Winter Exercise and Supporting Body & Mind

For some, winter conjures up images of gliding down the slopes, cooking hearty meals or cozy days by a fire. But for others, the images are not so inviting. Winter is associated with decreased physical activity because of colder weather and limited daylight hours, and an overall feeling of sadness and/or depression, also known as the winter blues.

Ironically, winter is also the time of year when many people resolve to make a change and improve their health — whether that’s exercising more, changing up their eating habits or prioritizing their mental wellbeing — and this year should be no exception. A recent survey found 82% of US consumers now consider wellness a top or important priority in their everyday lives.¹ Winter doesn’t have to interfere with those intentions.

A little exercise can go a long way

Exercise, while sometimes harder to do or less appealing in the winter months, can help fend off those winter blues and get the year off to an active start. We’re not talking running a 5k a day. It’s about your personal fitness level and goals, so even walking the dog can make a difference in your health. You might have to bundle up, but you’ll be glad you did.

Wearables can be a great source of motivation and accountability, to help you get moving and stick to a routine. Today, there are so many options to choose from, you can really find the device that’s made for you.

For an extra boost of support, John Hancock life insurance customers who participate in John Hancock Vitality PLUS have a choice between:

• The latest Apple Watch for as little $25 plus tax, earned with regular exercise²
• A complimentary FitBit device

Additionally, all John Hancock Vitality customers have access to discounts on wearable devices from WHOOP³, Oura⁴ and Garmin. No matter how they choose to exercise, customers are seeing real results.

74% of members improved or maintained a healthy weight* 

Nearly 45% reduced their BMI*

*Vitality Health Check data. Based on members that had a BMI response on the VHC in both 2023 and 2024.

Supporting body and mind

Physical activity is important, but if you’re only taking care of your physical health, you’re not taking care of your whole self. It’s important to ensure you’re doing everything to support your mental health too, especially if you’re feeling the impact of colder, darker days. That means getting enough quality sleep and giving your mind the chance to recharge.

While we often associate wearables with physical activity, many also include technology to help you better understand your sleep patterns. John Hancock Vitality customers can receive discounts on devices like the Oura ring to monitor their zzzzs and make adjustments to their nighttime routines or habits, with the goal of getting better rest.

Along with working on your sleep, the slower pace of winter could be the perfect chance to give meditation a try. With so much happening in our world, we all need a little break. The ancient practice is becoming increasingly popular and there are a number of apps available to guide you through the process of slowing down your mind. John Hancock Vitality integrates with Headspace, Breathe, Buddhify and Calm, allowing customers to find the program that works best for them.

Good health in every season

Whether late sunrises are interfering with your morning walks or the chillier days have you feeling increasingly isolated, making a few small changes to your daily routine could have a big impact on your overall well-being this season. Winter only lasts a few months, but it sets the stage for the year ahead, and now is a great chance to prioritize your body and mind, one day at a time. And remember, spring will be here soon enough.

A fresh take on life insurance

John Hancock Vitality makes customers’ overall health a priority during every season, but its resources can be especially valuable during the months when people need extra support. Vitality is a program available with every John Hancock life insurance policy. It includes tools, resources, education and incentives to help you take small steps every day toward a longer, healthier life, and rewards you for your efforts with discounts, savings and other benefits.

 

 

 

Citations:
 

¹ Callaghan et al (2024) The trends defining the $1.8 trillion global wellness market in 2024. Available at https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/the-trends-defining-the-1-point-8-trillion-dollar-global-wellness-market-in-2024 (Accessed 24 February 2025)
 

² Apple Watch program is not available in New York or Puerto Rico. Apple Watches ordered through John Hancock Vitality may not be shipped to addresses in Guam. Once you become a Vitality PLUS member and complete the Vitality Health Review (VHR), you can order Apple Watch by electronically signing, atcheckout, a Retail Installment Agreement with the Vitality Group, for the retail price of the watch. After an initial payment of $25 plus tax, over the next two years, monthly out-of-pocket payments are based on the number of Standard Workouts (10,000 to 14,999 steps) and Advanced Workouts (15,000 steps) or the applicable Active Calorie thresholds. The step counts required for Standard and Advanced Workouts are reduced for members beginning at age 71+. One-time upgrade fees plus taxes apply if you choose (GPS + Cellular) versions of Apple Watch, larger watch case sizes, and certain bands and case materials. For more information, please visit JohnHancockInsurance.com. Apple is not a participant in or sponsor of this promotion. Apple Watch is a registered trademark of AppleInc. All rights reserved.
 

³ You must have an up-to-date WHOOP membership and use an iOS device to earn Vitality points with WHOOP. The Whoop discount through the John Hancock Vitality Program is not currently available in New York.

⁴The Oura Ring discount is 15% with Vitality PLUS and 10% with Vitality GO. Vitality members can earn Vitality Points for Meditation and Healthy Sleep with the Oura Ring. iOS users can also earn Vitality Points for workouts through heart rate, steps and Active Calories. To earn Vitality Points with an Oura Ring, an Oura Membership monthly subscription is required for an additional fee. The Oura Ring discount through the John Hancock Vitality Program is not currently available in Guam, Puerto Rico and New York.  
 

Vitality is the provider of the John Hancock Vitality Program in connection with policies issued by John Hancock.
 

Products or services offered under the Vitality Program are not insurance and are subject to change. There may be additional costs associated with these products or services and there are additional requirements associated with participation in the program. For more information, please contact the company at JohnHancockInsurance.com or via telephone at 888-333-2659.

Vitality Rewards may vary based on the type of insurance policy purchased for the insured (Vitality Program Member) and the state where the insurance policy was issued.John Hancock Vitality Program rewards and discounts are only available to the person insured under the eligible life insurance policy. Rewards and discounts are subject to change and are not guaranteed to remain the same for the life of the policy.

Rewards and discounts are subject to change and are not guaranteed to remain the same for the life of the policy.

Insurance policies and/or associated riders and features may not be available in all states. Insurance products are issued by: John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Boston, MA 02116 (not licensed in New York) and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY 10595.

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