Winter is starting to feel truly set in, with short, cold, wet days and long dark nights. Often our least favourite time of year, most of us can start to feel a bit fed up and run down. However rather than just hibernating with a warm blanket and a box of Quality Street, it is important to maintain some healthy habits.

• Eating well – eatnourishing, hot meals such as soups and stews. Make the most of the best of the British seasonal produce, with plenty of root vegetables, which are also full of vitamins and fibre.

• Vitamin D and C – living in the UK we don’t get as much sunlight as we need and most of us aren’t able to get enough Vitamin D through food. Vitamin D not only helps with bones and teeth but can help improve the immune system and your mood and sleep quality. Vitamin C can also be beneficial for helping boost the immune system as well as energy levels, and so supplements for both of these can be beneficial.

• Keep skin moisturised – the cold weather and wind outside can make your skin feel fragile and damaged. The increased use of central heating when you’re inside can also severely dry out your skin. Using a moisturising lotion or cream can help keep your skin protected and hydrated.

• Get outside  – try to get outside for at least 20 minutes of fresh air each day. This can help you feel refreshed and more energised, especially if you’re working from home or spending more time indoors. Additionally this can boost vitamin D levels and will also give your mood pick up.

• Stay hydrated – drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid each day with a good amount of water and have regular hot drinks on cold days to help keep warm.

• Sleep well – although it gets dark early, the use of blue light on the tv or from electrical devices can keep you awake longer and affect sleep quality. Additionally keeping the temperature down to 16-18°C in your bedroom will help not just the energy bills but will support better sleep.

• Keep active – it’s important to keep moving, although it can be more difficult to go out in wintery weather. Instead try an online exercise video or doing more activities around the house such as cooking or cleaning.

Hopefully these tips can help give your energy and mood a boost, to keep you going through the winter months for when spring arrives.