It’s that time of year again. The clock gets pushed back and the amount of sun during the day is significantly less than what it was just a few months ago. When it gets colder and the days get shorter, it can feel like a real chore to get up and do anything other than lay on the couch under some cozy blankets. For many people this can spark SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). The CDC says that around 14 percent of people in the United States experience this and exercise can help prevent it.
Staying active during the winter months is extremely important. Follow these tips and try to avoid SAD, and stay happy throughout Wisconsin’s long winter!
- Try getting 30-60 minutes of exercise per day
- Make sure you are getting 20 minutes of sunlight (even when it’s overcast you can still reap the benefits of the good ole sun).
- If you have a break for lunch, getting outside for a quick walk can help with sun exposure.
- Make sure you are still eating balanced meals of protein, carbs and fats and drinking plenty of water.
Push through that urge to skip your daily workout and get in your daily exercise! We promise you’ll feel so much better once you’re finished.