A few ways to keep moving once the days get shorter and the temperature drops.
AT A GLANCE
- Rethink the Time of Day You Move
- Dress for Comfort in Cooler Weather
- Check the Forecast Before You Head Out
- Keep an Indoor Backup Plan Ready
- Stay Reachable on Every Outing
- Make Staying Active in Cooler Weather Social
- Set Small, Seasonal Goals
There is something special about the crisp days of fall. The air feels fresh, the leaves are changing, and a warm sweater suddenly sounds like the best idea in the world.
Staying motivated to remain active in cooler weather mostly comes down to a few small adjustments to your timing, your clothing, and your backup plans. Here is how to build a cool-weather routine that works for you. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before beginning any new routine.
Rethink the Time of Day You Move
If you have been heading out first thing in the morning all summer, fall can be a good time to try a new schedule. Late morning and early afternoon tend to be warmer and brighter, which can make it a more comfortable time for a walk, a bike ride, or a bit of yard work.
Better daylight also helps you see uneven sidewalks and wet leaves more clearly. Simply moving your activity to a friendlier hour can make a big difference in how the day feels.
As the time change approaches in early November, evenings will get darker sooner. Planning outdoor activity for the middle of the day now can make that shift feel easier when it arrives.
Dress for Comfort in Cooler Weather
The right clothes can turn a chilly outing into a comfortable one. The National Institute on Aging shares tips for staying safe in cold weather, including dressing in layers. A light base layer, a warmer middle layer, and a wind-resistant jacket let you adjust as you warm up.
A hat, gloves, and warm socks can help on chilly mornings, and a knit hat or headband keeps your ears warm too. If you wear hearing aids, it may help to choose a hat that fits comfortably over them without pressing, and to tuck a small pouch in your pocket in case you want to store them on a damp or windy day.
Check the Forecast Before You Head Out
A quick look at the weather each morning can help you decide whether it is an outdoor day or an indoor one. Wind chill, rain, and early frost can all change how the day feels, even when the temperature looks mild. Many weather apps and TV forecasts show this information on screen, and turning on captions can make forecasts easier to follow.
It also helps to know the signs that your body is getting too cold, such as intense shivering, numb fingers, or feeling unusually tired. If you notice them, heading inside to warm up with a hot beverage is a good choice. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Keep an Indoor Backup Plan Ready
Some days are simply too wet, icy, or windy for a comfortable walk. That is where an indoor plan comes in handy. The CDC offers ideas for staying active when the weather turns cold, and many are easy to do at home or nearby.
A few favorites include walking laps at a shopping mall, following a gentle exercise video, doing light strength moves with soup cans or resistance bands, or dancing to your favorite music in the living room. Writing your backup options on a card and keeping it on the refrigerator means you already know what to do when the weather surprises you.
Stay Reachable on Every Outing
Whether you are walking a neighborhood loop or exploring a park trail, carrying a phone can give you and the people you care about peace of mind. It can be especially helpful as days get shorter and plans change quickly.
Before you leave, let someone know your route and when you expect to be back. It is a simple habit that makes every outing feel a little safer. Our guide to communication tools for people with hearing loss covers options that may make staying in touch easier.
Make Staying Active in Cooler Weather Social
Plans can be easier to keep when someone is counting on you. You might invite a neighbor or friend to join you for a weekly stroll, a trip to the community center pool, or a visit to a local park.
If you are walking and talking at the same time, quieter paths away from busy roads can make conversation easier to follow. Walking side by side on a calm trail, or pausing now and then to face each other, can help too.
Set Small, Seasonal Goals
Fall can be a good time to set a gentle goal that carries you into winter. You might aim to move for a few minutes after each meal, explore one new indoor walking spot each month, or try a beginner class at your local gym or recreation center. Small, specific goals are easier to reach and more rewarding to celebrate. Keeping track of your progress in a notebook or on a calendar can be a helpful motivator.
If your movement is happening at home, check out our checklist for getting your home ready for fall, which covers lighting and walkway updates you may want to consider.
Cooler weather brings its own kind of beauty, and staying active is a nice way to enjoy it. With a flexible schedule, warm layers, and an indoor backup plan, you can keep moving comfortably all season long. Maybe today is the day to grab your favorite sweater, invite a friend, and step out into the crisp fall air.
Take the next step:
- Learn how a CapTel captioned telephone can make check-in calls with family and friends easier to follow
- Find out which CapTel phone model might be the best fit for you or someone you care about
- See if you or someone you care about may be eligible to receive a CapTel phone at no cost
- For questions or to learn more, call CapTel at 1-800-233-9130
Keep exploring: More on phones for hearing loss | Visit the CapTel blog | Share this article with a friend
CapTel® is the inventor and technology leader in Captioned Telephones for people with hearing loss. CapTel phones show word-for-word captions of everything a caller says, helping those with hearing loss stay connected with the important people in their lives.
