How to stay motivated during the cold winter months
Happy New Year Everyone! I wish you all the best in the year ahead. Whether that be physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, I hope all that you embark on this year enhances your life for the better.
I don’t know about you but post-holidays seems to be the toughest time of year. While writing this, the sun never even came out! It is really challenging to get the motivation to do much more than bundle up indoors, right? Today, I wanted to share some tips & tricks I’m using to get excited about moving my body during these colder, darker months.
Get organized beforehand. I try to set up my space and lay out my clothes and equipment in advance. That way, even if I am short for time, I know I am ready to jump into the workout. If you use on demand, try selecting the workouts at the start of the week so you don’t waste time scrolling during your workout time.
Change up my routine. Although consistency yields results, sometimes at certain points of the year, we need to switch things up. Consider trying a new workout class, a different time of day, or even the length of your workout. Remember the best workout is the one you enjoy doing and will return back to. That might look different at this time of year.
Find an accountability friend. Get your roommate, family member, or spouse to join you. Book a virtual class with a friend, or meet up outside for a walk. You’ll not only get your body moving but also feel less isolated and more social too.
Get up and go! If you’re a morning mover, get up right away. As soon as my alarm goes off, I turn the lights on and never snooze! And since I’ve already prepped the night before (see #1), I know I’m ready to get at it.
Sign up for a program or class. All of my clients always say they are more likely to make it happen when they have committed. We’ve got our Early Risers Club beginning next week (see below), a drop-in Zoom schedule, and on demand to suit your needs. Find what suits your availability, what peaks your interest, and that fits your budget.
Do it immediately after work. I know for myself, the longer I wait around to get something done, the more chances there are to talk myself out of doing it. If you move your body right after work, then you have the rest of the night to decompress and enjoy.
Take care of other components of your life. Movement isn’t the only way to take care of ourselves. Take time to check in on your sleep, mental health, stress management, nutrition, relationships, and finances.
Talk about it with others. The more we share, the more our community can help. The more we share, the more we will also realize that others may be feeling the same way. Lean into the relationships you’ve got and help boost each other up during these months.
Accept how you feel. At the end of the day, we can do all of the above, but we still need to hold space for how we feel. The difference is to not allow it to consume you. I try to give myself a moment to accept my emotions, but then try and take positive steps to combat it.
I was brainstorming offerings for January and decided to introduce the Early Risers Club to the DY Community. I realized if I was lacking inspiration at this time of year, I knew I couldn’t possibly be the only one. We begin next Monday January 10th if you’re interested in joining. This isn’t a new year’s resolution or a weight loss group. This is accountability that you’ll put yourself first, first thing in the morning before anything else. To move your body, do something for YOU, and start your day off strong.
In a world where it seems like we cannot control much, choose to take control of what you can. You can choose every day to take care of yourself and make an effort to feel your best. I am always here to help you along the way, whether that be via a live class, on demand workout, or a simple message.
Yours in self-discovery,
Rachel