Staying Healthy and Active in Guelph and Surrounding Communities during the Winter Months
Avoiding the winter blahs and seasonal bugs
Winter seems to arrive before we know it, and with it comes the urge to hunker down and get out of the cold. But staying healthy and active in winter is important, particularly when flus, colds, winter blahs and other conditions are at their peak. There are plenty of ways to keep active near your Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo or Guelph apartment. Even in smaller towns like Elmira, Elora, Fergus, Midland, Orillia, Orangeville and Stratford.
Tips for Staying Healthy in the Winter
Many of us forego our normal health routine once the sunshine disappears, but with just a few tips and tricks you can easily establish a healthy lifestyle in the cold weather:
- Take frequent, short walks. The thought of taking a long walk in the winter is unappealing enough to make you ditch your winter boots for slippers, but a walk around the block two or three times a day can be just as beneficial in keeping your blood flowing and your immune system healthy.
- Dress appropriately. If you want to stay active in the winter, there's more to dressing than just throwing on a coat and boots. You'll want to make sure you cover all exposed skin, including hands, neck and even your face in extreme cold. Layers can help you regulate your temperature to avoid catching a chill from sweat or from being too cold. Finally, if your outdoor activity of choice is walking, consider ice grips for your shoes and a sturdy set of walking poles, so even the most treacherous conditions won't hold you back.
- Consider a flu shot. The flu shot isn't for everyone, but it may be a good option for helping you avoid nasty viruses in the cold months. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and medical history to see if a flu shot may be a smart choice. There are several flu shot clinics near your Guelph apartment as well as in the Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo, Fergus and Orangeville
- Eat well. With the holidays and the cold weather comes the temptation to indulge in treats and comfort foods, but the best way to keep your immune system healthy and give yourself energy for winter activities is to eat right. Nourishing, hearty foods like vegetable soups, stews, whole grains and healthy carbs like sweet potato and squash will all help protect you from winter bugs and the winter blahs.
Know When to Stay In
Even the heartiest among us occasionally have to concede defeat to winter weather. Sometimes the best way to stay active and healthy in the cold is to simply stay indoors. If you find you're avoiding outdoor exercise, consider joining a gym or taking a fitness class like yoga or aqua fit – there are many community centres and new gyms opening up in near your Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo or Guelph apartment!
And remember, while it can be tempting to hibernate for winter, staying social is important in keeping your spirits high and your body's defences up. Try joining a club or starting a new hobby to help break up the winter doldrums or throw a holiday party of your own to show that winter, despite its challenges, can't get the best of you.