There are many benefits of regular exercise including improved mood, energy, and overall health. Many of us can fall off track during winter, neglecting physical activity in favor of cuddling under a cozy blanket. However, a sedentary lifestyle is dangerous for your vein health, especially with a preexisting condition like varicose vein disease.
We understand that exercising indoors can be boring; running on the treadmill isn’t the same as pounding the pavement. Even in cold winter temperatures, why should you consider the benefits of exercising outdoors?
1. Get Your Dose of Sunshine
Vitamin D levels tend to drop for many people during the winter months. We do not get as much sun as we do during the summertime, and some people hesitate to go outside at all in cold temperatures. However, Vitamin D promotes vessel relaxation, so blood can flow through the veins more smoothly.
Even though getting outside in the sunshine is good for you, don’t forget to wear sunscreen. Rays reflecting off snow and ice can be even more powerful than a typical summer day so it is imperative to wear sunscreen.
2. Combat the Winter Blues
Fresh air and sunshine is a great way to improve a somber mood. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a period of depression that often occurs during the winter due to low sun exposure and lower amounts of activity.
You may feel more lethargic and unmotivated than usual. A conscious effort must be made to stay healthy and happy. Try teaming up with a friend for daily walks and help keep each other on the right track.
3. Enjoy Your Workout More
Let’s face it: The indoors can be restrictive for creative workouts. Your options are often limited – go to the gym and use the same old machines or follow a workout video in the comfort of your home. When you walk out the front door, the possibilities seem endless!
Go for a scenic walk on a new trail, build your endurance running up outdoor stairs, or plan a soccer game with friends. Any kind of physical activity is better for your vein health than sitting on the couch.
4. How to Protect Your Body
While these benefits of outdoor exercise are great, it’s essential to protect your body from the effects of winter temperatures. Follow the three guidelines below to combat the cold:
- Dress warm from head to toe. Our bodily functions slow in colder temperatures, so make sure you can keep the energy up during your workout without causing health complications.
- Stay hydrated. We often associate thirst with hot temperatures, but you can become dehydrated in the winter too. Hydration can also prevent blood clots and leg or ankle swelling. If you feel yourself becoming faint, stop the activity right away and rehydrate.
- Be careful of slippery spots. Most of us would not go out after a major winter storm, but cold temperatures alone can be hazardous by causing black ice. Wear slip-resistant footwear and avoid running or briskly walking across a surface covered in even light snow.
We emphasize the importance of maintaining your vein health throughout the year, even when you don’t feel motivated to exercise! Contact the Vein Centers of Connecticut to learn more about safe outdoor activity in winter.