5 Tips To Stay Motivated During Winter
As we enter these colder months here in Australia, it can become harder to stay motivated. Mornings become darker, and the temptation of hitting the snooze button a few extra times is very real!
However, the change in season shouldn’t be an excuse to let go of your health and fitness. Moving your body is so important for both your physical and mental health.
I wanted to share my top tips for staying motivated to help you keep active all year round.
1. REMEMBER THAT Exercise Boosts your ConcentratioN!
No matter what the season is, it is scientifically backed that exercise boosts dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin levels, improving your attention and concentration. You will work harder and get more done in your day if you fit in a morning workout.
The cold weather shouldn’t stop you from moving your body first thing in the morning. If you are time poor and really hate the cold, a 20-minute at home workout can have the same effects. Some mornings I will follow a short Vinyasa flow on Youtube. Even just 20-minutes of movement sets a positive and productive tone for the rest of the day.
2. Try a New Workout Class
I usually love to do my cardio outdoors, but the colder weather definitely makes it harder. I find myself doing a lot more fitness classes; I love power Pilates, spin and heated Vinyasa because they get you warm in no time.
My tip is to keep trying different studios and teachers until you find one you love. Building a strong relationship with where you train makes the experience so much more enjoyable, and it also holds you more accountable to showing up to class.
3. Enjoy Nourishing and Warming Foods
Many people complain that all they feel like in the colder months is “naughty food”. It is important to listen to your body when you are craving something, but it is also just as important to nourish your body with immunity boosting nutrients to keep you healthy during winter.
Warm soups, curries and broths are amazing ways to feed your body with these nutrients. In Winter, I love to meal prep my favourite green curry, or a big batch of minestrone soup so that when I get home after work, I am not tempted to order take-away.
4. Find a Workout Buddy
Training with a friend is not only a lot more fun, but it also holds you accountable. I recently starting training with my friend Yan, and it has not only made me work harder during sessions, but it’s gotten me to the gym on cold Sunday mornings!
I recommend training with someone with the same or better fitness level than you. This is inspiring and also ensures you have a good session every time.
5. Invest in Fashionable but also Practical Workout Gear
I recently bought a P.E Nation puffer jacket, and I am obsessed with it! Having this jacket motivates me to get moving just so I can wear it on my morning walk. These pieces get a lot of wear, so investing in a proper workout kit is definitely worth it.
