Vermont in winter — some of us cringe, some of us smile. Whether you like to stay indoors, or go exploring outdoors, there is something healthy for everyone to do in Vermont in winter. You can get moving, cook up some new healthy recipes, spend more quality time with family and friends, or even start in on financial savings for 2016 (yes, it will be here before you know it!).
Here are 10 low-cost to no-cost healthy habits in all five dimensions of wellbeing to try this winter.
#1: Physical & Social Wellbeing: Channel your inner child.
When was the last time you went out to just play in the snow? Grab friends and family and try these fun winter activities.
- Try sledding. It’s not just for kids anymore, but you can use KidsVT’s Sledding Guide to find the perfect sledding spot nearby.
- Go ice skating. Most Vermont towns and villages have a community skating rink. No skates? Most rinks offer rentals.
- Get out in the snow. Enjoy the fun at Vermont’s cross-country skiing centers where you can cross-country ski or snowshoe. Or, go for a winter hike. Travel Vermont has resources for you to get started!
- Pick up a new sport! January is Learn Ski and Snowboard Month nationwide, so head out for a discounted beginner’s class to try a new sport. View a full list of ski resorts in Vermont offering deals to beginners.
#2: Community Wellbeing: Join in to celebrate the season
A winter festival is a great way to get engaged with the area where you live. Vermont is well-known for its array of winter carnivals and more.
- Find a festival near you – or venture further afield to a new part of our state – through the Find and Go Seek Website, or the Travel Vermont Winter Festival Guide.
- Or, join the more than 5,000 members of Vermont’s “251 Club” and discover Vermont towns and communities.
#3: Financial Wellbeing: Plan ahead for the New Year
2016 will be here before you know it! Take time to think about your financial goals for next year
- Review your budget. Look back over the past 12 months to see how you did — what worked and what didn’t, areas you spent more, areas you spent less. Then, make some tweaks for 2016.
- Set a new savings goal. Want to buy a house, start a family, go on a vacation? Think about the year ahead, then figure out how much you need to save to make your dreams a reality.
#4: Career Wellbeing: Pick up a new skill
Want to take your career to the next level in 2016? Decide whether that means getting some training or enhancing yourself through education.
- Talk to your employer about options for professional development. Some will offer to pay for all or a portion of your training and education. It never hurts to ask.
- Take an online class during your holiday vacation. Skillshare, for example, is a great resource for free and low-cost classes that you can do in a day from the comfort of home.
This blog article originally appeared on the UVM Medical Center's HealthSource blog and was reprinted with permission.
