Don't Let the Cold Get in the Way of Staying Healthy
By Tom Herrin
As a rule, most people try their best to manage their health. The bad thing is that their best for many allows room for quite a bit of slacking off when they feel they can justify it. How many start a diet and then "cheat" little by little? They end up wondering just why the diet is not working. The same thing often happens when people get into an exercise program, even if it is simply walking, and then breathe a sigh of relief when something comes up that sidetracks that program. One of the easiest is the cold weather. When it sets in, some people seem to feel that it is a pretty good reason to put it on hold. The fact is they can make a few modifications and keep right on going.
Dress for the Cold
There is no rule that says that people can only exercise in shorts and a T-shirt. Wearing layers is easy and can help to allow people to be a comfortable temperature. They can start out a little cool, then take something off as they begin to warm. It won't take long to get the hang of it, and the activity will seem more tolerable and enjoyable.
Identify a Friend to Help
Going it alone is good for a lot of things. When people need some additional prompting in order to get moving, exercising with a friend, or family member, can provide a different kind of motivation. As people encourage each other, they may be able to gain some mental strength. Individual expectations become shared. For those who want an even more challenging support person, exercising with a child can keep someone on the spot. Looking bad in front of their children is never good, so there may be added incentive.
Play a Head Game with Yourself
It often helps to work on convincing yourself you can do something. It is a kind of self-hypnosis. Setting short goals may keep you focused and believing that you can actually do it. Looking ahead at some certain point or knowing that you will continue for a few more minutes can give a feeling of determination and reward once you have achieved that short goal. After all, much of the physical efforts we do are mostly in our heads anyway.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Stafford, Va.