Stay positive and active during winter

With months of cold weather behind us and months to go before spring arrives, it's easy to get bogged down by the gray skies and frigid temperatures.

Rather than allowing this time of year to make you feel tired and depressed, learn how to stay positive during the remaining winter months.

Try the following tips to maximize your energy levels and improve your mood:

Get outside

Sunlight has been shown to improve mood by boosting serotonin levels and giving you an all-around good feeling.

If you're able to get outside on a sunny day, go for a walk around the block or get out on a quiet trail. The sunlight and brisk walk will recharge you and clear your mind.

Lack of sun exposure leaves many with low Vitamin D levels. Your doctor can tell you if you need to supplement during the winter months.

Exercise

Yes, exercise requires energy, but once you get moving, your body will release endorphins that put you in a better mood.

Strength training, yoga, and outdoor winter sports are all great for stress reduction and overall health this time of year.

Consistent exercise can also help to regulate blood sugar and will lesson mood swings associated with low energy and sugar cravings.

Clean up your diet

We all know that nutritious foods are good for us, but diet has a major effect on overall energy and mood as well.

Start your day off right with a complete breakfast that includes a quality protein, fat, and carbohydrate. This will fuel your body and make you feel more alert and focused.

Relying on sugary foods for a boost of energy, will only cause blood sugar levels to strongly fluctuate and drain your energy.

Remember, your body is fueled by the nutrients in the foods you eat, so the better the nutrient density, the better you'll feel.

Plan a getaway

We all need a break every now and then.

A simple vacation or a day at the spa might be just what you need to get your energy back on track.

If you find it hard to stay focused or productive throughout the day, take a break to re-charge and get yourself back in the zone.

Rest and Recover

Just because the days are short and the nights are long doesn't mean people are getting more sleep this time of year.

Our normal circadian rhythm can be thrown off with the time change and the long hours of darkness. Try to stay on a consistent sleep schedule each night so your body and mind know when it's time to rest and when it's time to wake.

The quality and amount of sleep you get will directly affect your mood and energy levels, so it's important to rest hard if you work hard.

Taking a few simple steps can go a long way in helping you feel your best. Don't let winter get the best of you. Keep your energy up and your mood in check.

For more health and nutrition tips, check out our blog at www.PushFitnessTraining.com as well as links to our social media.

• Joshua Steckler is the owner of Push Fitness, a personal training studio located in Schaumburg specializing in weight loss, muscle toning, and nutrition. Contact him at PushFitnessTraining.com.