Most people prefer warm, sunny weather. There’s no need to worry about what to wear. A pair of shorts and a t-shirt are usually more than enough. Good weather also improves your mood. You feel more active and positive. Spending time outdoors is also an important part of that. You can enjoy the beach all day or enjoy a day at the pool while sipping a cocktail. The options are limitless.
Sunny weather also means there is plenty of vitamin D to absorb. Vitamin D is essential for our good health. It keeps our immune system functioning properly and plays a huge role in regulating mood. Some people are lucky enough to live in areas where the weather is always pleasant. But what about those who suffer through harsh, long winters?
For Alaskans, winters can be pretty harsh. It’s freezing and freezing cold. Snowstorms happen often and can significantly affect your mood. If you live somewhere high in the mountains, you’re also at risk of not being able to leave your home. So how can Alaskans maintain good health in winter? Well, all it takes is a couple of good habits and a little consistency.
Alaska is a beautiful country with plenty to explore, and cold weather shouldn’t affect your mood or health, whether you live there or plan to visit. Let’s look at what you can do to welcome winter with open arms and good health.
Winter in Alaska
Winter in Alaska can be very harsh. Temperatures are very low, even below freezing. In some areas, they even reach -45°C or even lower. The days are short, so there isn’t much sunlight, which means you can’t get much vitamin D. Snow can also build up very easily, making it difficult to get around or drive. Most residents already know the routine and prepare in advance. They must make sure their homes are well insulated. They also need to have food and other supplies in case they can’t go out.
Healthy habits for a healthy life
If you have lived in Alaska for a long time, you already know how dangerous the cold can be. Most people already have a strategy in place. Since Anchorage is the largest city, it is where residents go for food, but also for health-related issues.
Before winter hits, it can be a good idea to make sure you’re healthy and in good shape. And the best way to do that is by going to the doctor. If you’re the kind of person who’s afraid of doctors, try to go at least once a year, ideally in September or October. You can get a checkup before winter sets in and rest easy. If there’s a problem, the doctor will let you know and take care of it. Maybe he’ll give you some medicine or vitamins and you’ll be fine.
When you go in for a checkup, don’t forget to visit your dentist. Teeth become sensitive during the winter, so it’s best to make sure they’re healthy. The first step is to make an appointment with your Anchorage dentist and see what they have to say. We’re usually not even aware of the dental problems we have before we go in for a checkup.
Another important thing is to stay active. Don’t stop exercising just because it’s cold. You don’t have to go to the gym. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, walking, and even fishing. If you like winter sports, there are plenty of options. Skiing and snowboarding are just a few of the many. If you decide to go skiing, make sure you bring the right gear and stay warm.
When you spend so much time outdoors in the cold, you need to protect your skin. Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water. And sunscreen with a high SPF is a must, even if you can’t see the sun.
Mental health is also important. Stay in touch with your friends and family as often as you can. Call each other on video calls, visit each other, and connect to spend time. Socializing is very important and has many benefits for the brain. You can organize game nights, movie nights, or just get together to talk. Cook a nice meal, invite some friends over, and your day will instantly improve. You will also feel more energetic.
Lastly, make sure you get enough sleep. At least 8 hours a night, if you can. Try not to look at your phone before going to sleep. You’ll sleep better that way.
The final result
Are you feeling better now with all these tips? As you can see, staying healthy isn’t that difficult. You just need to be well prepared and take the time to visit the doctor. If you visit your GP and dentist regularly, you won’t have to worry about unexpected health problems.
Nutrition and hydration are equally important. And a healthy sleep routine will ensure you stay in good shape.
