Resolution 2023: Get Outside Daily
For many people, winter is a season of contradiction and hard emotions. We all hear the phrase “getting exercise is key to keeping our body and mind healthy”. But it’s the season of celebration and indulgence, right??
At the same time, many of us might be feeling that natural inclination to hibernate slow down, get cozy, and turn inward. It may also feel impossible to choose between cravings and pursuing your fitness goals and new years resolutions
This desire to downshift isn’t a problem actually. Rather, it can be an opportunity.
“When we try to maintain this drive to be productive, even in our fitness, it goes against the energy your body wants to be in during the winter,” says Cat Thompson, founder of the coaching company Emotional Technologies. “You’ll end up feeling even more tired than when you started.” This can make it harder to work out at all and make you feel unsuccessful.
As it does for all animals, winter affects human beings in unique ways — not just because of the temperature outside for those in cold climates, but because of the amount of daylight we see.
“Light is energy in so many ways, and you can feel that in your body and your mind,” says Thompson. “No matter how old you are, there’s that feeling of play during the summer, that feeling of lightness, literally. By the time winter comes, that energy has waned considerably.”
And that’s a good thing.
Not only does honoring this natural change make it easier to sustain a consistent fitness routine and ward off injury by taking time to recover, but it also means you get to embrace the season as it is and honor what’s happening in your mind and body.
Mother Nature is the creator of fitness periodization.
So… get outside :)
WHY
Spending time in nature is so good for our physical and mental well-being. As noted in my blog a few months ago, dirt has a special property that acts to trigger seretonin release. But when dirt isn’t available, don’t worry, you can still get those yummy chemical releases naturally with movement. Who doesn’t want boosted immunity, healing and enhanced creativity??
HOW
Start by simply being outside a few minutes. Take a deep breath deeply and set an intention. Notice the way the air feels on your skin. Or how cozy your coat is on your body. How beautiful and fluffy that white stuff is :) Any time of day can work, but studies have found early morning light helps align your body’s circadian rhythms for better sleep.
TAKE ACTION
Find a group of friends to make a commitment with. Some movement every day. Keep eachother motivated with ideas and fun ways to get outside.
Snowshoeing
Crosscountry skiing
Skiing
Ice skating
Tubing
Hiking
Hockey
Sledding
Build a snowman
Walk (safely) on a frozen lake
Ice fishing
What did I miss?
Whatever it is, we have all decided to live in this frozen tundra. Let’s dive in and truly embrace the north.
