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Health Psychology Associates
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Health At Every Size is a new paradigm for assisting individuals who want to live a more full and healthy lifestyle, no matter what their size. For more information go to www.sizediversityandhealth.org.
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WOMEN TO WOMEN
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Winter, 2010
Winter is not my favorite season of the year. Even in California, it gets cold (relatively speaking, of course) and dreary. Many people tend to hibernate more in the winter which can impact our mental and physical health. Here are some issues to consider:
1. Activity - Do you feel like a slug? Do you want to stay in your cave and wake up in spring? Many people slow down during the winter months so how do we know how much activity we need? Your body will tell you! So often, we get on an exercise regime that is prescribed by a trainer or one you have designed yourself, and there isn't room for flexibility. Just like other areas such as, sleep, eating, drinking, if we listen to our bodies, they will tell us what to do.
It is good to get some activity most days. This doesn't have to be particularly strenuous. Sometimes, walking in a shopping mall or parking your car farther away from the entrance can be enough movement. On other days, you may want to move more. Exercise DVDs of all varieties can help. It's OK to do yoga or stretching if that's what your body is asking for.
2. Food - We often crave "comfort foods" during the winter. There is nothing wrong with that. In colder weather, our bodies need a bit more fat in order to keep warm. Listen to what your body is telling you to eat. Sometimes, we want warm foods on a cold day. Sometimes we want something heavier; a "stick-to-your-ribs" type of food. If you're eating when you're hungry and stopping when your full, your body will help you regulate the amount you eat. We usually eat differently in the winter than the summer. That is normal.
3. Self-care - Although we need to take care of ourselves all year long, winter is the time to pay attention to things like skin care (especially in very dry areas), drinking enough liquids and getting enough sleep. In warmer seasons, we tend to drink more automatically, but in winter, we may cut back. It's important to keep your body hydrated in all seasons. Winter is also a great time to take naps during the day if you're tired, or to go to bed a little earlier to get a few more minutes of sleep. Let your body be your guide.
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Do you have specific questions that you would like answered by Dr. Herb. Just email Dr. Herb at Ellyn52@aol.com and you will receive an answer in a personal email.
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