Battle the “winter slump” with the winter sports
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful… - this lyric from the beloved classic Christmas song by Dean Martin paints a cozy picture of staying indoors when the conditions outside get cold, snowy, and unwelcoming. However sentimental we may be about that very image - working from home and unwilling to run around, sitting on the couch under a fluffy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate (or any beverage of choice, for that matter), the facts inform us that it isn’t the healthiest choice. The beginning of the winter season brings decreased sunlight exposure, lower temperatures, and, frequently, an increased risk of seasonal depression. It’s common for people to feel more fatigued and less motivated during this time, simultaneously shutting down any opportunities to break out from that “winter slump”. The ones already tending to prioritize work and staying home (often by themselves) in their free time may experience the worst case of these adverse effects.
In this article, we’ll present some ways to stay motivated, active, socialize, and, hopefully, remain in good spirits during these winter months - primarily focusing on the benefits of winter sports.
It’s common - temperature drops, and so does everyone’s willingness to move or exercise. It's challenging to gather enough energy during the darker, colder months to work out and care for maintaining healthy standards for your physical shape. How to remedy that? If it’s not too chilly, the first beneficial thing to do would be to make it a habit to go for a short walk, for example during your lunch break, and get some fresh air. An even better option would be to hit the gym, especially if you already have a membership. However, finding the motivation to go out when it’s dark outside, both in the morning hours before work and in the afternoon when you finish your work day, can prove difficult. A solution may lie in planning ahead, getting away some weekends, and going skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or even sledding.
Outdoor winter activities can provide you with more than just the regular benefits of cardio on a treadmill in your bedroom or a gym in your workplace. Exercising outside includes soaking up sunlight - which helps your body make vitamin D, essential for your immune system (it aids in controlling infections!) and bones. Furthermore, winter sports demand great physical activity, and their additional benefits include increased blood circulation, quickly burning calories, enhanced metabolism, improved stamina, and endurance levels. To put it simply - the benefits for your body can be enormous. The advantages for your mind and mental well-being follow right through - winter activities provide adrenaline and endorphins, which, along with exposure to sunlight, are a natural mood booster! An additional benefit is an opportunity to spend time with friends, family, or even acquaintances from your workplace. It’s much easier to organize a trip to a skiing destination or any other area suitable for winter sports for more than one person, and it’s a great way to socialize, catch up and spend time together in a fun and beneficial way.
If you take care of suitable attire, proper hydration, and safe conditions, there are no downsides to planning a winter sports trip on the next free weekend with the right weather. It’s no different whether you are already experienced in one of the disciplines or you’re a beginner wanting to try something new and exciting - winter activities will benefit you all the same!
Would you be ready to give it a go?
Sources:
