Unmotivated. Low energy. Fatigued. That describes me in the winter. I sometimes wonder if I was not intended to have been born in a warmer climate. The idea of doing anything in the winter seems like too much to think about. If I was the type of person to believe in former lives, and I am not, I would guess I was a bear at one time. I could sleep all winter long. I dislike the cold. I dislike the gray skies. I dislike the slush. Now, on perfect sunny and fluffy snow days, I almost think I could live like that forever. But on bitter cold days where the sun cannot be found, I feel like staying in bed all day long. So the sheer idea of working out is easily shattered by the thought of hot cocoa or coffee with whipped cream.
So, how do I stay motivated during these times?
Don’t sit down! If you are like me and winter equals hibernation, then do not give yourself cause to sit down before working out. Once I sit, that’s it! The best thing for me to do is wake up, throw in a load of laundry, start the coffee maker, throw in a work out dvd and think about a warm cup of coffee as my reward as soon as I’m done.
Don’t allow for laziness! There is no medical reason that the winter is causing me to shutdown. For me, it is simply being cold and having to stay indoors so much. So, I try to stay busy and not allow myself to slow down. However, I will play a little game with myself and give myself some down time if I work out. I’m such a child, I know.
Take Vitamin D: During the winter months we are deficit in Vitamin D. This deficiency causes us to feel blah. So boost up the vitamin D when the sun isn’t around to kiss you healthy.