The urge to rest, seek comfort and restore ourselves during wintertime is a normal response for all of us. That can make us deviate from our routines. The drop of temperatures, the cold and dark months makes you want to stay inside until the sun comes back out. It is also the season that most people feel more stressed out and anxious. There is most likely a disruption in your routines and financial stresses of the season that are adding to that feeling of being anxious. Luckily, we can combat those feelings of stress and anxiety by taking a few extra steps to take care of our mental health and wellbeing. One of the ways that you can do that is by keeping a healthy daily routine to stay active.
Wintertime is hibernation and character-building season. I call it character-building because it takes a lot to pull yourself out of your bed in the dark, put on your gym clothes and trek into the cold to go to the gym. However, I understand that most people find it very difficult to remain consistent in the winter. Before we get started on how to stay active, I want you to let go of any guilt that you might be feeling about being down this winter. This is a normal feeling. Let go of what you cannot control and focus on what you can.
How To Stay Active
I know that it is a struggle to get up in the mornings to go the gym. You don’t have to do it. However, I do recommend going at least 3x a week. You may not be able to do it the mornings like you used. Fortunately, you can make changes into your schedule to go when it suits you best. How to stay active in the winter months is about switching things up, incorporating your favourite activities to centre yourself. Here are four ways that you can stay active in the winter, get that necessary dose of daylight and restore your mental health.
Morning Walks
Take a morning walk around your area. Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise and a brilliant way to stay active in the winter. The beauty of it is the more you walk, the warmer you’ll be. You don’t even have to walk hours to get the benefits of daily walking. Walking at least 30 minutes a day will help:
- Improve your cardiovascular health
- Increase your energy levels
- Improve your mood, memory and sleep
- Strengthen your immune system
- Reduce stress and tension
Afternoon Gym Sessions
Personally, I prefer to train first thing in the morning at the crack of dawn. One day, I had to train during my lunch break. Although it is not my preference, I would choose that to be my second option instead of evening sessions. If waking up in the dark and going to the gym does not sound pleasing to you, opt to switching your gym sessions in the afternoon. I’d recommend taking an extended lunch break and going when most people will be finishing with their sessions. You’ll be able to train without having to wait for equipment and you’ll get there during the day and leave during the day. That is a win in my book!
Most hotels and some Airbnbs have a gym or a space for you to get some training in. If training in a gym or having access to a gym is important to you, make sure to choose a hotel that has the facilities that you need.
Stay Active With A New Sport
Stay active with a new sport this winter. The gym is not the only way to grow stronger and build muscle. If you want to be an all-round athlete or train as an athlete, you need to be open to other sporting methods. It doesn’t have to be intense, just a leisure sport to do solo or with friends. Most fitness centres have swimming pools, and courts for badminton, volleyball and squash. If you want something similar to strength training, I recommend trying out calisthenics. It will really humble you. Before I got into lifting, I was a swimmer and volleyball player. I’ve signed up for a swim pass to just get back into leisure swimming.
Outdoor Winter Activity
If you are an outdoorsy type, there are a plethora of winter activities that you can do to stay active. You can try snowshoeing and sign up for ski or snowboarding lessons. You can go tobogganing for a day or glacier hiking.
Winter is not as miserable as we make it out to be. It can be just as adventurous, thrilling and joyful as every other season. You just need to be open to trying new things and adapting your schedules. What are some activities, in the winter, that you like to do? Let me know in the comments below. Five more sleeps until Christmas.
Until next time,
Folakemi
