This post was written by Skye Roberts, wellness coach, Parkview Employer Solutions.
Does the cold winter weather make you wish you could hibernate until spring? It can be hard to get outside during the winter when there are fewer daylight hours, lower temperatures and the potential for hazardous driving conditions. But it’s important to stay active for both our physical and mental health.
Physical activity enables the release of feel-good endorphins and can improve depression. Plus, regular physical activity can also ward off chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease. If you’re feeling stumped about how to stay active during the winter, we have some great ideas you can try to get up and moving.
At-home activities to try this winter
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Carry out chores. Get your heart pumping with household chores! Sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, deep cleaning, maneuvering furniture, and going up and down stairs can all elevate your heart rate.
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Go on a brisk walk. Make sure to wear layers and plan for weather advisories.
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Pick up a shovel. Do you really want a good workout? Ditch the snowblower on snow days and shovel your driveway.
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Try an online workout. The internet offers thousands of online workout tutorials and videos, many of them for free. Take a shot at yoga, Zumba or towel Pilates - there is something for everyone and all abilities!
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Play with your pet. Do double duty by wearing out yourself and your pet. Play hide and seek or tug of war to release some energy.
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Set up exercise equipment. Don’t let your treadmill or stationary bike sit and gather dust. Hop on and get moving.
Indoor activities in the community
Sick of being at home? Beat cabin fever and head out on an adventure. There are many fun, indoor activities to try out in your community including:
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Take a walk at an indoor mall.
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Practice your bowling skills.
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Gather the family for a few rounds of laser tag.
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Lace up your skates and hit the roller rink.
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Challenge your friends to some friendly competition at an indoor golf simulator, ax throwing center or trampoline park.
Create a healthier workforce and help employees achieve wellness goals
Parkview Employer Solutions partners with area businesses, delivering innovative services to improve the health and well-being of employees. Workplace Wellness provides resources for local businesses to create a healthier workforce, including health risk assessments, wellness coaching, health improvement programs, wellness screenings and more. Contact Parkview Employer Solutions and develop a wellness program that benefits your company, your employees and your community.
