I know you are still thinking about sitting in the comfort of your warm & cozy home, snuggled under your favorite blanket on your sofa with a cup of hot chocolate. It is very tempting to stay there and just take a break from the gym and I’m not talking about a one or two day break I mean a whole seasonal break – which can end up being months! As mentioned above a healthy and active lifestyle is not something seasonal it is a year-round commitment and it is very important to stay on track especially during the cold season. It might lighten up your mood and energy levels and you could even be more resistant of catching a cold. I have listed a few tips below that might help you too to get through this season healthy and active:

1. Get outside!
   Being outdoors can raise your energy levels and your mood. Especially during the winter months we might lack Vitamin D (“sunshine vitamin”). Human skin can make large amounts of vitamin D when lots of skin is exposed and the sun is high in the sky. Try to go for a walk when the sun is shining and bundle up. Keep yourself warm. Walk around for a few miles and if possible try to roll up your sleeves to get more sunshine onto your skin. Your body is designed to get the vitamin D it needs by producing it when your bare skin is exposed to sunlight. Your body produces vitamin D and your mood will rise.
2. Take up a winter sport
   Winter months offer a lot of different outdoor activities. Be open minded and try different sports such as snowboarding, skiing or ice-skating in your park. A lot of parks, especially here in NYC, do offer free ice-skating or free skating hours so make sure you arrive early. If these activities might be too intense for you, rent some snowshoes and go snowshoeing or sledding. These actives are much more fun when enjoyed with your friends or colleagues.
3. Dress in Layers
   This point might sound very simple but it has a huge impact. If you tend to walk around a lot outside but also enter different building the best thing you can do to avoid a cold is to dress in bundles. This works very well for the gym too. Wear tops under your shirts and layer with a blazer or a lighter jacket and put your coat on top. Don’t forget to wear gloves, hats and a scarf on very cold days. As soon as you get into a warmer place try to remove a few layers until you feel comfortable.
4. Stay hydrated
   Staying hydrated is always super important. But it is even more important during the winter months. We spend hours inside in a heated room, and heated air makes your skin and lips dry. The best time to enjoy a nice warm cup of tea.
5. Sign up for a challenge
   If you lack motivation sign up for a challenge. Join an online challenge, ask your local gym if they offer something or set something up yourself and invite friends. Therefore you’ll hold yourself accountable and do something for your body.

Trust me, you will love being on your sofa even more after a sweaty workout, you really earned it and you will feel more energized and your mood will elevate too. Give my tips a try and don’t just cave yourself inside for months.