Kristen King, M.P.S., CVEP,
WRAP Project Manager,
Advocates for Human Potential, Inc.
We’re ushering in the final days of spring and the beginning of summer here in Colorado, USA, and finally getting a break from the frigid temperatures that come with, well, three out of four seasons in the high country of the Rocky Mountains. After a year in my new home, I’m finally starting to get the hang of the seasonal patterns here—both the ones in the environment and the ones in my body.
Like many people, I have to pay more attention to my wellness in the fall and winter months. For our friends in the southern hemisphere, it’s just about that time! When the weather is colder, we spend more time indoors and get less fresh air and less natural light. For me, that is a major challenge, and it was particularly hard this year after moving from the warm climate of Florida to the freezing cold, high-altitude winter. I had to adjust my schedule and my activities to make sure I could get as much light as possible even when it was cold. If I don’t make those things a priority, my sleep, my energy level, and my mood suffer.
Some of my tricks for the winter months include:
Now that summer is almost here, I don’t need my light box nearly as much because I’m spending more time outside. In addition to keeping my window blinds open, I also look for opportunities to get out in the daylight several times a day:
The more I make these summer weather activities part of my daily plan and my wellness toolbox, the more I realize they are almost all things I can do even when it is cold or snowy out.
How do you take care of your wellness through the seasons? What are your favorite wellness tips for the season you’re experiencing in your area? Leave a comment on our Facebook page and we may feature your favorite seasonal wellness tool in a future “round-up” article.
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