Summer is such a fun time of the year. The sun is out which makes us happy. The birds are back home which delights our senses. And because we tend to be more active, we can generously nourish ourselves with little worry of gaining weight.
Then comes autumn. The skies are grayer which can make us less joyful. Nature’s expansive array of colors quickly fade to brown and gray. And the thought of spend time outside in the gray cold air is far less appealing than we would like to admit. Yes, there have been some glorious autumn days this year. But we all know what’s coming. And what’s coming is winter.
Winter requires more work. Whether we stay in or go out, there is just more to do. Unlike the summer, we have to protect our bodies from the cold. So, there is more clothes to put on. Sunshine benefits us in so many ways. Our emotional outlook is usually more positive in the summer. Gray skies and darker winter nights can pose a challenge to even the hardiest of us. And the instinctual desire to stay in, stay warm and stay still can create a circular cause and effect resulting in weight gain, loneliness and depression.
Give yourself a gift this year. Be proactive. Don’t wait until winter settles in to make changes or to seek out support. Design an exercise routine that you can do at home even in the mightiest of snowstorms. Talk to your doctor, join a gym or talk to your friends and find out what is appropriate for you. Begin cleaning out your pantries of any junk food or sugary snacks. Try to eat cleaner throughout the winter. There is an overabundance of good recipes in books and on the internet. But mostly, surround yourself with people who love you, support you and are so happy that you are in their lives. People who you can call or visit anytime, any day and for any reason. Even if the reason is no reason at all.
Here’s to the Health of your Life