This winter has been a particularly cold one so far. Many people are choosing to stay indoors on the couch, under a cozy blanket, instead of braving the cold and going for a walk or heading to the gym. In addition, we're still having some pretty short days with limited sunlight and to add insult to injury, some of us are unhappy about the extra pounds we're carrying around (the ones that found their way to us over the holidays.) Does this sound familiar? You may have the Winter Blues! Want to know a great way to fight the blues? Exercise!

This week's e-Well tip offers suggestions for exercising this winter, and will shed some light on why exercise is such a "mood lifter."

WHY EXERCISE?

• it reduces stress, depression and anxiety
• spending time exercising with a friend can actually be FUN!
• you'll feel good about the fact that your making your health a priority
• you may find a new favorite activity or hobby
• exercising with your family can lead to lots of laughs and can create lifelong memories
• you'll feel pride in not "waiting until the spring" to start moving again
• the strength, flexibility and endurance you gain will give you a sense of well-being

WHAT AND WHERE?

• Just three 10-minute bouts of exercise a day can improve your mood along with your fitness level and overall health.
• Exercising indoors: Put in your favorite CD and dance. Pop in a fitness videotape (try something new like belly dancing or yoga). Ask a friend, partner, roommate or co-worker to join a nearby gym and be your workout partner. Take a class -- try an ethnic dance class, jazz dance or find out what "spinning" is all about. Make an investment in your health, and purchase a treadmill or stationary bike.
• Exercising outdoors: Be sure to dress appropriately to be sure that you are warm and are not at risk for frostbite. Dress in layers and don't forget a hat, scarf, and gloves -- they're a must! Drink plenty of water throughout the day, so that you are properly hydrated.

HOW?
When we have the winter blues, it's even harder to start exercising. Tell yourself that you're going to do 5 minutes of exercise, then see if you can go another minute, then other. Before you know it, you'll be up to 10 minutes, and the first 10 minutes are usually the hardest. As long as you're still feeling good, keep on moving. You may find that you'll have more energy throughout the day and that you'll be in a better mood than you were before starting your workout.

MORE THAN "THE BLUES"
If you feel like your "blues" are quite severe, you may have a condition called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). To find out more about SAD, visit the Mayo Clinic's website. Contact your doctor if you feel like your symptoms reflect this condition.

Get Moving! Hang in there! Spring will be here before we know it!!

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