Skip the winter cabin fever with these 25 activities
Embrace the season by getting active this winter
While it might already feel like it’s time to hunker down and spend more time indoors staying warm by the fire, we know all too well that it’s only getting frostier. Likewise, our fondness for the indoors during the frigid winter months also isn’t going anywhere.
Unfortunately, as we start to celebrate the holiday season and spend more time inside being less active, we become more prone to a number of negative outcomes that come along with excessive sedentary behaviour, such as lack of focus, lethargy and irritability. Not to mention how you’re going to feel after back-to-back-to-back days of heavy eating and drinking. But there’s something we can do about it.
Beat the winter blues with physical activity
Instead of falling victim to the sedentary behaviours and cabin fever that naturally come along with the holidays and chillier winter months, set you and your family up for success right now by working some activity into your weekly schedules. Aside from feeling happier and having more energy, you’ll be able to Unwind, Breathe and even Sleep Better, too.
Getting active might feel like a taller task when your windows are frozen over or your car has trouble starting, but there are still so many fun and simple ways to make sure you and your family stay moving this winter — even if you end up doing it indoors.
25 ways to stay active this winter
If you can get outside, you’ll reap the added benefits that come along with connecting with Mother Nature. Clean fresh air and natural sunlight are good for both the body and mind – helping reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety while also providing a boost to your immune system. So, bundle up, dress in layers and get out there – you can always reward yourself with a hot beverage when you’re done.
Sure, making snow angels might not exactly sound like a good way to get in some of the active minutes you need (kids require 60 mins each day and adults need 150 mins a week), but why not amp it up and make them in reps of 10. Every active minute counts.
Enjoy the great outdoors
- Build a snowperson or fort
- Sledding/tobogganing
- Make snow angels
- Skating
- Cross-country skiing
- Tubing
- Snowshoeing
- Shovel snow
- Pond hockey
- Walking, hiking or jogging
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding
Get moving indoors
- Pilates or yoga
- Have a dance party (hello, holiday playlist!)
- Mall walking
- Tai chi
- Group fitness activities (aerobics, kickboxing, etc.)
- Swimming at the local pool
- Tennis, badminton or squash
- Basketball
Engaging in physical activity is an effective way to break up some of the prolonged periods of sedentary behaviour we’ve become accustomed to when winter hits. Instead of retreating inside to hibernate, stay active and get moving. Your mind and body will thank you.