Winter in the Hudson Valley can have its moments of gloominess, but with the snow and ice also come pumpkin pie, hearty soups, ice-skating, and cozy nights cuddled up by a crackling fire. The best way to maintain a healthy body and spirit this winter is to stay positive and appreciate all the beauty our valley has to offer through the colder months.
Dr. David Cho, a primary care physician in Hyde Park with Health Quest Medical Practice, explained that “just as grief and despair can lead to fatigue, depression, and even illness, feeling joy and happiness can actually boost your immune system, helping you to heal faster, lower your risk of heart disease, and even help you to live longer.”
“So,” he said, “in addition to getting plenty of rest, eating healthy food, and exercising, be sure to add plenty of enjoyment and fun to your life.”
“Just as grief and despair can lead to fatigue, depression, and even illness, feeling joy and happiness can actually boost your immune system, helping you heal faster, lower your risk of heart disease, and even help you to live longer.”
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN DO IT ALL:
nutrition: Nourishing your body with nutrient-rich produce will contribute to good health any time of year, and it just makes you feel great. Check out your local winter markets, despite the cold, where farmers will be glad to show you how to incorporate seasonal ingredients into a tasty wintertime meal.
Ward off the sniffles and boost your mood by whipping up a warm feast, like a toasty bowl of porridge with churned butter, raisins, fresh fruit, and maple syrup, paired with a piping hot mug of spiced apple cider. Spend a cozy night in with a good book and something delicious to munch on, or take your meal on a hike to ogle at the beauty of this season. Whatever makes you feel good—do it.
exercise:Physical fitness and getting fresh air are also essential to maintaining health because our highly sensitive immune systems are made more resilient through regular exercise, and exercise helps to boost your mood as well. Whether it is a daily walk to the park, a weekend on the slopes, or an ice skating outing with loved ones, a daily dose of exercise is absolutely essential in promoting wellness and good feelings during the winter and throughout the year.
replenish:Mental clarity is another important component to warding off illness, both physical and emotional. Spending time with family and friends has its benefits, but remember to save some time to be by yourself, where you can clear your head and find some peace. Bundle up and sit outside by a warm campfire, listening to the stillness of the snow-covered trees, or go for a serene walk in the woods with a thermos of hot tea.
SO step outside and embrace that crisp air because winter won’t be so bad with these tricks up your sleeve.
Physical fitness and getting fresh air are essential to maintaining health because our highly sensitive immune systems are made more resilient through regular exercise, and exercise helps to boost your mood as well.
You deserve to have a joyful and healthful winter season, and by engaging in all the wonders the Hudson Valley and Catskills have to offer, you definitely can.
