Health and Lifestyle Tips

How to Make the Winter Season Work for You


Ahhhh, Winter….It’s this time of the year again. The days grow shorter,
the temperatures drop, and often times many of us end up doing what bears do—hibernating.

 
With the cold wind whipping outside– who wouldn’t want to bundle up in a warm blanket with a mug of hot chocolate in front of a favourite television show, right? Even though this may feel nice, staying warm and cozy actually has drawbacks. Watching television is the lowest metabolic activity next to sleeping. And worse, because you’re spending more time inside the house, you have more access to sugary and salty snacks. Talk about double trouble… Yikes!
 
That’s why the key of maintaining a healthy body this winter is finding your balance. The following tips will help shift your focus, keep you active and make the most of the remaining winter months, and lastly, help you emerge powerfully into spring!
 
Time to fix your sleeping habits.
During winter months, much of the world around you is in a state of hibernation. There is a reason for this – now is the perfect time to recharge by going to bed early! Winter is actually a good time to fix bad sleep habits deal with some of the issues that are keeping us from total refreshment. Whether you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or getting back to sleep after a disruption, winter nights are just long enough to learn to properly shut down.
 
Cook (and eat) warm and filling soups. 
Make large batches of soups, stews or chili. It’s a good way to get in a lot of vegetables and feel full, often with fewer calories. Plus, having soup in the fridge is a good way to avoid the temptation of take-out at the end of a long day.
 
Be productive around the house.
Make a list of easy home-improvement projects. Whether it’s refurbishing a chair, cleaning a closet or organizing your room. Beyond giving you something to do inside, these kinds of activities will give your body some work.

 
Engage in a hobby.
Explore a new hobby, such as painting, sewing, photography, knitting, or beading. If you’re not sure what to take up, think about what your interests were as a child. If needed, take a class to help you get started. Also, the fruits of your hobby can be used as holiday gifts, which means less stressful holiday shopping for you.
 
Build your summer body.
Why wait until spring or early summer to get clear on your fitness goals and develop the type of muscle tone that you crave? If you don’t like exercising in the cold, then explore your indoor options. Now is a great time to develop your physical fitness routine and work off some of that stress and restlessness that you may be experiencing. There is no better time than the present to begin achieving your dreams and desires.