Exercising outdoors 'helps beat the winter blues'
18/01/2010 Exercising outdoors is just one way that people can beat the winter blues this January, reports the Canadian Press.
People often experience post-Christmas blues for a number of reasons, ranging from unpaid bills to broken resolutions and bad weather, according to psychologist Cliff Arnall.
Kismet Baun, of the Canadian Mental Health Association, believes that getting away from the house and exercising outdoors could be a great way to beat the winter blues.
She told the news agency: "If the weather prevents outdoor activity, then walking inside a mall or using indoor facilities such as a swimming pool or a treadmill can produce similar results."
Some people suffer from a condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression which occurs during the winter months. Ms Baum said that 'keeping moving' is the best way to combat this and if people are unable to go outdoors they should exercise near a window.
Other benefits associated with outdoor activities include improved physical fitness and social development.
People often experience post-Christmas blues for a number of reasons, ranging from unpaid bills to broken resolutions and bad weather, according to psychologist Cliff Arnall.
Kismet Baun, of the Canadian Mental Health Association, believes that getting away from the house and exercising outdoors could be a great way to beat the winter blues.
She told the news agency: "If the weather prevents outdoor activity, then walking inside a mall or using indoor facilities such as a swimming pool or a treadmill can produce similar results."
Some people suffer from a condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression which occurs during the winter months. Ms Baum said that 'keeping moving' is the best way to combat this and if people are unable to go outdoors they should exercise near a window.
Other benefits associated with outdoor activities include improved physical fitness and social development.
