24 Jan Five ways to avoid cabin fever

Frigid temperatures and snow have pushed people in many parts of the country indoors this month.
That can quickly lead to cabin fever and the winter blues.
Here five tips to stay fit, and happy, during the winter months:
1. Exercise, exercise, exercise – Make sure you have an indoor place to exercise. You can easily set up an exercise room in your own home, or perhaps join a gym. Get plenty of cardio exercise. A brisk walk can help, or a put in a half hour or so on a treadmill or elliptical machine.
2. Get sunlight when you can – If the temperatures are warm enough, get out for a walk, or take to the hills or slopes on a sled or skis.
3. Eat a healthy diet – Eat healthy foods, keyed by fruit, vegetables and grains. Limit alcohol consumption as this is actually a depressant.
4. Don’t fight the cold, embrace it – Take advantage of opportunities to exercise outside when the sun’s out – just be smart and plan accordingly to the temperatures and snow conditions.
If you’re snowed in, get outside and exercise by shoveling snow, go traipsing through the drifts or take a ski trip.
5. Get sufficient rest – This is an important way to avoid feeling run-down or depressed.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. Consult a doctor before making any significant changes in your exercise routine or diet. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com