Blog November

wplogin November 29, 2021Blog

Tips for Staying Active this Winter

November is nearly over, and with December comes the excitement of holidays, parties, traditions, and

quality family time. With the last month of the year also comes colder weather, as winter settles in for

the better part of 4 months in the GTA. Many of us spend a lot of this time indoors – watching new

shows on Netflix, catching up on our reading, or finding ways to stay warm, hibernate, and wait out the

frigid temperatures until the spring brings the promise of sun, warmth, and regrowth. While these are

perfectly fine ways to relax this winter, many of us can often overlook the possibilities and importance

of physical activity during this time.

Physical activity seems like a no-brainer in the summer, especially from a Camp perspective! It’s easy,

convenient, and fun to take a ball outside or go for a walk. At camp, we try to spend as much time

outdoors as possible, and while we need to be conscious of sun exposure and overheating, being active

comes naturally to campers and camp staff.

Benefits for Physical and Mental Health

While it’s important to get outside and stay active all year round, this is especially true during the

winter. Among the many health benefits, exercise can boost your immunity during cold and flu season,

which is expected to be more severe than last year as pandemic-related restrictions ease up. Being

active outdoors during the winter also helps your body access Vitamin D – the minimal hours we have of

sunlight are cherished!

Many of us are already feeling the mental health effects of the winter season. Usually around the time

change in the fall, we start to feel sluggish, tired, and mentally exhausted from our typical day-to-day

routines. These seasonal transitions can sometimes lead to changes in mood, low energy, changes to

sleeping or eating habits, and trouble concentrating as well. Seasonal Affective Disorder can have

negative effects on children and adults alike, and spending time being active outdoors is one of the best

ways to combat it.

Try Something New and Stay Safe

So where do you start? The colder weather, and especially snow, offer so many opportunities to try out new active hobbies and experiences. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are great options, and there are many trails to be explored right here in the city! There are also quite a few Ontario Parks that rent out equipment if you’re not quite ready to purchase your own. Try setting a goal with your family of completing at least one outdoor activity each month this winter. It can be something new you’ve never done before (you never know when you might discover a new hobby!), but the classics – tobogganing, shoveling snow, and winter walks – are great options too.

When spending time being active outdoors, it’s important to remember to wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Layers are helpful here, as they insulate your body to keep you warm and dry. Remember to try and use moisture wicking fabrics on the layer closest to your body to prevent sweat from soaking your clothes and making you feel colder. You should also be sure to watch for signs of hypothermia when the weather is especially cold, including lack of coordination, confusion, slurred speech, and shivering. Getting outside in the winter is important, but being safe in the elements, just as we do with the sun in the summer, is important too.

Getting Creative Indoors

Many parents often sign their children up for indoor sports during the winter to help support a healthy amount of physical activity. This is a great option, but might not always be possible for families, especially for those who are not yet comfortable being in close contact with others. But for those days when it’s really cold, and you don’t feel like venturing outdoors, get creative inside! Dancing is an activity that almost everyone loves, and you can follow along with videos on YouTube to get the whole family moving. There are endless options for exercise videos online too – you just have to look!
It might seem early to start thinking about ways to stay active this winter but having a plan in place will help to fuel some of your motivation and creativity as things start to get busy ahead of the holidays. We will try our best to share ideas with you along the way!

Sources:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sad.html
https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/seasonal-affective-disorder-kids-and-teens_ca_6001a28dc5b6ffcab963d097
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/getting-active/how-to-stay-active-in-cold-weather
https://www.heartandstroke.ca/articles/11-ways-to-stay-active-in-winter
https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/skating-winter-sports/snowshoeing-cross-country-skiing/
https://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/winter-gear-rentals/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChIjW4BWKLqpojTrS_tX0mg (Just Dance Videos)
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/best-kids-exercise-videos/