The winter time is the season of indoor sports. For many athletic departments, winter is the busiest season with 10 sports offered by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. For college athletic employees, a busy schedule enduring the harsh winter conditions, dreariness, and isolation can take its toll on your health. Here are a few tips to staying healthy during the winter.
Eat to Build Immune System
Every well performing athletic program has a strong fan base supporting it. The fans are the fuel. In my article “Staying Healthy and Fit during Times of Distress,” I spoke about the need to fuel your immune system by eating certain foods. During the winter, food is your first line of support for the immune system. Eat quality animal protein, lots of fruits and vegetables, and foods high in vitamin c. Avoid sugary foods, soft drinks, and fast food as they tend to suppress the immune system. You will feel how you eat.
Ask the Weatherman, then Plan
As an ex-collegiate athlete, I know too well the effects the weather has on performance. It’s no wonder universities are building facilities such as indoor practice fields. An indoor facility is a great tool, especially in the winter. But nothing beats a chance to get outdoors. The fresh air. The sunshine. There is something positive about it. Watch the weather so you have time to plan the days you will brave the outside. When that nice not-so-cold day presents itself, you will be ready to take advantage of it. The more outside activities you take part in, the better physically and mentally you will be.
Lean on Support
The team dynamic is great to be a part of. A group either in business or sports working for a positive goal has many benefits for the individual’s well-being. During the winter, it is important to lean on your support team. Cold weather, redundant workouts, and being stuck indoors are all reasons to go straight home. Use your support team to get you through your bad days, and be that positive influence on their bad days. You need to find ways to stay motivated through the winter blues and isolation.
The winter is as an important a time to focus on your health as any. Eat food that boosts your immune system. Pay attention to the weather so you are ready for the days you can train outdoors. Lean on your support team more than ever to get through the dreary winter days. Keep your head down and the spring will be here in no time.