WAYS TO KEEP ACTIVE THIS MONTH
Here’s 3 reasons why you MUST workout this month, plus our hot tips to help make it easier
Fitness is vital for our overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, it can be more challenging than usual to head outdoors for exercise when the temperature’s in single figures – or, worse, below zero. But it’s important to find a way to work out, whatever the weather.
HERE’S 3 REASONS WHY YOU MUST WORKOUT DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH AND OUR HOT TIPS TO MAKE IT EASIER.
Feel down in the winter? Getting active is one of the best steps you can take to fight the cold- weather blues. Reams of research show physical activity can blitz mild to moderate depression, leading to chemical changes in the brain, which help to boost mood. Regular exercise can also lift your self- esteem and give you a sense of control and achievement, which can have a further uplifting effect1
1. To boost your mood:
Activity is an important way to stay on top of your weight, by helping to torch extra calories2 – which may be key in winter, when it’s common to crave stodgy comfort foods, and particularly around the all- tootempting festive season.
2. It helps control your weight: 3. To reduce diseases: your risk of major
Regular exercise has been shown to slash your risk of many serious illnesses, from coronary heart disease and stroke, to bowel and breast cancer, type two diabetes and osteoarthritis. Research shows moderate exercise has a role in preventing winter bugs, too – it soothes stress, which can dampen immunity, may help flush bacteria out of your lungs and airways, and causes brief rises in body temp e r a t u r e , which can help your body fight infection.
TOP TIPS FOR BETTER WINTER WELLBEING
It can be difficult to get out for your morning jog when the pavements are icy, or muster the energy for your yoga class on a dark, cold evening when all you want to do is climb into bed with a hot water bottle. Here are some ideas that may help…
Make the most of crisp bright days: those beautiful
OK, you may not feel like going out when it’s damp and overcast – but a brisk walk, run or cycle on one of those sparkling winter mornings can be a real joy. Wrap up in layers you can peel off if you get warm once you’re moving.
Having an exercise buddy is a great way to stick to your plans. You might be able to talk yourself out of a workout when it’s just you – but if a friend is relying on you to join them for a burst of activity, it’s hard to let them down. So club together with s ome o n e else who finds exercise a struggle – or think about joining a walking or running club, or a sports team.
Buddy up! Turn to honey for coughs
There’s no real health reason to avoid exercise if you’re coughing and spluttering – but you may feel less like doing it. Get past that by dealing with the cough so you’re free to swim, dance or do whatever else you enjoy. A 2018 review of studies found overthe- counter cough medicines have no benefit. But according to Dr Tessa Lewis, chair of the NICE antimicrobial prescribing guideline group, honey can soothe symptoms effectively.
“Honey can soothe symptoms” says NICE