Winter is a season for comfort foods and lounging on the couch, but you can stay fit by prioritizing your health. When the temperature drops, most people tend to go into hibernation mode as they’re stuck indoors. The key to staying fit in the winter months is to take deliberate steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Winter Wellness: Strategies to Prioritize Health over Hibernation
Here are some strategies for prioritizing health over hibernating in winter:
- Concentrate on your diet: Stick to nutritious meal plans and make smart choices, as in winter you may feel lazy and end up in having unhealthy foods. Including comfort foods such as nutrient-packed soups and warm smoothies in your diet could be a healthy distraction from the cold.
- Exercise and sweat out: Stay on track with your fitness goals by including indoor workouts instead of going to a gym in this winter.
- Use the stairs: In winter, most people refrain from outdoor walking. Well, you don’t have to give up walking when the weather turns cold-you can walk in indoors. Walk up and down your building’s stairs, if your building has them. Watch out for ice and slippery spots. Climbing the stairs is a good exercise for your body.
- Calisthenics: Calisthenics are body weight exercises that can be done when you can’t go to the gym. These exercises consist of variety of movements such as running, standing, grasping, pushing, and so on. Common exercises include squats, lunges, push-ups, and crunches. However, it’s best to check with your doctor before including them in your exercise routine.
- Host a get-together: Chase away the winter blues by getting together with family and friends. Indulge in holiday treats in moderation, while keeping an eye on your plate and sticking to your workout. Winter holiday treats only come once a year, so enjoy them.
- Get enough sleep: A good night’s sleep can do wonders for your health and immune system such as reducing stress and maintaining metabolism.
Take measures to prevent winter ailments such as colds and flu. Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of any of the illnesses and disinfect counter tops, door knobs and other frequently touched surfaces often. Stay active by walking around the house every hour because “sit time” is at its peak during winter.
