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 weather
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
Create a Project for the Dead of Winter
There’s always a time of year when the #winter weather starts to wear on a person. Snow and cold likely find you indoors more than you want to be, and there are few holidays or occasions to provide a distraction. We’ve entered the year’s gray doldrums.
There’s a fantastic way to fight any boredom, anxiety, cabin fever or seasonal blues you might be feeling, however: Think up a new #project and get it off the ground! There’s extra time on the calendar, and you can defeat the winter weather to get something accomplished.
At #new year’s resolution time, the project might be yourself and your health. You might have started a dry January or be counting down to a dry February. You might set fitness goals such as losing X number of pounds or visiting the gym regularly.
You might decide to enhance your knowledge by learning something new — a language, a musical instrument, or a craft such as woodworking or pottery. The internet is full of free and reasonably priced classes; sites such as OpenCulture, MasterClass, Babbel and others help you get started.
Perhaps you’ve been planning a few small #household renovations — interior painting and redecorating, installing new insulation or shelving, and so on. As long as you’re trapped inside, you might as well get started on a project that makes your surroundings more inviting.
#Decluttering and #organizing is a great project to start now, since it can rapidly improve your home’s livability and your mood. The Spruce offers a 30-day challenge for the winter months, but you can adjust the scope of the project to suit your capabilities. ClothingDonations.org can help when you schedule a #free donation #pickup.
Projects don’t have to be huge to make a difference. Maybe you have a hobby you’d like to revisit. Maybe you’d like to finish one good book. Maybe you’d like to update your résumé, volunteer locally or help a family member with their project. Now’s the time.
Tackling a project can keep you from getting frustrated and bored during the dreary winter months. No matter what you might choose to do, you’ll feel more confident when you launch a new project and a sense of accomplishment when you complete it. Get it started!