifestyle or reduced inactivity leads to a weakened immune system, weight gain, and a risk of seasonal depression. It is necessary to ensure movement, even while indoors, for the overall health, strength, as well as regulation of the mood. 

Safety tip: While indoors, practice yoga, dance workouts at home, or walking inside. Even movement on a moderate basis helps in reducing stiffness, improving circulation, and fighting winter lethargy. 

It's not that all winter habits turn out to be harmful. It's just that some of them need to be adjusted mindfully. Just by being more attentive towards hydration, diet, physical activity, as well as heating methods, one can have an enjoyable, cozy, comfortable, safe, as well as health-conscious season. Adding a little safety to your regimen with the above-mentioned habits will only help you enter spring all healthy!