As the yuletide season brings with it a much colder weather, many people including you and your children, may find it a challenge to remain fit and stay in a positive frame of mind. The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that some people may even suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, known medically as a serious mood change, which involves depressive symptoms, lots of sleep, little energy and craving for sweets, during winter. Because the days have gotten shorter, you probably think that there’s less time for your children to go outside in the sun and fewer opportunities for them to engage in physically and mentally invigorating activities.

Before you convince yourself yet that your kids can not stay in shape at this time, think again. Natural health expert Dr. Joseph Mercola reveals that there are actually some energizing, fun-filled activities that you can do to help your kids avoid feeling depressed and blue this season. Note that these things are best done with your company or parental supervision.

Outdoor Exercises That Your Kids and Whole Family Can Do

One of his recommendations is winter walking. Although this might not be convenient for everyone because of the very cold temperature, walking remains one of the best and simplest exercises that anyone can do this season. If your kids are into walking outdoors, it is a great way to strengthen their bones and does not cost anything, not even a penny! Since every person normally does this on a daily basis, your kids don’t have to exert much effort to do this exercise. Just provide your kids with a good pair of walking shoes plus some winter attire – a winter jacket, hat and a pair of gloves – to keep them warm, and they’re all set! If you can join your kids in this activity, then winter walking could also be a great family activity.

Taking walks actually brings some health-enhancing benefits. “Many walkers say they feel better, sleep better and have a better outlook overall after they start taking walks,” notes Dr. Mercola.

On a sunny winter day, walking may also provide you and your children with Vitamin D your bodies need. Vitamin D is a powerful nutrient that increases your protection against cancer, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and many other diseases. What’s more, exposure to the sun is also a vital tool in helping prevent SAD in winter.

Another form of exercise that he recommends trying is ice-skating. This winter sport is good as it promotes balance and coordination of the different parts of the body. And since this is played on the ice, it is also a pleasurable activity for your kids.

Dr. Mercola also suggests skiing. This activity is an excellent aerobic exercise for your kids. It helps boost their endurance while enjoying the countryside and the fresh winter air. If your kids haven’t tried skiing before, you can have them take lessons first before they begin skiing on the easiest terrain. Like winter walking, this could also be a wonderful pastime for your whole family.

Indoor Activities for the Body and Mind

But if it’s too hard for your kids to brave the cold weather, staying at home can also be intellectually stimulating and enjoyable and for them as long as you make room for a lot of creativity. Dr. Mercola recommends setting up a winter retreat, which can be healthy for the body and mind. You can give your kids a warm bath, which can be very relaxing during the cold months. Also, you can try reading a book to your kids, which can be a learning experience for them.

According to Kabooose.com, other indoor activities for kids include coloring some books, piecing together jigsaw puzzles, playing games, and making crafts like snowman pieces – all of which can help sharpen their mental skills.

Exercise Is Good but Don’t Forget a Healthy Diet

Aside from these physical and mental exercises, a nutritious diet loaded with organic foods will help prevent and treat winter depression.

Dr. Mercola suggests specifically adding Omega-3 fats to kids’ diet to keep kids from getting depressed. Organically found in Krill Oil, Omega-3 fats’ health benefits include:

• Enhancing children’s mental skills such as their ability to focus and concentrate
• Promoting a positive, healthy mood
• Improving muscle function and coordination
• Supporting normal social development and appropriate behavior
• Increasing visual acuity

Winter Is Also a Good Time for Improving Kids’ Health

Don’t let wintertime bring your kid’s health down. Shorter and colder days don’t necessarily mean that you just have to let your young ones stay at home, feeling sluggish and bored. Be resourceful. You can always utilize indoor and outdoor winter exercises and a good diet to keep your kids healthy and in high spirits whenever, wherever.

If you want to find out more about helping your kids stay healthy, just check the other articles on this site to read more information.