Casler: Health Tips For Fighting The Winter Blues

Oleh Admin 08 Feb, 2023 Posting Komentar

Mara Kasler for Special Citizen

The holidays are over, the gifts are gone, and our social calendars seem sparse this time of year. The temptation is to stay home, watch Netflix, and barely get off the couch every weekend until spring comes. Seasonal mood swings are real, especially here in snowy New York, where a 40-degree day is considered "mild." But staying inside and hiding for the rest of the winter won't hurt your mental, physical or emotional health, trust me. Here are some things you can do this winter to keep your energy and spirits up.

exit I know you're probably rolling your eyes and swearing at me and that's understandable. But the benefits of going out at least once a day for a brisk walk, paddle or sled ride with the kids are undeniable. Cold exposure is great for improving mental clarity, improving lymphatic drainage, fighting inflammation and boosting our metabolism. If you dress warmly and move, you may not get cold at all, but suddenly you feel happy. Also, winter is nice. Take time to notice the footprints of small animals in the snow, the half-melted snowman outside, and the beauty of the snow-covered trees. Grab your coat and boots and get outside this winter, you'll feel better.

Cook the soup . Do you want warm and comforting foods on cold winter days? This is completely normal. That green salad you make every day for lunch doesn't seem so tasty anymore. Our desires change and fluctuate with the seasons because our ancestors ate only what was in season. A watermelon and cucumber salad may be fresh and refreshing in July, but not at all in January. A tricky way to still eat lots of vegetables while satisfying your cravings for warm, nutritious meals is to make homemade soups. Chop up as many veggies as you want, add protein and broth, season to taste and throw in the slow cooker before you go. You'll go home smelling delicious and enjoying a hot, nutritious dinner for you and your family.

Plan ahead . We all need things for the coming year. It's a great time to plan your spring break, register for a race or event, or sign up for a new course. Instead of spending months deciding what you want to achieve this year, put yourself in the spotlight simply by signing up for an event. This allows you to steer the ship this year and not let life dictate what you achieve. If we wait for what will happen this year, or for the "right time" to go back to school, run a half marathon, or travel to Europe, that time will never come. Life will always be turbulent and chaotic, and there will always be something unexpected. But if you plan a year in advance, you'll have activities planned to help you focus and stay focused on where you're going.

Baca Juga

take a shower Bath time isn't just for kids at home anymore. Taking a bath can be difficult for busy adults, but it can be a lot of fun, especially in the winter. Filling a bath with warm water, Epsom salts and an essential oil of your choice can be very beneficial for your muscles and mind. Spending 10 minutes in the bathroom, visualizing, meditating, or just enjoying the peace and quiet can be a wonderful coping mechanism at the end of a long work week. Instead of aiming for wine and chips at the end of the week, would a relaxing 10-minute soak have the same effect? Try it!

Winter can be a difficult time for many people to feel happy, motivated and energetic. But it's also the perfect time to plan, clean, get a good night's sleep, make healthy choices, and spend time with the people we love. Get the sun on your face (even if it's behind the clouds), change into sweatpants, go for a walk, try new foods, and keep in touch with your friends this winter. These small steps will help you feel better, beat the winter blues and keep you happy, healthy and fulfilled.

Mara Casler von Aurelius is a registered dietitian from Cornell University and holds a bachelor's degree in fitness development and a master's degree in recreational therapy from SUNY Cortland. She is an athlete, weightlifter, hiker with her dog Oakley, and helps people become the healthiest versions of themselves.