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Seasonal Self-Care to Stay on Track This Winter

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Staving off the winter blues is more than just a matter of pulling on our favorite sweater (though that does help). The short days and cold temperatures can keep us from mentally and physically feeling our best—which in turn can impact our weight loss journeys.  

Some people even write off the entire season as a missed opportunity to lose weight (but you don’t have to). Each season brings their unique joy, but focusing on our health and well-being should always be one of them. Get your seasonal self-care on with these tips:

Boost your immune system the natural way
You don’t have to buy a supplement to boost your immune system this season. Living an active and healthy lifestyle is the best way to support your health no matter the time of year.

Eat colorful fruits and vegetables to get essential vitamins and minerals all season long. They also contain antioxidants and flavonoids, anti-inflammatory nutrients that can help support your immune system.

Even though the holiday season is often a flurry of social events, try to minimize drinking alcohol (bonus points for trying a mocktail) and get enough sleep to help reduce your overall levels of stress—the enemy of your immune system.

Adopt a cozy mindset 
We often look towards our Scandinavian neighbors for tips on surviving the winter, as they’re especially bad there. The Danish have a concept we could all benefit from hygge (pronounced hoo-gah).

Hygge is all about creating a cozy environment for when you are stuck inside. Think lit candles, soft blankets, warming (low-calorie) beverages, and intimate gatherings with family and friends. Creating a safe and comforting social and emotional environment can help promote self-care. 

Embrace a “cozy”  hobby—such as puzzles, houseplants, knitting/crocheting, journaling, or reading—so there’s something indoors you look forward to doing. These hobbies can also serve as necessary me-time for when you need some stress relief. 

Go outside (even when it’s cold)
While those lucky enough to live in year-round warmer climates have fewer excuses to stay indoors, cold temperatures, winter weather, and even the bare trees can keep the rest of us from spending much time outside. 

However, getting some outside time is important, especially in the winter when there’s less sunlight providing that natural vitamin D. And because the sun just isn’t in our favor this time of year, taking vitamin D supplements may also help you adjust to fewer hours of sunlight.

For your cold weather ventures, the right layers can change the game—merino wool is the preferred base layer for hikers. Dressing warmly and appropriately for the weather may even help you start to appreciate the chilly air and do some winter hiking of your own.

Get moving
If the cold weather makes you want to enter hibernation mode and spend the next few months wrapped in a blanket, you’re not alone. But staying still this winter is not the way to go. Staying consistent with your workout routine can not only keep you on track with weight loss, it may actually strengthen your immune system. 

Going for a brisk winter walk is more than enough to get your immune system going. But if you need some heat to motivate yourself, consider trying some hot yoga or a spin class for a workout vacation in warmer temperatures. 

The golden rule 
Last, but certainly not least, continue to practice good pandemic-era hygiene habits like washing your hands often. If you can't wash your hands with soap and water be sure to carry hand sanitizer. Cleaning away these germs can help prevent you from getting ill—because nothing puts a halt to self-care like being sick in bed. 

 

CON-1829-001 11/23
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Important Safety Information
What is CONTRAVE?
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CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:

Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.

CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weight off.

Important Safety Information
See More
CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:
Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.
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Important Safety Information
What is CONTRAVE?
See Less 

CONTRAVE can cause serious side effects including:

Suicidal thoughts or actions: One of the ingredients in CONTRAVE is bupropion. Bupropion has caused some people to have suicidal thoughts or actions or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking medicines used to treat depression. Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. If you already have depression or other mental illnesses, taking bupropion may cause it to get worse, especially within the first few months of treatment.

While taking CONTRAVE, you or your family members should pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when you start taking CONTRAVE or when your dose changes.

Stop taking CONTRAVE and call a healthcare provider right away if you or your family members notice any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: thoughts about suicide or dying; attempts to commit suicide; depression; anxiety; feeling agitated or restless; panic attacks; irritability; aggression, anger, or violence; acting on dangerous impulses; an extreme increase in activity and talking; other unusual changes in behavior or mood; trouble sleeping.

CONTRAVE is not approved for use in children under the age of 18.

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Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you have: depression or other mental illnesses; attempted suicide; seizures; head injury; tumor or infection of brain or spine; low blood sugar or low sodium; liver or kidney problems; high blood pressure; heart attack, heart problems, or stroke; eating disorder; drinking a lot of alcohol; prescription medicine or street drug abuse; are 65 or older; diabetes; pregnant or planning to become pregnant; or breastfeeding.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

CONTRAVE may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Seizures. There is a risk of having a seizure when you take CONTRAVE. The risk of seizure is higher in people who take higher doses of CONTRAVE, have certain medical conditions, or take CONTRAVE with certain other medicines. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking CONTRAVE unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure while taking CONTRAVE, stop taking CONTRAVE and call your healthcare provider right away.

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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is CONTRAVE?

CONTRAVE is a prescription weight-loss medicine that may help some adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related medical problem such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, lose weight and keep the weight off.

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It is not known if CONTRAVE changes your risk of heart problems or stroke or of death due to heart problems or stroke.

It is not known if CONTRAVE is safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight-loss products.

CONTRAVE is not approved to treat depression or other mental illnesses, or to help people quit smoking (smoking cessation).

Please see Full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, for CONTRAVE.