How to Boost Your Immune System

Get outside

It can be incredibly tempting to stay indoors when it’s chilly outside. However, your health will benefit from wrapping up warm and making the most of the natural daylight and fresh air. If you have central heating, you’ll often feel better getting out and about, even if it’s just short walks in the garden.

Of course, when it gets really cold, take extra care and don’t venture out alone if it’s icy underfoot.

Regulate your sleep

The World Health Organisation estimates that around two thirds of the adult population either don’t get enough sleep or sleep irregularly.

It’s important not to underestimate the benefit of a regular bedtime and morning routine. Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day will help regulate your body clock. It is more difficult during the darker months as there is less natural light making you feel sleepier earlier in the evenings.

If you find yourself struggling to get into a good sleep pattern, try and avoid afternoon naps and use an alarm clock to wake you up at the same time each morning.

A healthy sleep pattern will help balance your hormones and support your immune system, making it easier to fend off colds and flu viruses when they start to do the rounds.

Drink more milk

Milk, and other dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese, are all beneficial to your health and will boost your intake of vital nutrients including calcium, Vitamins A and B12 and protein.

Make warm milky drinks and swap your usual breakfast for a steaming bowl of tasty, nutritious porridge. You could even add a little local honey if you like some added sweetness.

Favour fruit and veg

During the summer we naturally tend to eat more fruit and vegetables. Who doesn’t love juicy summer strawberries or a crunchy fresh salad? However, winter food doesn’t have to be stodgy. It can still be healthy.

Tasty soups and stews are a great way to pack your diet full of seasonal vegetables and there’s nothing tastier than an apple pie or fruit crumble for dessert. If you have a slow cooker and freezer you can batch cook to make sure you always have a stash of healthy and hearty meals ready when you need them.

Winter at The Dower House

Even in the cold months, there is something to enjoy in the wonderful gardens surrounding the house. Residents are supported to get outside as much as possible and you’ll often find people having a stroll around the gardens. And when it’s too cold to be outside there’s always an exciting choice of indoor entertainment planned.

Our wonderful kitchen team always make sure there are plenty of warm drinks and tasty meals on the menu and love to make the most of local ingredients wherever possible.

If you’d like to join us for lunch and a tour of the house and grounds, we would be delighted to welcome you. Come and find out for yourself what life at The Dower House is really like.