Get Moving

With the onset of winter, short days and the cold that penetrates through all layers, it is easy to lose ones’ exercise resolve.  The body naturally wants to slow down, and the thought of having to venture out in the, often, dark miserable weather is enough to make us curl back up into a ball and wait out spring.  Don’t let the winter months be a hindrance to your resolve.  In fact, now more than ever is the time to get moving.

Images during winter and the Christmas season conjure thoughts of festive gatherings, together time with families and friends and lots of good cheer, usually around a lot of alcohol. However, it is also a time where it is all too easy to fall into a slump.  The dark and the gloom lowers our moods, and all too often that slump can quickly slide into deeper feelings of boredom, loss of purpose or depression.  Exercise is proven to have psychological and emotional benefits.  It increases our feel-good hormone, increases our immune system and boosts our self-confidence.

Exercise isn’t limited to high intensity workouts where you fall into a sweaty exhausted heap.  It’s about finding physical activities that get your heart rate elevated, but most importantly, that make you feel good and puts a smile on your face. Turn the music up loud and dance your heart out.  Access the internet for some Yoga, Pilates or a little Zumba.  Or just do some walking/running in place, skipping rope or jumping jacks.  If going alone is too daunting, get some friends together and start moving.  Exercise can be a great way to socialize and interact with like-minded individuals.  This further lifts our moods, keeps us motivated and focused, and gives us a medium through which we can work out and alleviate any hardships or uncertainties in our lives.  There are unlimited ways to get out and move.  Whatever your choice, make sure your heart rate is elevated and you have a smile on your face.
 
Exercise isn’t bound by time.  Any physical movement adds up and is important to our well-being and increased health.  If 45 minutes to an hour a day just seems like too much of a commitment at this time, then break it up.  Take a ten-minute break from your work, go for a short walk, or do some squats or sit-ups at your desk.  If your commute distance isn’t a hindrance, then forego the bus/train/car and walk or cycle to work or home.  If the weather is still too daunting, then take ten minutes before you switch on that television or computer at home and run in place or dance.  Don’t limit yourself with an aversion to time, and eventually the time you give exercise will not be limited.
 
The weather outside may indeed be frightful.  But that doesn’t mean our mood need be.  Through the cold winter months never forget the most important part of the equation, which is You.  How are you feeling?  How is your life?  How is your emotional state?  If the answer to all these questions is not an outstanding GREAT, then it’s time to get refocused on You.  Get out there and move.  Whatever you do this winter, just keep on moving, and start feeling GREAT.