Blow Away the Winters

Long nights, short days, and people dressed in warm clothes are the things we imagine when we hear the word 'Winter'. The winter season is known as Sisira ritu in Ayurveda.

Winter causes health problems when adequate precautions and safety measures are not taken. But winters can be enjoyed to the fullest when we alter our diet and lifestyles a little as the nature demands. As we are the part of nature if we our flexible enough to modulate our lifestyle a bit, we can very well adapt to such seasonal change. As the mercury level is falling and everybody is freezing in this bitter cold, all are trying to keep the winters warm as the chilling breeze are like the pointed darts with which someone has hit our body. All are suffering this shivering cold and specially the children, as they are the major sufferers because their skin is delicate and sensitive towards chills.

Some measures must be taken to prevent us from falling ill in these winters. Fuel up yourself while going to school or going to play, ask your mummy to cook delicious food and serve it hot, which can keep your body warm. Wrap up your self in layers, as it prevents cold breeze from entering your body, make it a point to wear thermals as they are easy to find, so before you move out of the house dress up with thermals so that you can fight cold. Owner of a jockey thermal shop in the local market says, “There is a variety of thermals in our shop and specially the body warmers which is light clothing and the best options to escape from cold”. Dress up properly to ensure that you stay warm while waiting for school bus in low temperature conditions. Keep your self as dry as possible in cold weather and wear properly fitting warm clothes. Cover your head, face and neck as much as possible as it prevents cold air entering your body. Inadequate head protection leads to loss of almost half of body heat.

Don't allow yourself to overexert and sweat. Sweating cools the body, which is hazardous in winter and it, becomes difficult to warm up again. Keep yourself hydrated, as you may not drink sufficient water in winter due to less thirst. Drink adequate amount of water.

During winter, skin cannot replenish its moisture naturally due to less humidity in air. There is low humidity due to indoor heating, hot showers and bath and due to this, skin is bound to become dry. Dry skin tends to crack and bleed. Cracked skin loses its ability to protect the body and increases the risk of infection. The best ways to keep the skin soft, healthy and moisturized and so to apply moisturizing lotion or oil after bath or whenever skin is dry.

Make sure your mother cooks food that keeps you warm like eggs, chicken, and soup, spinach and others. Soups are a good choice if you are a vegetarian. Ravi tej a student of Ryan International School says that “I love eating sarson da saag and makke di roti and eggs and the best thing is that these delicacies also keep my body warm." Winter is also the time when you can really indulge in food and enjoy your favourite dishes. You can worry about the calories later!

Consuming well-balanced good nutritious food, exercising at least thrice in a week and sleeping well are three important things which not only the children but everyone must opt to stay fit in winters. Direct contact with those who have colds or are sick should be avoided and you must wash your hands frequently. All these measures will gear you up and make you ready to fight the cold spell so that you can enjoy heartily in this chilling winters, which numbs the senses.

As they say 'Prevention is better than cure', so one must not be negligent and careless. Kids, it's better to listen to your mom's instructions than falling ill later and feeling sorry for yourself while lying sick in bed. Stay warm and snuggled in layered clothing and enjoy winter to the fullest without worrying about the cold, foggy weather.