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Beating the Winter Blues

© Kelly Smith

We've made it through the holidays and winter is in full swing. How is your workout schedule going? Once the cold creeps in and takes over we're not so inclined to leap out of bed and go for a run. Don't feel frustrated. The winter season tends to do strange things to our psyche.

In the early morning chill, I just want to crawl deeper under my down comforter and snuggle in next to my hubby as he hits the snooze button . After the initial coaxing of peeking my toes out to feel the temperature, I then go through the grueling ritual of finding just the right layers of clothing that will keep me warm, yet let me breathe, so when I sweat, the moisture won't rest against my skin and chill me to the bone. And those woolly hats, ooooh, they always make my scalp itch. It's enough reason to just stay in bed and skip the morning walk.

No wonder we pack on pounds during the holiday season. We are conditioned to spend time with family sitting and eating . After all, it's not like you have to fit into that little bikini this weekend. But the effects of staying sedentary because of the cold can produce more than just love handles. It can bring us down emotionally as well.

Some of us may get the Winter Blues, Cabin Fever or even Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD most often occurs in women and is known to pop up during the winter months. Doctors say it's due to the lack of light or disruption of the body's daily cycle. The most common symptoms are depression, lethargy, craving sweets, increased sleep and weight gain. The best ways to treat SAD are by light therapy either by way of a light box, which imitates sunlight or getting outside into the natural sunlight. Doctors also recommend exercise to not only treat but prevents the case of the blahs.

When many of us think of winter activities, we think of skiing. There are plenty of other activities you can do and you don't have to spend a lot of money. This year, you're going to embrace Father Winter in all of his glory. There are lots of other things to do besides just going to the gym, (if you have a steady gym schedule do not neglect it, just mix it up with outdoor activities). That cold crisp air can be invigorating.

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