Health and wellness tips to navigate pandemic winter

As Chicago slides into the winter months, the cold, gray weather and the ongoing pandemic can make for a particularly hazardous duo. It’s more important than ever to prioritize health and wellness.

“There is now so much more that people have on their plates during these times,” said Tyler Langosch, ACE Certified health coach and general manager at Lifestart Fitness and Amenity Management in the Loop. “Without being able to take care of oneself, it makes supporting and helping others more challenging.”

Langosch suggests developing and maintaining a routine that allows for separation of work and leisure time.

“Scheduling time to be at ‘work’ and ‘home’ can help transfer the mind from one to the other,” he said.

Holistic Health Coach and downtown Chicago resident Nicole Simonds agrees that keeping a schedule is important.

“Most humans thrive on a schedule, even though we can be resistant to it,” she said. “A schedule can help prioritize your needs and the needs of others.”

Langosch said a daily routine should include “exercise and movement, not only (to) provide a physical benefit, but also a mental boost we all need.” Movement or exercise breaks can also include stretching, doing a household chore or playing with a pet.

“Pick something that brings you happiness,” Simonds said, “like yoga, Pilates or a brisk walk outside. Consider meditation or chair yoga as an option if you have physical limitations.”

Both Langosch and Simonds recommend focusing on healthy eating, especially during times of stress.

“Making good food choices optimizes health and helps with immune building,” Simonds said.

Langosch suggests keeping a normal meal schedule and cooking meals that are enjoyable. “It’s important to eat healthy and fuel the body with proper nutrients. However, there is a time and a place to treat yourself to the foods that make you happy.”

Loneliness is a challenge during Chicago winters and can be magnified by keeping many residents at home. Simonds recommends regularly connecting with someone.

“Make a phone call or Zoom or Facetime with someone. Hearing another person’s voice is so important,” she said.

New Eastside resident Sahani Panjwani, who has continued to work on the front lines as a pediatric anesthesiologist, said making an effort to stay connected with others has helped her during the pandemic. “I’m thankful I have been able to spend more time with immediate family and a couple of close friends to build a truly deeper friendship,” she said.

“Communication can be a huge stress reliever for many people,” Langosch added. “Everyone needs the love and support from those that care about them most.”