Greetings Friends,
We find ourselves at the end of September once again. The daylight is almost exactly equal to night hours. It should be getting colder although we just had 3 90 degree days in Minnesota which breaks all sorts of records. School is in swing for children along with all of the PTA PTO, lessons and practices for parents. Everything seems to combine and make it hard to lose weight. But if you do it right this can be one of most beautiful and comfortable times of year to exercise.
The light is fading so what do you do?
Many doctors suggest bright lights in the morning and a broad spectrum light box for 20-30 minutes a day. The Mayo clinic suggest that 80 percent or more of people living in a northern climate experience some degree of SAD marked by a general decline in energy and active hours. You don't need to let this get you down just take some steps to deal with it.
Going outside is the biggest way to get sunlight. Even on a cloudy or winter day the sun is many many times brighter than lights inside your home or work and your mind will know the difference. When it gets really dark out try to take a short walk during your lunch or coffee break when it is light outside. You should also consider drinking more water and supplementing with natural vitamins.
I love this season for getting out and going for a run or walk. Its cool and you can dress in layers to stay warm starting and work into a nice sweat in the cooler comfortable weather. This time of year I switch from road biking to mountain biking to take advantage of the colors and eventually change to fat biking in the snow. If you are local to the Twin Cities I would love to have you join me on a ride. Aside from outdoors many health clubs start to ramp up with youth and adult evening programs. I know I put most of my muscle on over the winter. I usually hit the gym 3-5 days a week and concentrate on free weights and muscle building activities along with low impact cardio. Two great ways to also deal with SAD.
I love the Danish way of dealing with the winter months. They take a month or more off work and stay at home. Hygge - get cozy at home, bundle up with lots of candles and a fire, sip some tea and get close with loved ones. I know I am stocked up with candles, wood and my favorite Harney and Sons tea!
How ever you do it enjoy the season!
I am working to lose some weight and making sure I think long term but its one bite at a time. At 35 I find I can no longer exercise off the weight I put on from eating more than I should. I have also been finding that I like the sweets that my kids bring home more than I used to. Maybe I am just exerting less willpower. The trick it so be kind to yourself and love your body. You may not be in the shape that you want to be in or that the crossfit ads you see on facebook show but your body is the only one you have. Negativity never helped anyone, but is has hurt a lot of people. Work on one day at a time, eat as well as you can and move your body. See friends, get outside and laugh a lot.
Until we meet again,
Blessing and be well!
-Gabe
We find ourselves at the end of September once again. The daylight is almost exactly equal to night hours. It should be getting colder although we just had 3 90 degree days in Minnesota which breaks all sorts of records. School is in swing for children along with all of the PTA PTO, lessons and practices for parents. Everything seems to combine and make it hard to lose weight. But if you do it right this can be one of most beautiful and comfortable times of year to exercise.
The light is fading so what do you do?
Many doctors suggest bright lights in the morning and a broad spectrum light box for 20-30 minutes a day. The Mayo clinic suggest that 80 percent or more of people living in a northern climate experience some degree of SAD marked by a general decline in energy and active hours. You don't need to let this get you down just take some steps to deal with it.
Going outside is the biggest way to get sunlight. Even on a cloudy or winter day the sun is many many times brighter than lights inside your home or work and your mind will know the difference. When it gets really dark out try to take a short walk during your lunch or coffee break when it is light outside. You should also consider drinking more water and supplementing with natural vitamins.
I love this season for getting out and going for a run or walk. Its cool and you can dress in layers to stay warm starting and work into a nice sweat in the cooler comfortable weather. This time of year I switch from road biking to mountain biking to take advantage of the colors and eventually change to fat biking in the snow. If you are local to the Twin Cities I would love to have you join me on a ride. Aside from outdoors many health clubs start to ramp up with youth and adult evening programs. I know I put most of my muscle on over the winter. I usually hit the gym 3-5 days a week and concentrate on free weights and muscle building activities along with low impact cardio. Two great ways to also deal with SAD.
I love the Danish way of dealing with the winter months. They take a month or more off work and stay at home. Hygge - get cozy at home, bundle up with lots of candles and a fire, sip some tea and get close with loved ones. I know I am stocked up with candles, wood and my favorite Harney and Sons tea!
How ever you do it enjoy the season!
I am working to lose some weight and making sure I think long term but its one bite at a time. At 35 I find I can no longer exercise off the weight I put on from eating more than I should. I have also been finding that I like the sweets that my kids bring home more than I used to. Maybe I am just exerting less willpower. The trick it so be kind to yourself and love your body. You may not be in the shape that you want to be in or that the crossfit ads you see on facebook show but your body is the only one you have. Negativity never helped anyone, but is has hurt a lot of people. Work on one day at a time, eat as well as you can and move your body. See friends, get outside and laugh a lot.
Until we meet again,
Blessing and be well!
-Gabe
