Motivation to stay active in winter is challenging for even the most dedicated athletes.
Darkness lifts late in the morning, and falls early each day, sending the message to our bodies it’s time to retreat, seek warmth, food, and rest—thus our temptation for torpor! This physiological response reflects our natural instinct to hibernate during winter.
However, unlike our ancestors modern life avails certain conveniences and trappings that in excess manifest as poor mental and physical well-being. Long hours sitting, increased consumption of processed foods (packeted soups, canned goods, items that are easier to source and prepare than fresh produce) and of course, less time outdoors. All these factors deplete our bodies of vital nutrients, less fibre, little to no antioxidants. Stale air and a lack of movement further robbing our system of oxygen, stifling circulation to the brain and body. Our joints become stiff and thoughts fuzzy what a perpetuating conundrum. But alas there is a simple remedy and it lies in ‘Making the Most of Winter’.
Joy makes any and all activities a welcomed prospect, so lets look at some strategies to help you enjoy exercise outdoors this winter.
Jewels of Dawn: The patterns nature presents on a frosty morning are truly captivating, facing the chill is worth the effort to gaze upon the jewels of dawn, before they melt under a rising sun.
Cold Snap: Crystal structures that dance in the light, landscapes blanketed in white, and stormy skies all add visual impact to photos. One could make a day of exploring the images to be had.
Polar Pitstops: In Iceland the happy locals regularly enjoy frolicking in icy waters before soaking in a thermal spring. This invigorates the body, helps with circulation and increases metabolism. Try this principle with intermittent exposures to the outdoors. Every 60-90 minutes do some jumping jacks or pushups outside then return to the earth of indoors. This will also help refresh mental focus, give your eyes and body a break from stagnant postures or staring too long at a screen.
Soil Scents: Have you ever noticed how good nature smells after a down pour? This enticing aroma comes from Actinomycete bacteria* in the soil, and volatiles or fragrance molecules released by plants** when rain hits them. It is thought that the antibiotic properties of this class of bacteria makes us feel good because inhaling spores which carry the scent of geosmin may have benefits to our health.
Soup from Scratch: If motivation seems sparse try spurring yourself to action with the promise of reward—homemade, hot food tastes particularly good after a winter’s run! Because we tend to favour convenience foods devoid of nutritional value I propose that an equally simple but far more satisfying real food alternative is soup made from scratch. Here is a recipe that you can make fresh in minutes.
Curried Zucchini and Carrot Soup
Serves One
1 large zucchini (shredded)
1 large carrot (shredded)
1 cup boiling water
1 tsp curry powder
1 tbsp ground chia seeds (or) almond meal
Instructions
Place all ingredients into a blender and pulse until smooth (1-2 minutes on high). Add more water or milk if you prefer a thinner consistency, and garnish with a dollop of yogurt or fresh herbs.
* http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070916143521.htm
** http://www.bojensen.net/EssentialOilsEng/EssentialOils.htm
