As the weather turns, it can be challenging to stay active — especially with the short days and busy work schedules. In 2023, we suggest committing to an ideal without strict rules, manifesting good intentions over rigid guidelines. Create your own list of achievable gains, or refer to ours. But remember: this goal can be reached in many different ways. Stay positive, and keep track of your wins!
Or a 10K. Or a marathon. Up your game and then begin to train. There are some great phone apps available to help – including a “Couch to 5K” option. Outdoor exercise helps the body and mind, but make sure to layer up your clothes and protect your extremities during extreme cold temperatures.
- Be a local out-of-towner.
Visit your local Convention and Visitors Bureau for tourist information on your area. You’ll probably be surprised to learn new things about your town. Create a to-do list of local things to do and places to see.
- Take nature walks.
On New Year’s Day, America’s State Parks celebrate with organized First Day Hikes. This initiative helps people ring in the new year in a healthy way while savoring the beauty of our natural resources. Even if you miss the First Day Hike, find your local parks and scout out hikes that match your rigor level.
- Go ice skating/skiing/sled riding/snowboarding.
Winter sports aren’t just for little kids. Be a big kid and get back out there! Start slowly if it’s been a while. Be patient with yourself. Resist the urge to compare your skill level to others, and enjoy bringing back your inner child.
- Join a gym or create your own.
There are definite benefits to joining a gym – access to equipment and trainers, as well as socialization and motivation with like-minded people. However, if you’re not a “gym person,” you may be able to carve out your own workout space in an unused part of your house, like a basement, garage, or spare bedroom. But even if your house and budget are small, with good planning and online research, you can probably invest in basic things like an exercise mat, resistance bands, handheld weights, and a jump rope.
- Form a team.
Staying motivated can be easier by finding accountability partners. If you don’t have people in your immediate friend group who are looking to get into shape, post on social media to see if others in your expanded friend group want to join your quest for self-improvement. Once you have formed your team, collaborate on group and/or personal goals.
- Meditate.
Remember to take care of your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Choose the type of meditation that aligns with your beliefs and then seek out a practitioner or learn this type of mindfulness through your own research. The benefits of meditation can include an improvement in self-control, calmness, self-care, and happiness. Carve out time daily or weekly.
- Tackle indoor house projects
- Change your furnace filter.
- Regrout your bathroom tile.
- Wash your windows.
- Insulate your water pipes.
- Remodel a room.
- Upgrade your lighting.
- Volunteer.
Volunteering with a cause you feel strongly about is a great way to connect to your community and like-minded people. Think about how much time you have and make sure you don’t overcommit! You can search for volunteer opportunities online much like searching for a job with sites like serve.gov and Volunteer Match, but here are some ideas to get started.
- Walk a dog at your local animal shelter.
- Tutor/mentor students.
- Help at your church.
- Serve in a soup kitchen.
- Visit/help elderly neighbors.
- Donate blood.
- Coach a youth sport team.
- Adopt a locale to keep clean.
- Help your local library.
- Teach a class at a local retirement home.
- Take dance classes.
Dance classes aren’t just for children! Check with your local Parks and Recreation Center or search online for adult instruction in ballroom, tango, ballet, fusion – whatever type interests you. Want to tango but have no partner? Most organized dance groups welcome those who join solo and then help pair them up with others.
However you decide to stay active, make sure you are incorporating your mind, body, and soul for greater balance and well-being in all areas of your life. A holistic approach to health harmonizes your mind-body-soul connection, enriching your life and the lives of those around you.
