Staying Healthy and Active this Winter

Staying Healthy and Active this Winter

Winter is here and, in many areas of the country, the temperature is already near freezing. You may have even seen snow. While it’s tempting to stay huddled under a pile of blankets and wait until spring, that isn’t the best option for your health. Here are some tips for staying healthy and active this winter.

Go Outside

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a situation where many people feel more depressed and down during the winter due to the diminished amount of daylight we get at this time of year. In the winter, it’s dark when a lot of us leave for work and dark again when we head home in the evening. This can be depressing. You can help counteract this issue by taking a few minutes to go outside during the day. Taking a walk when the sun is out, such as at lunch, can help boost your mood.

Eat Well

It’s tempting to indulge in simple carbs and comfort foods at this time of year, but it’s also important to make sure that you have a well-balanced diet. One way to calm these cravings is by having some protein at breakfast, as well as by keeping healthy snacks with you throughout the day to boost your energy.

Schedule Exercise

This is a busy time of year and, unfortunately, that makes it easy to let regular exercise slide. To help yourself stay on track, make sure to add exercise to your schedule. You’ll be a lot more likely to get up and get active when it’s written down in your schedule.

Do Something Fun and Active

Exercise doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym. Why not go for a hike with your family instead? You can also get friends and family members together and play a sport, such as football or hockey. Skating, skiing, snowshoeing, and many other winter activities are also great exercise – and a lot of fun too! If you’re having fun and spending time with loved ones, it won’t even feel like exercise.

Dress in Layers

If you’re planning on exercising outdoors this winter, be sure to be prepared with your clothing. It’s a good idea to dress in layers during the winter so you can add or remove items to deal with changing weather conditions.