Health-and-Fitness online information.

Bone-chilling weather, vile cold and flu viruses, insane heating bills, and the 8 1/2 pounds that slipped onto your hips somewhere between Christmas and Groundhog Day make it oh so easy to slump into a wintertime funk.

Health experts say shorter daylight hours, bad weather and stress can lead to the winter blues, a condition marked by fatigue, junk food cravings and mild depression. Also, the body's metabolism naturally slows down during colder months, contributing to weight gain and that sluggish feeling.

Thankfully, spring is on the horizon. But there's no reason to sulk until then. Keep the winter hawk from digging his icy claws into your body and spirit with these moodboosting tips:

1. Exert yourself. Don't let the cold discourage you from exercise. Wind chill or not, your body still needs fitness and a daily dose of activity is a sure cure for wintertime blahs. Exercise fires up a dragging metabolism, floods the body with depression-fighting chemicals called endorphins, boosts the power of the immune system to fight off colds and flu, and burns off excess calories and pounds.

2. Chill out. Avoid cabin fever by getting fresh air and sunlight. As long as no blizzards are brewing, you can enjoy a jog, brisk walk or bike ride if you steer clear of icy paths and always wrap up. Wear inner layers like thermals to keep out sweat and allow skin to breathe; middle layers such as slacks, sweat pants, tights, sweaters and vests to cover the chest, arms and legs and help trap heat; and outer layers like tightly woven jackets and snow pants to block wind and snow. Wear a cap or hood since you can lose precious body heat through your head, and always wear warm gloves and socks to guard fingers and toes against frostbite. Once you get moving, you'll hardly notice the cold.

3. Be a good sport. Fight boredom and expand your fitness horizons by taking up a fun winter sport. Channel your inner daredevil by strapping on a snowboard, some skis or a pair of ice skates. Grab a sled and find a steep snowy hill to climb; the reward is worth the trip. Invite the friends and family to your home and host your version of the Winter Olympics. Grab a partner and your winter boots and stage a three-legged race through knee-deep snow. Split into teams to have a snowman-building competition or start a snowball fight, then celebrate with hot chocolate and apple cider.

4. Cool down. Pursue a peaceful pleasure for at least 15 minutes each day to beat the blues. Curl up with a steaming cup of tea and a steamy novel. Ask your sweetheart for a foot rub, then reciprocate. Tickle your children. Light scented candles and play soft sounds. Sneak in a 20-minute snooze. Tune out the world and tune into you.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:11 AM