To maintain well-being, it is
important to stay physically active in the winter. During the cold, winter months
there is less sunlight, shorter days, and more perceived barriers and as a
result it is common to stay inside more than usual. This can lead to less vitamin
D, less physical activity, decreased Serotonin levels, and the Winter Blues.
important to stay physically active in the winter. During the cold, winter months
there is less sunlight, shorter days, and more perceived barriers and as a
result it is common to stay inside more than usual. This can lead to less vitamin
D, less physical activity, decreased Serotonin levels, and the Winter Blues.
Being physically active does not mean you
must perform vigorous exercise to get health benefits.
must perform vigorous exercise to get health benefits.
Moderate activity, such as housework,
brisk walks & gentle yoga is beneficial.
brisk walks & gentle yoga is beneficial.
- Recommended:
moderate aerobic activity 30 min./day; 5 days/week (all Americans) - Recommended:
resistance/strength training 2x/w (all Americans)
However, the more active, the more health
benefits! You can do this by increasing the frequency, duration and/or
intensity of the activity safely.
benefits! You can do this by increasing the frequency, duration and/or
intensity of the activity safely.
Consistency is key!
It may be harder to find motivation during
winter, but these simple tips below can help you stay happy and healthy year round!
winter, but these simple tips below can help you stay happy and healthy year round!
Common Causes &
Risk Factors
- Genetics– Seasonal Affective Disorder,
(SAD), about half million Americans diagnosed/year - Lack of sunlight= less vitamin D= less serotonin, (“feel
good” chemical, released during exercise. controls appetite, mood & sleep.
dark winters decrease levels of it) - Lack of physical activity- cold, short,
dark days & other perceived barriers (time, gym location, fatigue, etc.)
7 Tips &
Solutions
GET OUTSIDE– vitamin D:
errands, gym, short walks
errands, gym, short walks
- Will connect to nature; appreciate
seasons/warm house - “Even on cloudy day, 1 hr. exercise=2.5
hrs. light treatment!” (Bates College SAD study) - Recommended vitamin D: 10 min/day, unfiltered
INDOOR GROUP EXERCISE CLASS- Zumba, yoga, pool classes &
more!
more!
- Motivation, fun, relaxing, group support,
rewarding, warm pool water
TRY A NEW ACTIVITY- challenge yourself
- Automatically feel accomplished,
confident, more happy
GRAB A FRIEND- consistency &
fun
fun
- Plan future spring/summer race together
- Hold accountable
TAKE ADVANTAGE- winter activities
- Pond hockey, pond fishing, ski,
snowboard, cross country ski, snow tubing, snow shoe hikes, trail run, walks,
skating, curling, shoveling, yard work, play with kids/grandkids in snow
PREPARE- plan spring/summer
goals: getting in shape for summer
goals: getting in shape for summer
- Hire personal trainer: help
support/motivate you, achieve your goals safely & effectively!
FROM HOME- redecorate house interior/ clean
out your space
out your space
- Buy small heat lamp
- Make bucket list- physical activities to
try in future & hang up on wall
Blog post by Erin Tollios.
