Winter Blues

Sometimes winter can get a bad rap and can be referred to as the SAD season. Don’t let the early sunsets and cold temperatures affect your mood. There are things we can do to prevent the seasonal mood changes. 

Start by embracing the day and finding time to get outside at some point before sunset. As little as 10 minutes of sunshine can provide benefits of Vitamin D along with a mood lifter. With the holiday season, there are a lot of cookies and family recipes that often make their way into the workplace. It’s important to not cave into the carbohydrate cravings!  Enjoy a taste of it, but be sure to include energy packed vegetables and lean proteins as well. 

As always, keep moving! With the frigid temperatures, it can be a challenge to get out of bed early to work out, yet many studies show those who get their morning workout in before their work day, are more inclined to keep up their routine and have the added benefit of burning calories in the morning, essentially eating a larger breakfast, lighter lunch and a balanced dinner. If it’s a weight workout, you’ll have the added benefit of burning more calories throughout the day. 

It’s also a great time of year to try something outdoors that you don’t typically do. Gather some work out buddies and find an activity or two that you can experience together. Most importantly, get your sleep and take your vitamins. You can’t replace sleep with an energy drink or extra coffee. Take the time to reenergize your body by getting enough rest and the vitamins will ensure a strong immune system to stay healthy throughout the winter season.

September: National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Over the past few decades, childhood obesity has increased to epidemic proportions. More than 23 million children and teenagers are obese or overweight, which is roughly one child in every three.  That said, children are more likely to suffer from heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and several types of cancer as adults. Some estimate the financial impact is a $14 billion per year in direct health care costs alone not to mention the psychosocial consequences which may hinder these kids academically and socially.

Numerous organizations in the U.S. are dedicated to solving the problem of childhood obesity. In observance of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, Parents, health care providers, educators, civic leaders and organizations have created programs and activities to promote healthy eating and physical activity. The effort begins at home. Parents have enormous influence over their children’s lifestyles by the example they set and the decisions they make. By modeling healthy eating and physically active lifestyles, we can set our children on the road to a lifetime of good habits.

The fight against childhood obesity gains momentum in September as children begin a new school year and start new habits, which the results can last their lifetime. All children deserve a healthy start in life and it’s our responsibility to make that possible. Learn more at www.HealthierKidsBrighterFutures

How Long Does it Take to Form a Habit?

Oftentimes I hear this question in relation to exercise or eating healthy, but this can apply to any good and/or bad habit. Usually it’s the good habits that are more challenging to keep up with because they require more discipline and typically include things that we aren’t used to doing- Hence, it’s not yet a habit!

A habit, according to many experts, takes around 66 days to form.  First, think about the magnitude of the new habit you are trying to form. If you have you are trying to replace a bad habit that has been with you for many years, then it’s going to be a challenge and small steps towards forming a new habit. Furthermore, consider the benefits and consequences of continuing your bad habit, and realize that there is no such thing as a quick fix. Allow yourself time to change it and ultimately replace it with something good. Lastly, and most importantly, repeat… repeat… repeat!  Just like anything in life, the more you do something, the more natural it becomes and will eventually fit into your everyday routine of life!

Are there any new habits that you want to begin, continue or start over?