Cold fronts, snowstorms, and winter weather; it’s a recipe for staying bundled up and warm indoors. Americans typically exercise more in the spring and summer, which is no surprise; who wants to get moving when the weather outside is so bleak? The colder months don’t only impact our physical health, but they affect our mental health too. Many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder in the fall and winter, and exercise is a great way to boost your mood! So, while you may not want to get outdoors, here are our five favorite ways to stay active while staying inside.
With the Yoga Wake Up app, you have access to hundreds of practices to keep you moving (even from bed!), no matter what the temperature is like outside! Download it for free today.
Get dancing
Put some music on and get moving! Dancing isn’t only fun; it’s a great way to boost your mood and get your heart rate up; plus, a 5-minute dance break can improve your mood, brain function, and health!
Did you know you can use dance as a way to wake up? Check out Yoga Wake Up’s “Dance Party” wakeup to jump out of bed joyful, open, and ready for your day!
Try yoga
One of the best things about yoga is that you don’t need to go to an overpriced studio to practice; you can practice from basically anywhere, including from bed! Yoga has endless benefits, including increased flexibility, balance, cardiovascular benefits, reduced stress and anxiety, and more! With the Yoga Wake Up app, you can start and end your days with gentle, audio-guided yoga and meditation, making it the perfect cold-weather companion. Because who doesn’t want an excuse to stay in a warm bed just a little longer?
Make the most of your TV binging
Who says you can’t multitask? Throw a mat down and try different bodyweight exercises while you’re watching your favorite show, or stretch it out! YouTube has endless bodyweight exercise workouts that you can check out for free, or use the Yoga Wake Up app to find your favorite stretching practices.
Invest in a standing desk or DIY!
If you’re sitting while you’re reading this, do a quick posture check. Are your shoulders hunched forward? We bet they are. Americans sit for, on average, almost 10 hours per day, and you may have heard the phrase “sitting is the new smoking.” That’s right, sitting for long periods of time every day can have detrimental health effects. With increased risks of health problems, including poor posture, a standing desk can make a great investment to your health. Standing while working can also increase your energy levels and creativity! You don’t need to rush to buy one; you can create your own ergonomic working environment by using things as simple as a cardboard box to elevate your monitor! Your computer monitor should be at eye level while standing — trust us, your posture and health will thank you!
Clean your house!
Craving a core workout? Get vacuuming! While it sounds silly, vacuuming and dusting are a great way to get in some easy movement and increase your mobility. Plus, cleaning doesn’t have to be boring; turn your favorite music on for extra motivation and make your chores something to look forward to. Cleaning and having a clutter-free space can improve your mood, reduce stress and anxiety, increase creativity, improve focus, and reduce cortisol levels. Your body and mind will thank you!
It’s tempting to go into “hibernation mode” in the winter months, but daily movement is incredible for both physical and mental health. Try our favorite ways to stay active inside while it’s cold outside, and remember that warmer days are just around the corner!