With the colder weather and shorter days, you may be feeling more tired, anxious or depressed. All of this can affect your motivation to get up and get moving. And yet, staying active and getting your heart pumping, even for a short amount of time, is one of the best ways to ward off against dips in mood and energy. Here are a few pointers on how to keep moving during the coldest months of the year.
- Give winter activities a whirl. Quebec has four very distinct seasons, which means you can change up your outdoor pursuits from one part of the year to the next. Winter is a great opportunity to reconnect with the land, by heading out snowshoeing, for example, or walking or cross-country skiing in the bush. You can also meet up with some friends and go tobogganing or hit the ice for a friendly game of hockey. The opportunities for winter fun are practically endless!
- Layer up. To keep warm and dry, whatever the winter activity, wear several layers of clothing. That way, you can shed a layer or two if you’re too warm or as things get more intense. The base layer should be snuggly fitted and made out of a breathable fabric to prevent you from sweating. The middle layer typically contains a warmer material such as wool to keep the chill out. And the outer layer is meant to protect you from the wind and the snow.
- Get building! The arrival of snow can be an excellent opportunity to construct a winter campsite or a snow shelter in the bush. Just think of how proud you’ll be of the result. It’s a terrific family activity, perfect for creating special memories. Or, for a simpler project, why not bring a snowman to life or make a snow fort?
- Warm up to enjoy the cold. In lower temperatures, the body takes more time to get into gear. So your muscles and joints need more of a warm-up than usual. To avoid injury and discomfort, plan 10 to 15 minutes of low-intensity exercise (walking, light jogging, etc.) before any form of physical exertion.
- Stay hydrated. Although the cold tends to diminish the thirst reflex, it is important to drink regularly to compensate for sweat loss. The risk of dehydration is compounded by the fact that cold air is dryer than warm air. Make sure you drink plenty of water or broth before, during and after you set out.
Photo credit: Marc Tremblay