Take Your Winter Workouts Outside

Going to a health club or gym may not be your first choice to stay active as the #omicron variant is pushed #COVID-19 infections to record levels. Walking, running and cycling can be good, socially distanced wintertime alternatives, the Cleveland Clinic says, as long as you dress for the #weather. Invest in a good pair of shoes — waterproof, if necessary — and remember to incorporate stretching exercises into your workout since muscles constrict in the cold. Traditional cold-weather activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country and downhill skiing, are great options, too; vary your routine and you won’t get bored. #StayActive

Trick Yourself Into Getting Active

It’s difficult to start an outdoor exercise plan in the new year, exercise psychologist Jack Raglin told Today; the weather and lack of daylight often provide good excuses to stay sedentary. “People have been overindulging, they feel guilty, they feel like they have to do it, and they’re starting at a time when the environment is kind of conspiring against them,” he says. Luckily, there are ways to trick yourself into getting active: Get an exercise partner, even if you exercise on Zoom sessions; make your first goal just to get to the gym; or put your exercise clothes on before bed for the early-morning workout. #StayActive

Getting Active as the Temperatures Drop

The dead of winter has arrived in many parts of the country, with frigid temperatures and ample amounts of snow. While it’s tempting just to curl up under the covers in an effort to stay warm, it’s more heart-healthy to keep up your exercise regimen throughout the year. Find an activity that’s fun to do outside and dress in layers, Heart & Stroke says. Take advantage of the daylight hours to keep seasonal affective disorder at bay. And remember to stay hydrated even when you aren’t actively sweating or thirsty — cold air is often dryer than you think. #StayActive

Coping With Cabin Fever

Cabin fever is a natural side effect of winter. Cold temperatures, dark nights and snowstorms conspire to keep people indoors — and you can do only so much binge-watching before you start to get that unnerving, antsy feeling of being all cooped up.

This year, cabin fever is likely going to be more widespread and severe due to #COVID-19. Options for typical indoor pastimes such as a dinner out, a session at the gym or a concert are severely restricted or prohibited.

Cabin fever is more than boredom, however. “Cabin fever is a series of negative emotions and distressing sensations people face if they’re isolated or feeling cut off from the world,” says Healthline. “Cabin fever can lead to a series of symptoms that can be difficult to manage without proper coping techniques.”

Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, hopelessness, sleep disruptions, lethargy, and anxiety or depression. You will need strategies to keep cabin fever’s effects at bay when you’ve already done every jigsaw puzzle and streamed every Netflix show.

Maintain a schedule even though you’re more or less limited to the confines of your home. Include time for a variety of activities including exercise and outdoor time (bundle up if you must), and you’ll be a step ahead of the winter doldrums.

Keep your social life active at a distance by connecting with friends and family on Zoom, FaceTime or one of the other available platforms. Most people are in the same situation, so even if you feel like there’s nothing new to share, ask them how they’re coping.

We at ClothingDonations.org suggest you take advantage of the extra indoor time to #declutter. #Cleaning out a closet or cupboard and getting rid of the stuff you don’t need will not only give you a sense of accomplishment, but also help you feel more contented within your space.

People who develop severe eating disorders, sleep problems, anxiety and depression, of course, should seek professional help. But those of us who are just sick of being “stuck inside” can shake things up in little ways and make it through the winter — hopefully the last in which the #coronavirus is a major factor.

Shed Pounds, Donate Clothes

If you’re like many Americans, you might have overindulged during the holiday season and may be toying with the idea of changing some aspect of your behavior by making a New Year’s resolution.

According to Inc., 2019’s top three resolutions are “diet or eat healthier,” exercise more,” and “lose weight.” Runners-up include “save more/spend less,” “quit smoking,” “read more,” and “find another job.”

Any of these resolutions on their own — or any combination of them — is difficult to keep. Most people start too-restrictive diets or overly ambitious workout schedules only to stick with them for just a few weeks.

To increase the likelihood of sticking to your resolution, document your goals, Forbes says. Understand why they’re important to you, and develop a strategy for attaining them. Set a reasonable time frame, and emphasize the progress you make over the minor setbacks that will undoubtedly occur.

If it’s weight loss you want, don’t think that you’ll shed 10 pounds every week. You won’t, feel bad about it, and stray further from your diet. If you want to get more exercise, start slowly so that you don’t hurt yourself and wind up spending more time on the couch recuperating.

Remember to give yourself a reward for reaching an event milestone — cheat a little after a month of dieting or get a massage after your first 5K run. Celebrating such successes can condition you to achieve more.

Healthy resolutions often include an appearance factor, such as fitting into a smaller size pant or dress. The Organizing Blog has a radical suggestion where this concept is concerned: If a garment doesn’t fit now — as you embark on your resolutions — get rid of it.

If you’re anything like us, you’ll find garments you’ve wanted to fit into and wear again that have languished in the back of the closet for years. Edit your wardrobe down to only the essentials that flatter your physique today — the stuff you really wear.

The clothes you’re trying to fit into again are holding you back. Not only do they not fit, but they also may not suit your current style. They represent the old you — not the new you, who sticks to resolutions. Pack them up and contact ClothingDonations.org for a pickup.

Besides, if your current go-to garments start fitting a bit loose in the months ahead, you can reward yourself with a small shopping spree. The new you will need a new look — and that simple reward will help keep you on track to accomplish even more.

Here’s to a happy, healthy 2019!