As the frigid chill of winter approaches, staying active can feel like a daunting challenge. The shorter days and colder weather often tempt us to stay inside, wrapped in cozy blankets, watching our favorite shows. But did you know that keeping your body moving during these chilly months can not only help you stay fit but also improve your mood and mental health?
It’s no secret that winter can leave many feeling unmotivated. The cozy comfort of staying in bed might seem like the best option, but finding the energy to stay active is essential for both our physical and emotional well-being. Not only does Exercise boost the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain but it can help fight off the winter blues.
According to the (Dr. Mike’s Walk-In Clinic. The Importance of Physical Activity in the Winter Months. Mike, 2024) “Regular physical activity helps in maintaining good health, regardless of the season. During winter, it becomes even more important due to the tendency to lead a more sedentary lifestyle. Staying active helps combat the potential negative effects of this inactivity, including weight gain, reduced cardiovascular fitness, and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the colder months.”
Many people experience a drop in their mood and energy levels during the colder months, which leads to extreme levels of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Health teacher Mr. Liscio explains, “Physical activity is very important during the winter. It gets darker much earlier and people tend to spend less time outdoors. It can lead to seasonal affective disorder. Exercise releases endorphins and serotonin which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety.”
So, how does one beat the winter slump? Mrs. GaNun, another health expert, suggests, “Students can look up various physical activities on Youtube. Whatever a student may like you more than likely can find an instructor doing a workout routine such as yoga, pilates, tai chi, aerobic dance,interval training, and body weight exercises to name just a few.”
Beyond the home workouts, winter offers opportunities to stay fit while having fun. Activities like, Skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating can make exercising feel more exciting. Even building a snowman, sledding, or having a snowball fight with some friends are exciting ways to keep the body moving and staying active. Or for those who like to stay away from the cold there are many indoor activities available.
GaNun adds, “ A great way to stay active during the winter months is joining a gym, joining a recreation sports team or even the YMCA.”
Whether you’re going outside enjoying the winter cold, or sticking to indoor routines, staying active during the winter is achievable and rewarding. Not only will this help you maintain your mental and physical health, but it will also boost your mood and energy
