Ways to Be a Healthier Lazy Person This Winter

— -- intro:Lounging around, binge-watching Netflix, and snacking a lot is all fine and good when it’s cold outside. At least that’s what I tell myself. Actually, though, there are some simple ways to make being a slug just a little healthier. And not one involves a workout.

12 Strange-But-True Health Tips

quicklist: 1category: Ways to Be a Healthier Lazy Person This Wintertitle: Have some wine with thaturl:text:You know that alcohol in moderation can protect your heart. But vino could feasibly head off a cold. In one study in the American Journal of Epidemiology that took place in Spain, people who drank the most wine were less likely to come down with a cold than those who abstained or downed beer or spirits. Red wine has the edge, possibly because of its antioxidants. Experts say that women should stick to one glass per day for the most health benefits (and fewest risks). Cheers!

quicklist: 2category: Ways to Be a Healthier Lazy Person This Wintertitle: Cuddle up to a bookurl:text:People who regularly read fiction are better able to understand other people and empathize with them, studies show. A helpful list: The 2014 Goodreads Choice Awards, as decided by readers.

quicklist: 3category: Ways to Be a Healthier Lazy Person This Wintertitle: Stretch just a littleurl:text:If you’re going to be sitting around on your butt a lot, you want to make sure your spine doesn’t get all stiff and achy. Check out these three simple, feel-good back stretches http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20692386,00.html?xid=abc-lazy-121714. Note: You must put down the Pop Chips to do them.

quicklist: 4category: Ways to Be a Healthier Lazy Person This Wintertitle: Whip up some comfort foodurl:text:And make it just a little bit healthier. This list of 52 comfort-food makeovers http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20627058,00.html?xid=abc-lazy-121714 includes everything from fried chicken to triple-chocolate brownies. So good, you wouldn’t even know they’re also good for you.

quicklist: 5category: Ways to Be a Healthier Lazy Person This Wintertitle: Call a friend and compare who’s lazierurl:text:You don’t want to hibernate too much—loneliness can impact your immune system. Researchers at Ohio State University found that people who were lonely produced more inflammation-related proteins in response to stress than people who felt socially connected. Inflammation is linked to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s. Resist the urge to text and pick up the phone; there’s nothing like good old actual conversation.

quicklist:6category: Ways to Be a Healthier Lazy Person This Wintertitle: Inhale the bath gelurl:text:As you float endlessly in the tub, your skin pruning up by the second, breathe in the scent of the soap or gel. People who savor stuff are more likely to have higher levels of happiness than non-appreciators, finds research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology.

quicklist:7category: Ways to Be a Healthier Lazy Person This Wintertitle: Take. More. Naps.url:text:Scientists are discovering that sleep has all kinds of perks, including better memory and focus, more creativity, and a healthier weight. Then again, you won’t have to worry as much about putting on winter pounds now that you’ve learned how to be a healthier slug.

This article originally appeared on Health.com.