When Winter Gets the Best of You, Energize!
By Sandy Schroeder
We are heading to spring, but we are not there yet, and many of us are feeling winter's darkness and chill. As energy waivers, and temps fall, it's time to regroup.
WellAndGood.com's experts say attitude is all. Stacie Jessica Beacom, RDN, said, "I always approach this time of year with the mindset that this is only temporary. Sunny days, where art thou?"
If you can relate, as you catch yourself sleeping more and craving comfort foods, it's time to energize your life and enjoy every day no matter how cold it is.
They suggest some easy ways to go.
Latch onto available light - Get outside and get as much natural light as possible to counteract all of that lethargy. Open the blinds and pull back the curtains in the morning. Take short walks before or after lunch. If it works, move your workstation closer to a window too.
Keep moving every day - Climb out of that cozy chair and head for the gym, or get outside with friends to skate, ski, or just go for a walk in the snow. Daily exercise will lift your spirits and help you sleep at night. If you need a boost to work out, try a cold brew from green coffee beans.
Start eating better - Load the fridge with fruit, yogurt, veggies and sugar-free teas. Pick walnuts, peanuts or almonds for snacks instead of chips or cookies, and reshape pizza nights with healthy cauliflower crust pizzas with veggie toppings. Keep the comfort coming with turkey meatballs and meatloaf and homemade split pea, chicken and rice or tomato soup. Skip the ice cream or pastries and bake fruit tarts or banana and pumpkin loaves.
Break out the hobbies and spend time with friends - Learn to play the guitar or join a book club. Spend the weekend with friends and family. Fix their favorites and invite everyone for black bean or shrimp tacos, chili or pasta.
Rethink your environment - Give your workplace a fresh look with art, plants or your favorite pictures. Then redesign your family room or bedroom at home. Activate your family room with a treadmill, stationary bike, yoga mat and small weights. Streamline your bedroom to create a sleep retreat.
When spring does come hang onto all of those good habits and keep right on going.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in.Roseville, Minn.