Staying Active this Winter

 

It’s that time of year again. It’s getting colder, it’s getting dark earlier, and that seasonal depression is setting in. Instead of giving into it and going into hibernation mode, take this as an opportunity to get active. Exercising releases endorphins and can boost your mood.

How about starting your exercise routine with some simple foot exercises? Here are a couple you can do indoors:

·        Use your toes to pick up items off the floor and move them to another pile. You can use anything from marbles to socks.

·        Put an elastic band or a small towel around all five toes and pull forward, stretching your toes.

·        While standing, place toes against the wall and lean forward to stretch your arch.

·         Stand and raise yourself up on the balls of your feet, hold for five seconds and repeat ten times.

·        Put an elastic band around both big toes and pull them away from each other, hold for five seconds and repeat ten times.

·        Sit with your legs straight out in front of you, point your toes toward your head and then away from it.

Find the right combination of exercises that works for you. Work on increasing your hold time and the number of reps you do as your feet start getting stronger. Working on getting your feet in good shape will ensure you are putting your best foot forward this winter.  

Image by Laura Billings. A Long Stretch. (2008). Flickr.