888-765-5400Weathering Winter – Staying Active in Colder Months
Personally, I’m not crazy about winter and it’s mostly because I dislike being cold. Even when there’s the slightest chill in the air, I struggle to stay active and highly prefer being snuggled up by the fire with a hot cup of tea and a good book. Unfortunately, however, all that inactivity can leave me feeling lethargic. Being active is an important part of living well and Blue Cross Blue Shield NC encourages preventive care all year long. Below are a few ways to stay active this winter and keep yourself moving well into spring!
Go Outside: This is my biggest problem. It’s cold out there and so warm in here. But I’ve often noticed my children will brave the great outdoors anyway, and usually come inside with rosier cheeks and a better attitude. Winter is a great time to grab a football or a Frisbee and spend some time in the yard. Just being out of doors will get your blood pumping and you are more likely to be active once you aren’t as comfortable. Head outside and you will reap not only physical, but mental health benefits.
Create Indoor Activity: Even indoors, my kids never stop moving. They are up and down the stairs, wrestling on the floor, making up games they can play right in the living room. As adults, we have to choose to be creative about our exercise. Body weight exercises like push-ups, sit ups and squats are some of the most effective exercises we can do, with the least amount of strain on our bodies. Winter offers us the opportunity to get off the couch and get on the floor! Instead of sitting, do sit-ups! Walk up the stairs 25 times. Use your kitchen counter-tops as a place to do push-ups. You don’t have to join a gym to stay active and most of us have everything we need to add a little movement to our daily lives.
Be Deliberate: Spring and summer just seem to invite activity, but not so much with winter. In the winter months, we have to be more deliberate about exercise. Whether it means joining the local YMCA or an indoor soccer league or whether it means purchasing an exercise DVD we use in our own living room, we’re going to have to decide it’s worth it. And it is! Exercise not only makes us feel better, it keeps us from added weight gain that can so easily happen during the colder months.
Be Sensible: Because it’s cold outside, be smart! Bundle up if necessary and don’t stay out too long. Even 20 minutes of good exercise can make a huge difference. Take the dog for a walk or a bike ride around the neighborhood. Then reward yourself with a nice hot cup of coffee!
The winter months can feel long and dreary, but a little exercise can keep you feeling fit even on the coldest days. A balanced diet and moderate exercise are an important part of a healthy lifestyle and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina supports preventive care maintenance, offering preventive services covered at 100%. This winter, stay active as much as you can!
For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.