Staying Active & Healthy During Canadian Winter
Canadian winters can make anything that much more difficult. Things like exercising, leaving your house, spending time with friends or even grocery shopping are less appealing.
But our health matters. Making the extra effort to get outside, socialize, move your body and connect is so important. So important that we've compiled a little list on how to keep going during the cold winter months. So your body & mind can stay healthy in any season.
Ideas for Staying Active & Healthy In Winter
1. Go for a Walk
Fresh air does incredible things for your well being. So does moving your body. So stride well and swing your arms to massage all your organs and lubricate your joints.
2. Get a Yoga Buddy
Make a weekly commitment to attend a yoga class with a friend. Being accountable to someone makes it easier to stay committed. PLUS - socializing with friends is good for the soul.
3. Practice Yoga Outside
We've put together a little outdoor video yoga that you can practice in your own backyard. With simple poses and intentional breath you can stay warm while practicing outside in any weather.
4. Clean Your House
Put on a good playlist while you clean. Scrub the bathtub to work your shoulders & core. Vacuum the floors while practicing some lunges to work your quads & glutes. Wash the dishes while standing on one leg (alternating every minute) to work on your balance & ankle strength.
5. Meditate In The Morning
Sitting in silence or setting an intention will help start your day on the right foot. Set your alarm 20 minutes earlier than you usually wake, then meditate. Get a Meditation Cushion for your bedroom so it's ready to go as soon as you get out of bed. Keep a blanket near by so your morning meditation is cozy.
6. Have a Dance Party
Put on your favourite tunes and choreograph a yoga dance on the spot. Challenge your balance, strength & creativity.
7. Take a Cold Shower
This might sound like a terrible idea during the cold winter months, but I promise it’s great! I usually have a regular temp shower but finish off with two minutes of only cold water. It leaves my skin feeling tingling fresh, gives me a burst of energy & has some good health benefits, too! 
8. Take Vitamin D
Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it’s directly exposed to sunlight, which is why it's called the "Sunshine Vitamin." It's most important roles are regulating the absorption of calcium and facilitating normal immune system fucntions. But research has also shown that vitamin D can play an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression.
You can read more about the benefits of Vitamin D here.
Feel free to share your winter health tips in the comments below!
