You don’t have to go all-out to stay #acitve in the #winter; consistent movement is the goal. A long walk can be enough to clear the mind and get the blood pumping, and it’s easy to do, provided you’re dressed for the #weather. If winter is preventing an outdoor workout with ice, snow and sleet, take it inside. Apps can help you get more steps around the house or stretch constricted muscles. “Staying active doesn’t stop just because it’s cold,” Outside says. “Sometimes it just gets quieter, a little less polished and far more forgiving. And honestly, that might be winter’s greatest gift.” #StayingActive
Tag: cold
Stretch Before Your Cold-Weather Workout
“Cold muscles are at a greater risk for strains and injuries, so make sure to warm up before your cold-weather workout,” says Harvard Health. To prevent injury, engage in dynamic stretching that loosens joints, gets the blood flowing and warms up muscles. Start with a series of arm circles and arm swings, and move on to sets of high steps and lunges. Even if that’s all you want to accomplish, the benefits to health and mobility can be substantial, but continuing on to complete a more intense #winter workout can convert white belly and thigh fat into calorie-burning brown fat. #StayingActive
How to Exercise in Severe Cold
Take it from winter athletes and military personnel serving in cold-weather locations, says the New York Times: You can stay active in the dead of #winter. Remember that your muscles will be slower to loosen and flex, however, so “adjust your pace and expectations accordingly.” Cover your mouth to prevent dryness and irritation to the airways, and wear a head covering to control the No. 1 source of heat loss. If you plan a vigorous workout, dress for the full extent of exertion; the clothes you wear to stay warm while standing still will be too heavy for a body experiencing a full range pf motion. #StayingActive
Stay Active Outdoors Even in the Cold
When the worst of #winter sets in, you may feel like pulling up the blankets and sleeping late. But “there’s no reason to take a break from physical activity when the temperature drops,” the American Heart Association says. The winter chill actually might feel invigorating, and you may be able to exercise longer in the cold weather. Plus, outdoor activity can help get some sun and vitamin D, which can offset seasonal gloom while boosting natural immunity. Whether you choose to walk, run, snowshoe or ski, staying warm and dry outdoors is the key; use multiple layers to maintain body heat and comfort even in cold and ice. #StayingActive
Bringing Warmth to the Winter Home
Once all of the #holiday celebrations are complete and the temperatures drop to single digits, you may struggle to create #warmth — real or perceived — in the home. The cold weather and empty social schedules of January may prompt you to enter a protective hibernation.
The cold-weather cultures of Scandinavia tell you to lean into that feeling through #hygge, the concept of warmth, comfort and quiet conviviality practiced when the weather outside is cold, blustery and otherwise inhospitable.
Hygge demands quiet comforts such as cozy sweaters and throws, casual get-togethers with friends and family, and plenty of hot meals and beverages such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Candles and a fire in the hearth only add to hygge’s #warm, golden glow.
Creating real warmth in winter may require a few #household fixes, however. The first thing to check is your furnace filter — if it hasn’t been changed recently, dust and dirt may be blocking heated air. Change it so that the heat travels to the vents efficiently and with fewer allergens.
Half the battle of staying warm in #winter is to keep the heat inside and the cold outside. Adding insulation, area rugs and a chimney flue blocker are simple ways to keep the warmth from escaping and save money on heating costs.
Other simple fixes include 10 home heating “hacks” from Better Homes & Gardens. They include insulating drafty windows with bubble wrap and sealing window frames with fresh caulk. To quickly warm the kitchen and create a homey atmosphere, fire up the oven and bake some cookies or braise a roast.
We at The Organizing Blog like to save energy and set our thermostats to 68°F throughout the winter. But we also have plenty of blankets and throws we can use to stay warm, some of which were #thrifted from stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org.
You can also generate #heat by staying active — getting on the treadmill, painting a room or thoroughly #decluttering and #organizing a space. After you #schedule a #donation #pickup for all of that extra #stuff, reward yourself by bundling up, pouring a hot beverage and relaxing.
There’s nothing like the warmth of a #clean, cozy and #uncluttered home. Follow a few of these tips to stay warm, whatever winter brings!