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Staying well during the winter: Tips for IU School of Medicine students

Abigail Brenner holding up a plate of strawberry shortcake

This piece was written by Abigail Brenner, fourth-year medical student and VP of Wellness.

During the winter, wellness can definitely be more difficult at times because of the lack of sunshine and dropping temperatures, but there are still a lot of ways to incorporate mindful and healthy habits into day-to-day life.

I still try to go for runs (just with gloves and lots of layers), and I mix in some YouTube fitness videos for days when I don't want to brave the outdoors. I also love cooking new foods, which gives me something to look forward to during the day. Finally, I'm a big believer in journaling, and, at the end of each day, I reflect back and write down three good things that happened that day.

Sometimes it is talking to an old friend, sometimes it's a good book, and sometimes it's that there was a particularly beautiful sunset! Lots of little good things to find when you try to look for them! 


1) Do a YouTube workout. If you are feeling a little silly and want to do some cardio HIIT then check out EMKFit on YouTube. Also, I really like Heather Robertson's channel! 

2) One of my fave wintertime recipes is Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Quinoa Chili. This incredibly easy Cheesy Black Bean Bake goes great with rice, tortillas, and really, anything!

3) Finally a slightly old, but still relevant quick piece on the benefits of practicing gratitude and finding the best way to do that for you.
