Five wellness tips for winter

Dealing with the cold and lack of sunlight can be exhausting. It’s important to pay extra attention to your wellness during these times. Here are a few tips to jump start your winter wellness.

  1. Get Moving. Participate in one of USask Rec’s virtual fitness classes, or join a workshop with Dr. Marta Erlandson (PhD) to learn how to get the whole family involved.

  2. Check in with a doctor if you have any health concerns. Sun Life’s Lumino Health Virtual Care provides USask faculty and staff with free, unlimited and on-demand access to Saskatchewan-licensed health-care providers from the comfort of your home or office.

  3. Start a routine, or if you have one already, consider adjusting it. While it can be tempting to try and avoid winter, finding ways to incorporate it into your routine can help you enjoy the season. Simple changes to your routine can help increase your productivity during otherwise stressful periods. Whatever adjustments you make, make sure you have a healthy work-life balance.

  4. Get your finances in order with free credit counselling. Whether you’re still recovering from the holidays, or you’re trying to prepare for some extra spending this summer, now is a good time to look over your finances. The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) can connect you with financial experts who can assist with a wide range of issues including retirement planning, taxes, mortgages and budgeting. 

  5. Spend time outside (when it’s not too cold). Go to your local rink, try a new activity like cross country skiing or snowshoeing, or enjoy a brisk walk. If you need motivation, try to plan a walk that includes a stop at your favourite local coffee shop, or consider calling a friend while you walk (masked up and socially distant, of course). Attend a workshop to learn how you can turn a walk into a beneficial mental health exercise.