The winter months can really have an effect on overall health. It’s not as easy to get excited and motivated about wellness when it is cold, dark or dreary outside. When it’s too cold to enjoy the outdoors, it’s time to get creative about staying active.
Take the stairs.
Whether you live or work in a high-rise or a lower building, consider taking the stairs rather than the elevator. Even if you work on the 40th or 50th floor somewhere, you don’t have to take the elevator all the way up. Stop a few floors beneath your own and walk the rest of the way up.
Plan family activities.
One of the best things about snow days is the amount of time we get to spend with our families. Use some of that time to keep the whole family active! Great winter activities that are physical as well as fun include ice skating, cross-country and downhill skiing, sledding, and yes, even just going out to the park and building a snowman or throwing snowballs.
Tweak your chores.
Everyday activities, such as washing the dishes, hanging laundry, or dusting can be the perfect opportunity to get energized. Try balancing on one foot while standing at the sink or increase the tempo as you vacuum. Dancing around the laundry room or making a game out of finishing your chores quickly can increase your heart rate and sneak physical activity into your busy day.
Try yoga.
If you aren’t already a yoga enthusiast, give it go this winter. It doesn’t require much space, and can be done for very little cost. There are even yoga instructions available for free online.
Make TV watching a sport.
Challenging yourself during your favorite TV shows is a great way to get active while indoors. See how many sit ups, push ups, squats or jumping jacks you can fit into a commercial break. Try to top the amount of reps you did during your last commercial break and you’ll feel the burn in no time. Remember to stretch once your done with your TV session!
