Your health: 10 things to do in February

Got the winter doldrums? That's not surprising -- it may have been more than a month since solstice, but winter still has its grip on us, and the days are still far too short. While your instincts may be to curl up on the couch with your favourite dessert and a good book, healthy eating and exercise are the best ways to beat the February blues. Try these 10 tips for staying healthy and happy this month.

1. Go for a lunchtime walk
It may be chilly outside, but there's nothing like fresh air, exercise and a bit of sunlight to brighten your mood -- even if said sunlight is being filtered by clouds and snow. Walking outdoors every lunch hour is a great idea for both your physical and mental health. Maybe you need a bit of quiet time to unwind, or perhaps you'd like to invite some coworkers along for a friendly unrelated-to-work chat. Either way, you'll be doing your body a favour. Having a hard time getting motivated? Try aiming for just 10 minutes to start with -- but don't be surprised if you're not ready to go back inside once the time's up.

2. Have a nap
If you're like most Canadians, you don't get enough sleep -- so if you're sleepy on a gloomy afternoon, go ahead and curl up on the couch for a snooze. Just avoid napping in the evening and make sure not to doze for too long, so you don't have trouble falling asleep at night.

3. Snack on chocolate
Good-quality chocolate (or even hot chocolate) is a fantastic treat -- in moderation, that is. For the best nutritional value, go for dark chocolate -- it's loaded with antioxidants -- and pick pieces with added nuts for protein and omega-3s. Just make sure to choose quality over quantity. Rather than having a whole bar of mediocre chocolate, go for a single piece from your favourite gourmet chocolatier, and savour every bite.

4. Pump some iron
You've probably seen article after article telling you why you should lift weights and keep your muscles toned. They're not wrong. Staying strong is great for your health -- and it helps you burn more calories, too. But don't think you have to hang out in the weight room at your gym to get results. You can easily work on strength training in the comfort of your own home, either while taking breaks from other activities or during a focused weight-training session. Try doing biceps curls during the commercials of your favourite TV show, or squats while you're brushing your teeth.

5. Buy yourself a pick-me-up
Having a rough day? There's no reason you shouldn't reward yourself for making it through. But if your usual mood-brightener is calorie-rich junk food, think about replacing it with something that will make you feel better without the post-binge guilt, whether it's a soothing soak in the tub, a new bottle of nail polish or a fresh copy of your favourite magazine.

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