By Grace Soroko, Eat Move Groove intern
Winter is here, and for some, that may mean the winter blues, as well. If the cold, dark days of winter make it more difficult to MOVE and GROOVE, read on. Colder weather and shorter days might decrease motivation for outdoor activities like walking in the cold, hiking, or playing outdoor sports you’re used to. But that’s ok! Maybe you move more inside or go out for shorter bursts of activity. Remember to be good to yourself! Try a few of our favorite ways to take care of YOU from the 22 ways to get your GROOVE on in Eat Move Groove: Unlock the Simple Steps to Lifelong Nutrition, Fitness & Wellness.
Practice Meditations and/or Yoga (Number 7 - Practice mindfulness)
Participating in mindfulness-based activities — such as yoga or meditation — may reduce anxiety and depression and improve cardiovascular health and sleep (Schuman-Olivier, 2020). Try one of our short videos on the Eat Move Groove YouTube channel to incorporate yoga, pilates, or meditation.
Give Yourself Some Grace (Number 11 - Practice self-compassion; and Number 17 - Listen to your body)
As human beings, we’re not perfect. Remember, progress toward your EAT, MOVE, and GROOVE goals will ebb and flow. Take “me breaks” so you can be good to yourself each day no matter what life brings to show kindness to yourself. Lie down and take a break when feeling stressed or tired. Remember, you’re doing the best you can every day. That's enough.
Celebrate Winter Like a Kid Again (Number 18 - Play like a kid—just for fun)
If you've got snow on the ground, take advantage of it! Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, go sledding, or enjoy ice skating or snowshoeing. Take part in winter-themed outdoor activities to boost your mood and also foster your physical health, too. Get creative with “Love” foods. Bake and decorate cookies, build a gingerbread house, or make a hot chocolate bar with friends.
Surround Yourself with People You Love (Number 6 - Be with your people)
For some of us, the winter — and especially the holiday season — can be incredibly stressful. In these moments, surround yourself with people who boost your mood and overall well-being. Spend extra time with friends, catch up with people you’ve been longing to see, and create your own community of support. Try a new workout class, get involved with a club or group in your neighborhood, try a new hobby, or restart a long-standing tradition you miss.
Give Back to Your Community (Number 3 - Find your “community of generosity” and give back)
Did you know that giving back to your community also helps boost your well-being? This winter, try volunteering at a food pantry, cooking at a soup kitchen, helping out at an animal shelter, or supporting a neighbor. These activities can provide a sense of purpose in your life, offer an opportunity to connect with others in your community, and boost your mood.
Remember, there are endless ways to support your personal GROOVE, and that might include trial and error to find what works best for you! Enjoy exploring ways to be good to yourself this winter season.
Reference:
Schuman-Olivier Z, Trombka M, Lovas DA, et al. Mindfulness and Behavior Change. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2020;28(6):371-394.
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