So you’re working out regularly, eating a balanced diet & getting enough sleep – but as the nights are still cold and dark, you’re finding it challenging to keep up the motivation – does this resonate with you? If you often feel that the weather can often impact your motivation after keeping fairly consistent throughout the year (this is easier said than done!) then this post is for you!
Here are some ways to help you feel motivated during these achingly cold days!
- Remember Why You Started – Note down the benefits of keeping your movement levels up in Winter and highlight which ones are the most meaningful to you. It could be improved mood (due to endorphins, which can help to manage stress) & improved sleep (leading to better energy levels) or a noticeable increase in strength!
- Every step counts – There are a lot of simple adjustments you can do to boost your NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) – the energy you expend through normal everyday activities such as standing and running errands. If your work requires you to sit at a desk for long periods of time, try to get up for a few minutes every hour for a simple stretch, a few star jumps if you’re feeling more energetic (!). Another simple change is to use stairs instead of a lift when out and about, or choose to walk rather than taking a bus or car!
- Plan ahead – Plan what form of activity you’re going to do, when you’re going to do it and decide the time you’d like to spend doing this too. A great tip is to get a friend involved to make it fun & to keep accountable! If you’ve ever felt exercise can feel like a chore in the past, think about what you ENJOY – not what you feel you should be doing. This could be a zumba class, kickboxing or just a simple walk in nature!
- Dress accordingly to the weather – During the colder season, you’ll also have to think about wrapping up as nothing quite beats a brisk winter’s walk in the fresh air; whether it’s on your lunch break or with friends on a weekend, walking is one of the best things that you can do for your health.
- Exercise at home – If you’ve got a spare space, a mini home gym (or in my case a living room with a workout mat, dumbbells & kettlebell!) can transform your fitness during the winter – simply because it’s right there, and you don’t need to workout for hours a day to feel the benefits of a boost in energy after a quick 10 minutes!
- Make it fun! – Winter means there are fun activities that you can do with your friends or family like ice-skating, hockey or indoor skiing! But if you feel it’s too cold for you, there are many fun workouts on Youtube that you can do as a family, too.
- Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep – Getting enough quality sleep is vital for overall health and wellbeing, especially during the winter months when the lack of daylight can impact our energy levels and mood. Creating a restful sleep environment is key to improving sleep quality. Investing in a supportive mattress, such as a Simba mattress, can make all the difference in ensuring you get the rest you need. If you’re looking for a comfortable and safe sleep solution for little ones, the Simba cot-bed mattress offers excellent support for growing bodies, helping everyone in the family enjoy a good night’s sleep. Prioritising sleep not only helps with energy levels but also supports recovery from exercise and promotes better mental clarity during the day.
Wrap up & take pleasure in exercising during the winter months whilst enjoying wholesome healthy (and soul!) food – we don’t have to follow the clichés and start a brand new exercise routine in January! Remember to move in a way that makes YOU feel good!
For more tips, check my IG – @nicsnutrition!
Thank you Simba for sponsoring this blog post.
