It’s cold, there’s not nearly enough light, and it’s so much easier to stay cozy indoors. It can be difficult in the winter months to stay active and healthy, but keeping up with physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your physical and mental health.
- Take a Walk
Assuming the weather allows for it, try to schedule time in your day to enjoy being outside. Take a stroll through a park or around a safe neighborhood. If you can, try to get out early so you can enjoy the sunlight on your walk.
- Keep Moving Indoors
If it’s too cold and icy out, try working out indoors. You can even tune in to live workout sessions on Zoom, Instagram, Facebook Live, YouTube, and other dedicated apps. These courses usually center around yoga, stretching, dance, and even aerobics.
Adults should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity, according to experts. Feel free to break it up into smaller chunks of time to spread out the activity throughout the week, like 30 minutes a day for 5 days of the week.
- Stay Prepared
Check the weather forecasts often, so you’re not caught off guard by snow or other inclement weather. Being dressed appropriately can help you stay warm and safe, as well as help you avoid slips and falls from wearing the wrong footwear in icy weather. If you find yourself going in and out, be sure to dress in easily adjustable layers of clothing. Wearing layers can aid with overheating, sweating, or even becoming colder.
- Know When to get out of the Cold
Hypothermia is when the temperature of the body falls below 35 degrees Celsius or about 95 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be deadly if your body can’t produce enough energy to maintain your internal body temperature. Watch out for a loss of coordination, confusion, decreased reaction time, slurring your speech, shivering, cold extremities, and sleepiness!
The most common cause of hypothermia is exposure to cold weather or cold water. Be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothes that are warm enough. Don’t stay outside too long!
- Understanding Winter Cravings
Studies have shown how our brains react to our seasonally shorter winter days. A stress hormone encourages us to eat more calories and calorie-dense foods, so we’ll move less and burn fewer calories to survive until spring. So, in a strange way, we’re pre-programmed to eat differently this time of year, but some of these ingrained behaviors can be counteracted to stay on track with your health goals.
Avoid eating high-calorie and starchy foods; they can leave you feeling sluggish. To maintain your metabolism, eat as if it were spring by enjoying leafy greens, veggies, legumes, fruits, etc. Stick with plant-based meals high in fiber and dense with nutrients to ensure you have the energy to get moving even when it’s cold and dark outside.
Total Chiro Is Here for Your Wellness Needs
Chiropractic care can be a useful method for improving and maintaining overall health. In addition to adjustments, we can provide advice on lifestyle and exercise choices to decrease pain and improve your overall quality of life. Call us now at (631) 447-2299 or fill out the contact form for a free consultation or to get started.