Winter Wellness

Simple Steps to Stay Healthy and Bright

When the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it can feel harder to stay energized and upbeat. But winter brings its own opportunities for joy, movement, and wellness. Our providers are sharing their favorite ways to stay physically and mentally well throughout the chillier winter season in Minnesota, from staying active to eating nourishing foods, to keeping safety in mind when it’s icy underfoot.

Connor Hedstrom, DO
Family Medicine

Keeping a steady sleep routine is important during the winter months. Even with the darker evenings and longer nights, it’s important to try to go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time each day. This can help your routine, even with changes in daylight hours.

When it gets to be slippery outdoors with snow, ice, and sleet, my advice is to always slow down and be aware of your surroundings. Take short, shuffling steps, and keep your hands free while walking. Staying active and strong helps prevent falls, so getting in regular exercise is very important, especially as we get older.

Jake Traxler, MD
Family Medicine

Getting outside whenever you can helps improve your mood. There have been studies that a phototherapy box (such as a Happy Light) has been helpful for mood if you are not able to get outside.

I like to stay active during the winter months by cross-country skiing at Three Rivers Park, occasionally Baylor Park, and even to work if the conditions permit. I love ice skating with my kids at the outdoor ice rink, and pulling them around the house on the sled, as well. I enjoy running all year round, as the snow is beautiful to run in.

Abby Evans, DNP, APRN, CNP
Family Medicine and Urology

I try to exercise regularly during the winter months to keep my mood lifted. There are countless free exercise classes on YouTube that do not require equipment, and are appropriate for different fitness levels.

My go-to food to stay healthy during the winter months is soup. Chicken noodle and wild rice are two of my favorites, but I also enjoy chili with cornbread as another go-to winter meal. You can add all sorts of vegetables to your soup recipes for added nutrients.