Avoid Winter Doldrums

When winter months arrive, it’s no surprise many people adopt a sedentary lifestyle.  Colder temperatures keep many people indoors, and those daily trips to the gym are much less likely to occur if the winds are whirling and the snow is falling outside. However, living a healthy lifestyle is a year round commitment, and such a lifestyle is far easier to maintain if it’s not abandoned once the colder temperatures arrive.  In addition, staying disciplined throughout the Winter is an effective means of warding off colds and other ailments that can come with the colder seasons.  So as Winter begins to bear down, here are a few tips for staying healthy and making it to Spring feeling better than you ever have.

Get your shut-eye. While it may seem getting more sleep in colder months is akin to a bear hibernating in the winter, that’s not entirely true.  Don’t overdo it when it comes to sleeping, such as hitting the snooze bar and taking long naps on cold days when you’re stuck inside.  Just be sure to get adequate sleep because too little weakens the immune system, which can make you more susceptible to colds, flu and infections.

Exercise. While it’s enticing to stay inside on a cold day rather than go to the gym, it’s also detrimental to your health.  The best way to ensure you continue to exercise through the winter months is to develop a routine.  If you exercise after work, bring your gym clothes to work with you so you won’t have to go home and change and then be forced to go back outside to go to the gym.  If you can, work out during your lunch break when the skies are bright and the air is a little warmer.  Whatever routine you choose, do it early in the season and stick to it.  Once you’ve established the routine, it will be much easier to maintain.

Socialize. As technology advances, more and more workers have become telecommuters, forgoing the traditional office for the home office like myself.  While this can make life easier it can also leave you susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that can affect people during the winter months when staying in is more common.  For telecommuters, who may only leave their house for the office once a week so it’s important to maintain a social life during the winter months to avoid developing any feelings of isolation.  Maintain a level of activity in your community, and be sure to get together with friends or family at least once per week.

Eat Right. Just because you’ll be more bundled up thanks to cold weather doesn’t mean it’s safe to add a few extra pounds.  While winter often increases cravings for heartier meals, a hearty meal can be healthy.  Rather than store bought soup heavy in saturated fat, use fresh fruits and vegetables to make your own soup, stew and meals at home.  The vitamins from fresh fruits and vegetables can strengthen the immune system, and a healthy wintertime diet will have you ready and raring to go once the warm spring air and sun return.