Jan. 12, 2023

No sun, no problem! Here are resources to keep your body and mind active during winter months

We are all experiencing colder, shorter winter days in the Pacific Northwest. And while damp and gloomy weather can make it harder to stay active this time of year, it's worth the effort!

Physical activity supports brain health, weight management, reduced disease risk, improved bone and muscle strength, and more, as the CDC explains. Even brief periods of physical activity can have immediate health benefits, including better sleep, reduced anxiety, and lower blood pressure.

So, instead of curling up on the couch and flipping on the television, consider an indoor scavenger hunt  or a nature walk outside. Instead of skipping exercise because of the rain, seek out stretches or slow movements you can do in your living room.

Many organizations offer activities and tips to help make year-round activity fun and easy. We compiled some of our favorite resources below: 

KITSAP COUNTY (INDOOR)

• Bloedel Reserve's Strolls at Home
• YMCA of Pierce & Kitsap County's virtual resources
  • City of Bremerton's free quarterly visit voucher

KITSAP COUNTY (OUTDOOR)

• Great Peninsula Conservancy forest tour
• Kitsap County WSU Extension opportunities
• Walk with a Doc Bainbridge Island program
• Find local parks, trails, and recreation activities:
  • Kitsap County
  • Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District
    • Nearby free all-terrain wheelchairs
  • City of Bremerton
  • City of Poulsbo
  • City of Port Orchard

MORE RESOURCES (INDOOR/OUTDOOR)

• DHHS's "Move Your Way" campaign
• Snohomish County cold weather quick tips
• Kaiser Permanente winter exercise ideas
• SNAP-Ed's "Live Well: Move" campaign
• UW Memory and Brain Wellness Center guide

GREAT READS FOR FAMILIES

• Washington Department of Health's guide to keep warm and prevent colds
• Healthy at Home scavenger hunt
• Olympic Community of Health's "How to Raise Resilience in Yourself and Your Children" post
• Seattle Children's Active Learning Lesson Cards
• Washington Department of Health's handout on the benefits play in cold weather

GREAT READS FOR EVERYONE

• Center for Resilience & Well-Being in Schools' Well-Being Practices
• Harvard's "Warming Up in the Cold" article
• Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network exercises
  • "Reflection & Breathing"
  • "Wellness Wheel"

Looking for more? Contact cdp@kitsappublichealth.org

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