When it’s cold outside, finding ways to stay active – both physically and mentally – isn’t always easy. While it may be tempting to hibernate all winter long, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve to help you get through the short days. Until spring arrives here’s four therapeutic activities to keep you energized this season.
Try a different kind of exercise
Despite the chill outside, it’s the perfect time to pick a new favourite way to sweat. Winter offers a number of activities – from outdoor skating to snowshoeing to ice fishing, there’s a huge range of options out there for those willing to brave the cold.
Not a big fan of winter sports? No problem. Head to your local community centre to check out their roster. Most centres will offer a mix of indoor and outdoor activities; for an exercise that’s easy on the joints, you can always opt for a swim at your local pool.
Go for a walk
There’s nothing quite like a breath of crisp, cold, fresh air to wake up the senses. Going for a walk is a great way to clear your mind and gather your thoughts, especially if you’re feeling stressed or anxious. This winter, try taking walks whenever possible. All you need is 30 minutes a day.
We understand walking may not be entirely feasible for everyone, everywhere (hello, minus 30 degrees Celsius). If walking outdoors for long periods of time sounds more foolish than sensible to you, alternatives include using the stairs when heading into the office or taking short walks during breaks.
Learn a new skill
Always wanted to learn how to code, play the piano, or speak sign language? Now’s the perfect time to crack open those books (or the internet) and pick up a new hobby. Head to your local community centre for classes, or try an online course. If neither of these options are available to you, the local library is always a wonderful resource.
Tend to your plants
It’s been known for many years that gardening can offer a number of therapeutic benefits. In winter, tending to your indoor plants is a calming way to wind down after a long day – especially if you’re looking after cannabis plants.
At Aurora, we are strong believers that growing your own cannabis for personal use can be incredibly rewarding. The ACMPR allows Canadians to grow their own cannabis from the comfort of their own home as long as they obtain a certificate from Health Canada. To that effect, Aurora’s Home Grown Solutions will be offering cultivation equipment, starting materials, and other resources to help you grow safely and effectively.
We realize many among us are counting down to warmer weather and longer days. But in the meantime, why not add some green to your winter blues?
