Exercise can be a great way to improve stress and energy levels in certain individuals. Endorphins are known to be correlated with exercise which can improve mood and relaxation. Most people are very active during the fall and summer since the weather is accommodating to outdoor activities. There is typically a drop off in activity levels when the temperature begins to drop during the winter months. Fortunately, there are ways to combat this and beat the lethargic effects of winter. The first is to try and join a gym. Gym’s offer a number of fun exercise classes and machines that are protected against the harsh temperatures of the outdoors. Not to mention paying for a gym membership increases the incentive to actually go to work out. If you are not interested in paying full price for a membership, ask your current employer about any discounts or offered insurance incentives for membership. If the gym is not your type of place to exercise, invest in warm weather apparel for outdoor activities. Hats, gloves and appropriate clothing are important to stay warm and safe during cold weather activities. Always be sure to check the weather before going out to make sure that you are well prepared. Or if you are more interested in staying inside there are also numerous exercise classes offered online, on demand with certain cable providers or DVDs/videos. Finally, an easy way to make sure you’re still moving is trying a fitness tracker like the FitBit to make sure you are walking throughout the day rather than sitting.
