As the days grow shorter, and the temperature drops, it's easy to succumb to the temptation of hibernation, curling up on the sofa with a warm blanket and comfort food. However, winter should not stop you from being active. In fact, staying active during the winter is crucial for our physical and mental well-being.

 

Being active in winter has so many benefits.

 

Physical Health

 

Maintaining Fitness: Keeping up with a regular exercise routine during the winter helps maintain your physical fitness. The colder weather shouldn't deter you from continuing your physical activities, whether it's jogging, walking, or attending fitness classes. This consistency helps prevent the loss of muscle mass, bone density, and overall physical endurance.

 

Boosting Immunity: Staying active contributes to a strong immune system. Engaging in physical activity increases the production of white blood cells and antibodies, which play a crucial role in fighting off illnesses. This can help ward off the common cold and flu, which tend to be more prevalent in the winter.

 

Weight Management: Winter often brings hearty, calorie-rich foods and holiday indulgences. Regular physical activity can help control weight gain during this season. It burns calories, boosts metabolism, and can help you maintain a healthy weight.

 

Mental Well-Being

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Winter is notorious for causing Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year. Exercise has been proven to be an effective tool in managing SAD symptoms. It releases endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones, which can alleviate depression and enhance mood.

 

Stress Reduction: The holiday season can be a stressful time for many. Engaging in physical activity, even if it's just a short walk, helps reduce stress by releasing tension and promoting relaxation. It also improves sleep quality, which can further help in managing stress levels.

 

Enhanced Cognitive Function: Staying active in winter contributes to improved cognitive function. Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which can enhance memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. This is particularly important for students and professionals during the winter months.

 

Social Interaction: Winter can bring a sense of isolation, with more people staying indoors. Staying active, whether through group fitness classes or team sports, provides an opportunity for social interaction. This can combat loneliness, help build connections, and improve overall mental well-being.

 

There are lots of ways to stay active during winter, whether that’s going out to be active such as a winter walk or a run, getting active at home with a home workout or joining in with a class or group activity.

 

However you like to get active, stay well his winter by following some of our top tips on:

 

Safety and leaving the house to be active

 

With the colder and darker winter months approaching, getting moving in the morning, daytime and evening can be more tricky. Here are some tips to help.

 

Being active at home

It can be hard to get active in the comfort of our own homes, especially with so many distractions but here are some top tips to add exercise into your daily routine. Find some top tips here.

 

Joining a community activity or exercise session

Although many of the tips for getting active outdoors remain the same, there are a few other things to think of if joining a class. Here are some things to consider.

 

Staying active during the winter is not only important but essential for our overall well-being. It contributes to physical fitness, mental health, and social interaction. It can help ward off the winter blues, prevent excessive weight gain, and set positive habits for year-round health. So, when winter arrives, instead of hibernating, bundle up and embrace the benefits of staying active in the cold season. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

 

 

Get involved with we can move

It’s difficult to get motivated in the winter months but we can move is here to help.

 

Sign up to our newsletter to find out about different activities taking place across Gloucestershire this winter. You can also receive some top tips and ideas on how you can stay active over the coming months.

 

 

Become a we can move changemaker

 

If you run a physical activity session, a sports club a group and are looking for any advice and support to help you and your clients throughout the season, get in touch with one of the Active Gloucestershire team or come along to one of our events.

 

Why not join one of our networks and get connected to others working in the sector?

 

By becoming a we can move changemaker, you can have access to a range of support, events and training to help you in your role, all year round.

 

Sign up today at wecanmove/become-a-changemaker