Keep Your Body Moving to Beat the Winter Blues
By Public Relations Specialist Shamika Andrew
There are many fun activities you can do while embracing the cold and soaking up the limited sunlight during winter. It can be hard to stay active with colder temperatures and fewer hours of daylight. Keep your body moving to beat the winter blues. After all, it’s only cold if you are standing still.
Ice fishing is a winter activity that can bring joy and feed your family.
- Ice skating — Lace up your ice skates and go skating with your family and friends.
- Snowshoeing — Take a winter stroll in your neighborhood or on a snowy trail.
- Sledding — Grab your sleds and see which family member can sled down the hill fastest.
- Skiing or snowboarding — Gear up and hit the slopes of Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage, Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood, or Skeetawk in Palmer.
- Snow tubing — Enjoy some tubing at your favorite sledding hill or visit Arctic Valley Tube Park for a thrilling ride.
- Ice fishing — Catch your dinner at one of the many stocked lakes in Anchorage or the Matanuska-Susitna Borough including Delong Lake, Mirror Lake, Sand Lake, Goose Lake, Jewel Lake, Big Lake, or Finger Lake. Enjoy catching arctic char, grayling, pike, and even landlocked salmon.
- Shoveling — Clearing your driveway and walkways free of snow and ice keeps you safe and offers heart-healthy benefits. Be neighborly and offer to clear your neighbor’s walkway and driveway for extra health benefits.
- Walking — Take a midday stroll to feel the sun on your face and breathe in the fresh air.
- Cross-country skiing — Hit the many trails in town to classic ski, or challenge yourself skate skiing.
- Hit the gym — Indoor activities like yoga, Pilates, swimming, and weightlifting are accessible year-round. Southcentral Foundation has indoor group fitness classes available in Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
- Fat-tire biking — Layer up and enjoy some cardio and fresh air.
Before heading out to enjoy outdoor activities, take safety steps to prepare yourself. Check the weather and temperature and dress accordingly for rain, snow, and cold temperatures. Ensure you are visible during darker hours by using reflective tape or safety lights. Let someone know where you are going when recreating outdoors. Keep a charged cell phone with you in case of an emergency. Be aware of your surroundings when out in the wilderness. When doing outdoor chores, work slowly and lift with your legs when shoveling your driveway or lifting other heavy items. If venturing onto frozen lakes or rivers, check to make sure the ice is safe to walk on. Set reasonable limits on the amount of time spent outside for young children to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.
To stay motivated and keep moving this winter, find activities you enjoy, or buddy up with a companion. Stay active to keep the winter blues away. From snowshoeing to winter hikes, there is plenty of fun to go around. Grab your coats and embrace the season!
