When the temperature drops, I’ll admit it: I want to curl up under a cozy blanket, fire up the fireplace and binge a good movie. Winter brings more than just cold air — it can raise the risk of slipping on ice, dehydration and seasonal mood dips. Less daylight can also sap our energy and may even affect vitamin D levels. So yeah, winter isn’t my favorite season, either — but that just means we need to make the best of it! Here are a few ways to do that:
1. Keep moving, even when it’s tough
Physical activity has huge benefits year-round, and winter shouldn’t derail your goals for 2026. A common daily target is approximately 10,000 steps, but it’s typical for people to drop closer to 5,000 daily steps in the colder months — especially as we age and the days shrink. The key is to stay consistent and keep a routine, even if hitting that exact step count is harder.
Here are easy ways to stay on track:
• Join group fitness classes. They give you a set time, so you’re less likely to skip, and you don’t have to plan the workout — trained professionals handle that. Just show up and enjoy.
• Walk indoors for free. If a class isn’t your thing, come walk at the Osage Centre gym at no charge. It’s warm and safe and a simple way to rack up steps. Or, try mall walking — it’s especially great if you can ignore the tempting post-holiday sales. Any indoor venue where you can comfortably walk works — just stay consistent, and keep health a priority.
• Hydration. Don’t forget to take your water with you, and aim to get seven glasses a day! Start early, so the day doesn’t sneak away from you.
2. Don’t rely on indoor sunlight for vitamin D
If you prefer staying indoors, remember vitamin D can’t easily be produced through glass. UVB rays, which trigger vitamin D synthesis in skin, are largely blocked by window glass, so sitting near a sunny window won’t do the trick.
To support vitamin D:
• Try a short midday walk outdoors, ideally between approximately 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when sunlight is strongest — just enough to help, not overdo it.
