The Magic of Winter
Can you believe it’s 2018!? As a baby born in the 70s, it almost seems surreal that we’re now in 2018! A lot has happened since my first few days of life of earth.
I'll spare you all the details but a university degree, husband, 2 children, move to the burbs later, here I am working in the mind/ body industry for already 14 years!
My wishes for this new year for me, for you, is a continued sense of inner strength, inner peace and staying in contact with our inner child!
Winter always makes me remember my days growing up in small town Ontario, going sliding, making snowmen, having snowball fights. As we age we can sometimes become a bit disgruntled with winter… Ah the cold, the snow, the icky driving, the shoveling…
For this new year I challenge you to look at winter through the eyes of a child. When you see the snow falling, look at it as an opportunity to go out with your kids and eat snowflakes or make snow angels. Look at the snow and smile, you might be surprised at how much better you feel in your heart just by smiling (click on link to find out the benefits of smiling)
Don’t feel like getting in your car and sloshing your way to the gym?
Don’t! Just go outside and walk in the snow. You will burn more calories and do a much more functional movement which will have a positive impact on your pelvic floor, hip muscles, abdominals, knees and ankles. Plus you’ll get fresh air which is always good for the soul! Just find a way to move and not stay so cooped up (you can drink a hot cocoa by the fire after your refreshing walk!).
Studies show that prolonged sitting is linked with a fattier waistline. Fat accumulates around the liver and abdominal viscera from prolonged sitting making it harder and harder for you to achieve the strength and look you want.
Below are my top 5 activities to get you moving during these frigid days:
- Make snow angels…this will work your legs, hips, shoulders, arms and back.
- Go for a walk, preferably surrounded by nature but if that’s your barrier then just walk in your city streets. And better yet, to keep motivated find yourself a walking buddy!
- Go sliding… Make sure you smile and laugh as you whiz down the hill…you can even scream ‘Weeeeeee’. Also walk back up so you get the physical benefits.
- Join an outdoor club – yoga in the snow, cardio club, etc.
- Go snowshoeing. You sweat up a storm and burn a ton of calories, plus it’s low impact and the chances of getting injured are pretty slim compared to downhill skiing for example.