Staying Healthy During the Winter EAP EAP Hotline Documents |
If you are like many people just the thought of winter makes you depressed. As the days get shorter, darker and
colder, it is easy to become less motivated, to eat more, to sleep more and to isolate yourself from friends and
relatives. While these may be natural reactions to winter, they can also be a recipe for weight gain, decreased
immunity, and depression. If your goal is to not only survive winter, but to thrive in winter there are several things
you can do to keep yourself healthy.
1. Watch your diet- If there is a season of chocolate and sweets, winter is probably it. During the dark,
cold days of winter our body seems to crave comfort foods. Fight these cravings by stocking up on fresh
fruits and vegetables and making sure you are eating a healthy diet.
2. Stay hydrated- It is important to drink enough water during the winter months. Water helps control
appetite, prevents our skin from drying out and generally keeps us more alert mentally. Concentrate on
getting more water during the winter months.
3. Get enough Light- Even when it is bitter cold outside it is important to get outside and to get some sun.
Lack of light can cause changes in mood and can cause depression and anxiety. If you cannot get
outside consider the use of a Light-therapy lamp to increase your exposure to a brighter light source.
4. Exercise- During the summer simple chores like gardening and mowing help us to stay active. It is easy
to become less active during the winter; work hard to stay active to keep your fitness level up. Choose an
activity that works for you and concentrate on doing it a minimum of three times a week.
5. Stay Connected- It is easy disconnecting during the winter and to lose track of friends and family. Make
an effort to stay in touch and focus on getting together socially on a regular basis.
Winter does not have to be a season of gloom and doom. You can start being proactive in making your
winter more enjoyable by following these simple steps each day. Post this list by your refrigerator to
remind yourself each day to take care of yourself. Knowing what to do and doing it are very different. Set
a goal today to make your winter the best it can be.
colder, it is easy to become less motivated, to eat more, to sleep more and to isolate yourself from friends and
relatives. While these may be natural reactions to winter, they can also be a recipe for weight gain, decreased
immunity, and depression. If your goal is to not only survive winter, but to thrive in winter there are several things
you can do to keep yourself healthy.
1. Watch your diet- If there is a season of chocolate and sweets, winter is probably it. During the dark,
cold days of winter our body seems to crave comfort foods. Fight these cravings by stocking up on fresh
fruits and vegetables and making sure you are eating a healthy diet.
2. Stay hydrated- It is important to drink enough water during the winter months. Water helps control
appetite, prevents our skin from drying out and generally keeps us more alert mentally. Concentrate on
getting more water during the winter months.
3. Get enough Light- Even when it is bitter cold outside it is important to get outside and to get some sun.
Lack of light can cause changes in mood and can cause depression and anxiety. If you cannot get
outside consider the use of a Light-therapy lamp to increase your exposure to a brighter light source.
4. Exercise- During the summer simple chores like gardening and mowing help us to stay active. It is easy
to become less active during the winter; work hard to stay active to keep your fitness level up. Choose an
activity that works for you and concentrate on doing it a minimum of three times a week.
5. Stay Connected- It is easy disconnecting during the winter and to lose track of friends and family. Make
an effort to stay in touch and focus on getting together socially on a regular basis.
Winter does not have to be a season of gloom and doom. You can start being proactive in making your
winter more enjoyable by following these simple steps each day. Post this list by your refrigerator to
remind yourself each day to take care of yourself. Knowing what to do and doing it are very different. Set
a goal today to make your winter the best it can be.
| For Further Information: Family Service Inc. (605)336-1974 800-589-1974 fsisd@msn.com |