We are now well into the dark winter months. January and February can be tricky for our health and energy levels, the excitement of Christmas and New year has passed, the days are cold and dark, viruses and infections are rife and our financial health has taken a beating too!
There is hope on the horizon, though. The good news is that the shortest day of the year has now passed. The days are getting longer by 2 minutes a day if you live in the northern hemisphere.
Rather than feeling as though we would like to enter hibernation until spring, there are steps we can take now to make us feel more energetic during the winter months to live life to the fullest.
Get Outside
To increase your energy levels in the winter, the single most important thing you can do do is get outside, even for just a short walk every day. The reason our energy dips in the winter is often because of a lack of vitamin D. The main source of vitamin D for our bodies is from sunlight, so getting outside is very important. Natural daylight and fresh air also has the effect of lifting our mood and spirits, giving us a boost to our well-being. Winter landscapes are often stunning too.
Exercise to Get more Energy
Many of us don’t feel like exercising in the winter. Instead, an evening curling up with a good book on the couch in front of the fire feels a little more appealing than a workout. However, exercise is important to our overall standard of health, as is often reiterated to us by medical insurance plans that you need, to ensure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, whatever the weather or time of year.
We are all aware of the benefits to exercise to our cardiac health, agility, and weight, but we often overlook the mood enhancing benefits of exercise. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins, which give us that post-exercise feel-good factor that is particularly important in winter.
Healthy Eating
Rather than succumb to the temptation of high carb and high fat foods in the winter, it is important to eat foods that will give you energy and boost your immune system. Citrus fruits are in season around now and they have plenty of vitamin C perfect for warding off winter colds. It may be going a bit too far to suggest that you eat more salads in winter. But you can make tasty soups and stews from an array of healthy vegetables to keep you warm and satisfied.
If all else fails and your diet has gone a little awry, you could always consider taking a multivitamin supplement. Doing so can help to boost your energy levels.
Get More Energy in Winter: You Got This!
Embrace the season of winter! Every season has its high and low points, so look for the positives. If it snows, enjoy it by getting outdoors for a fun ride on the sled. Or, you could even build a snowman. Or, if you have a passion for photography, get out to experience the amazing landscapes of wintertime.
Often in winter, the wildlife around us becomes more visual. Plus, garden birds would really benefit from your putting out food for them when the ground is frozen. In return, enjoy watching them as they come close by to eat and hang out. All these activities bring with them a sense of belonging and are also very grounding.
Very well organized writing, Can Energy be Turned into Currency?
So good!!!! So important to get outside and get grounded! Love this!
Hi Christy…
If you live in Canada then you must love winter. The extreme change in daylight hours has been a part of life for a long while. In the far north seeing the days last only hours it does very much have an impact on circadian rhythm. Yes Vit D is the greatest defence beside getting out. Last night even though it was -31 I bundled up and went for a 3K walk. Down-filled clothing is the key… so what if people think I am crazy… Maybe they are right.
Hugs from Alberta
I wish I could hibernate 😁
I’m surviving winter & still biking it to work in our “cold” weather
good info!
This is just so me. I feel the cold so much…even though it’s not extreme in India(as compared to many orher parts of the world). I feel I just cannot get anything on track in winters. Thats y i hate winters…ha ha! But I will try to be more active now🙂🙂
I’ll try to help when I can with postings here to encourage you, Swati. I know it’s tough in winter though… I wish you more smiles as we head into the weekend :)
Thankyou so much, Christy! This is one of the reasons I love your blog. Have a great weekend!😊😊💕
Brilliant post Chris. Very informative Hate these moody dark days. Topping up with Vitamin D tablets.
The Vitamin D really does help! Thanks Sumith
A much needed post while coldest days are just around the corner :)
Keeping busy helps the doldrums pass. And a winter escape is the ideal way to rejuvenate. :) <3
Winter can certainly be a challenge. Fortunately, we belong to a couple of wonderful gyms, so exercise is not a problem. When you talk fruits, vegetables, salads, and soups, you are speaking my language. Love and hugs, dear Christy ❤️❤️❤️
Soups are great this time of year, YES! Thanks Michelle and have a lovely weekend ahead <3
Awww, thanks, Christy. We finally got some snow! Hope your weekend is wonderful.
Great post, Christy. Today I went cross country skiing for the first time in two years. We’ve got lots of snow here ( Montreal) and the skiing conditions are terrific. It was a sunny day as well, so Vitamin D! And although I do have a bit of a muscle strain in one of my shoulders I do indeed feel energized. <3
Christy I thought you’d stopped posting but somehow it seems I had become an unfollower!
Oh! It’s nice to reconnect with you, Andrea! We’ll catch up :)
Yes. I put on extra warm outerwear and walk to the grocery on days when the side walks are free of ice. The exercise keeps cabin fever at bay.
Wise advice, Lots of people falling ill with a nasty flu virus around and about.. So keeping warm, healthy and keeping your Vit intake up, All good advice Christy.. xxxx
And here we. Melt 😀
Great advice, Christy. I love winter, but sometimes cabin fever sets in, too. It’s nice to read the days are getting longer by 2 minutes now. :) Hugs!
You’re absolutely right, all seasons have their perks and we should try to enjoy them all, including winter! ❄️✨⛸⛷🛷
Hello Christy,
great tips. Winter should be with snow, right. But lately there is not much snow .The first snow fell in the Sahara desert. Thank you for this post
I’m a summer lover for sure–I need this! 😭 Thanks!
Great Post!
Wonderful advice, Christy. From the southern hemisphere where we are experiencing heat wave conditions, on and off, a little cold would be welcoming! However, I understand how debilitating the ‘winter blues’ can be for those living in extreme cold temps. Your tips go a long way to making life more comfortable and healthful.
‘Rug up’ ; as we say in Oz! :)
xoxoxo
Most people hibernate. I don’t. I still get out and go sightseeing.
GOOD morning dear friend
Good suggestions, Christy. Chasing off those post-holiday/winter blues.
Great post Christy. We’ve grown to enjoy winter hiking. One of the best recent purchases has been trekking poles. The balance/safety and additional workout you get from using them make a big difference.
I really wish I could enjoy winter more. I get so cold going outside, especially when it is -20 Not fun.
I’m looking forward to skiing this winter though. Haven’t been for a few years.
Winter. That’s when writing funk comes along. I write every day to keep it as far from me as possible. I am a summertime guy, so that makes me a winter survivor.
All good tips, Christy. The only way to stand this cold, is to embrace it.