If winter weather creates exercise barriers for you, take a closer look at those barriers and come up with some creative solutions. Check out fitness centers and community recreation programs in your area, and move your exercise program indoors. Buy some warmer clothes and learn how to dress for cold weather. If it snows where you live, learn a winter sport. Get into the light.
Many people experience mild to moderate winter depression.
If depression is a problem for you, talk to your healthcare provider. Providers may recommend some form of light therapy, which relieves winter depression in many people. Don t forget that exercise can be an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. People who experience winter depression can try combining exercise and light therapy by exercising outdoors when time and weather permits. By Barbara A. Brehm, Ed.