The winter time is when residents of the United Kingdom hunker down in warm homes. They wrap themselves in thick clothes and blankets and spend the winter in front of roaring fires and radiators turned all the way up. The object during UK winters is to stay warm and dry. Because this is the goal, most residents of the UK think that staying healthy during the winter months is easy. In fact, it is just as important to monitor your health and take care of yourself during the winter as it is during the warmer months of the year. Here are some tips to help you make sure you are as healthy as you can possibly be this winter time.

1. Eat a nutritious diet. You will be tempted to live off of sweets and snacks as these are happily given around during the holidays. Instead you need to make sure that you get your daily allotment of grains, fruits and vegetables each day. Take in at least two dairy servings and don't let your diet give way to only sugar and fat.

2. Get Your Sleep. The winter time seems made for sleeping but you would be surprised how often people lose sleep during the darkest months of the year. Go to bed on time and get at least eight hours a night. You need to rest so your immune system stays strong.

3. Wash Your Hands. You can increase your health quite a bit by making sure to wash your hands after every visit to the restroom and before every meal. Use hot and soapy water to ensure that they get clean.

4. Stay Active. Going for a run might feel brutal during the cold winter months, so invest in a gym membership instead. It is important to keep your body active to help fight off the lower moods that often accompany the cold weather and extra hours of darkness. Exercising regularly will also help fight off any weight gain you might be worried about after eating all of those holiday treats!

5. Get a Flu Shot. There are plenty of places where flu shots are affordable or even free. Make sure you get yours every year to give yourself extra defence against the colds and viruses that wreak havoc during the winter time.

6. Quit Smoking. Smoking is terrible for your health"a fact that everyone knows. Smoking indoors is extra unhealthy because it affects the health of the people in the house with you as well as your own lungs.

7. Stay cheerful! Cheerfulness really can help you stay healthy during the winter!