Healthy Kids of  Sunrise

Beating the Winter Blues

 

This time of year, December through March, can pose challenges for many families to get exercise and physical activity in. After Christmas, we often fall into a “cold slump” where we blame the icy sidewalks or below freezing temperatures for our inability to enjoy the great outdoors. In this frigid weather, we sometimes believe that it is impossible for us to stay active. Aside from having a gym or a YMCA membership, there are numerous ways that you and your family can stay active by not even leaving your driveway. Let's break these activities down into indoor (30 degrees and below) and outdoor fun (anything about 30 degrees) so you can refer back to this list when you need an idea!

             

A favorite indoor activity might be a family dance party! Crank up the tunes or watch Just Dance videos (available on YouTube), then watch your family shake the winter blues away. Take some painting tape and make a hopscotch board on your kitchen floor—younger kiddos will love this activity. Challenge them to do it backwards or to spell a word while they’re moving around. Set up a scavenger hunt around the house. For every clue, give a new location they need to go to and what they need to do when they get there. An example might be: Go into the kitchen near the sink and do 15 jumping jacks.

           

Outdoor activities can be wonderful when the weather cooperates. Try to build a snowman together as a family. Don’t be afraid of the unknown—try a new outdoor hobby like snowshoeing, skiing, sledding, or ice skating. There are a few places in the Fox Valley that offer these for free or with a rental price for the materials. More outdoor activities would include doing a scavenger hunt or taking a family walk.

           

All in all, whatever you do—make this winter season a memorable one by committing to stay active with your family.