Winter is coming — and preparing for it is about more than stocking up on blankets and finding your favorite cozy sweater.
As temperatures drop and daylight hours get shorter, our routines, health and well-being can shift, too. From adjusting to the end of Daylight Saving Time to preparing for winter weather, this is a great time to build healthy habits that can help you feel your best all season long.
That’s why we’re inviting you to "Warm Up to Wellness" with Christie Clinic. We are focused on helping you prepare, stay healthy and take care of yourself through the colder months. Follow along as we share practical tips and resources to help you navigate winter with confidence — from sleep and immune health to staying active, caring for your skin and preparing for unexpected weather.
Start with a good night’s sleep
The return to shorter days and the end of Daylight Saving Time can be a natural reminder to check-in on your sleep routine. Even a one-hour shift can temporarily affect your sleep schedule and energy levels.
A consistent sleep routine can help support your overall health. Try going to bed and waking up around the same time each day, creating a relaxing wind-down routine and keeping your bedroom comfortable and dark.
Winter wellness isn’t just about avoiding illness. Rest is part of taking care of yourself, too. Read that again.
Give your immune system a boost
Cold and flu season is here, making now a good time to review your preventive care.
Talk with your healthcare provider about recommended flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and whether you’re due for any other vaccines or routine care. Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations can help protect you and those around you during respiratory virus season.
It’s also helpful to know the difference between common illnesses. Colds, flu and COVID-19 can have overlapping symptoms, so if you become sick, pay attention to how you’re feeling and consider testing or contacting a healthcare professional when appropriate. Click here to see Convenient Care hours and locations.
Simple habits still matter, too: wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid close contact with others when you’re sick and give yourself time to rest and recover.
Prepare before the weather turns
November is Winter Weather Preparedness Month, making it a great time to prepare for winter weather — before the first major storm arrives.
Try to take a few minutes to think about what you and your household would need if snow, ice, extreme cold or another winter weather event made it difficult to leave home. Consider putting together an emergency go kit with essentials such as medications, water, food, a flashlight, batteries, chargers and important documents. Keep your vehicle prepared, too, especially if you regularly travel in winter weather.
And don’t forget one of the most important parts of emergency preparedness: your medications. Make sure prescriptions are filled and picked up on time so you aren’t caught without essential medications during a storm or other disruption.
A little preparation now can make a big difference later.
Stay safe when you head outside
Winter doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all season — but it does mean adjusting how you approach outdoor activities.
Before heading outside during winter weather, check the forecast and dress appropriately. Layers can help you stay warm, while hats, gloves and appropriate footwear can provide additional protection.
Be especially cautious around snow and ice, where slips and falls can happen quickly. Give yourself extra time to get where you’re going, and remember that conditions can change throughout the day.
If severe winter weather is expected, consider whether your outdoor plans can wait. There’s no prize for braving dangerous conditions.
Keep moving, even when it’s cold
Staying active can be challenging when the weather is cold, dark and less inviting. But physical activity remains an important part of overall wellness throughout the winter.
Look for ways to make movement work for you. Take a brisk walk when conditions are safe, try an indoor workout, stretch while watching television or find an activity you genuinely enjoy.
The goal isn’t perfection — it’s finding sustainable ways to keep your body moving. Need assistance with movement? The Department of Physical Therapy is here to help. Click here to learn more.
Take care of your winter skin
Cold air outside and dry indoor heat can be tough on your skin. As temperatures fall, consider adjusting your care routine to help prevent dryness and irritation.
Moisturize regularly, especially after bathing or washing your hands, and use sunscreen when spending time outdoors. Even during winter, your skin can be exposed to UV rays.
And remember to stay hydrated. Your body still needs fluids in cold weather, even if you don’t feel as thirsty as you do during the summer.
Need advice on your winter skin routine? Department of Dermatology providers offer expert guidance and personalized recommendations to help keep your skin healthy and hydrated all season long. Click here to learn more.
Make space for your mental health
Shorter days and less sunlight can affect mood and energy for some people. For others, the winter months can bring feelings of isolation, stress or sadness.
Pay attention to changes in your mood, sleep, appetite, energy or interest in activities you normally enjoy. If you’re struggling, reaching out to a healthcare provider or mental health professional can be an important first step.
Self-care can also be simple: stay connected with friends and family, make time for activities you enjoy, get outside when weather permits and give yourself permission to slow down.
You don't have to wait until you're overwhelmed to ask for support. Click here to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.
Your winter wellness checklist is coming
There’s a lot that goes into feeling prepared for winter — and you don’t have to tackle everything at once.
Christie Clinic is here to help you “Warm Up to Wellness” by breaking winter preparation into manageable steps. Think of it as your winter wellness tune-up.
As the season changes, take a little time to prepare your home, your routines and yourself. Small steps today can help make the months ahead healthier, safer and a little more comfortable.