Find Your Motivation Among Bad Weather

So the holidays are over and you’re left with shorter days and dreary skies. When it’s cold and dark outside, it can be hard to find the motivation to maintain your mental and physical health. But these are the times when practicing that self-determination is most important!

There are little steps you can take to strip away the winter blues, and one of those things is starting the day right:

• At the beginning of each day, create a daily list of goals and rewards to tackle so you can have a regular structure to your day.
• Wake up to simulated natural light (that we lack in winter) with the Philips Wake-Up Light.
• Keep your clothes warm by putting them near the heater so you have a cozy alternative to your bed sheets.
• Create your own “get pumped” playlist to put you in the right mood for the day — music is a magical tool.

All right, feel like you can take on the “offseason”? We know you can. Once you’re out of bed, it’s time to take care of the three things that make you human: your mind, body and soul.

Mind

“A contented mind is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world.” - Joseph Addison

 

Learn something new every day.

One way to keep the otherwise gloomy season interesting is to introduce yourself to new and exciting things. In this day and age, it’s so easy to keep your noodle working with platforms like Skillshare, MasterClass and TED Talks. Aside from the joy of learning, there are infinite ways to use this newfound information, whether it’s sprinkling it into conversation or applying it to your work.

Reignite your old loves and hobbies.

Do you ever look back to five years ago and say, “Oh yeah! I forgot I used to do that… that was actually pretty fun.” Now’s the perfect time to jump back into an old hobby you used to enjoy and maybe even up your game. If you used to paint with watercolors, try approaching that same medium from a different angle. Maybe now you’ll paint new subjects or challenge yourself to paint once a day.

Expand your literary horizons.

Take advantage of your spare time in winter and jump into a new genre. It doesn’t even have to be a full-blown novel, but maybe you can explore a magazine title you wouldn’t normally pick off the shelf. Step outside your comfort zone and learn about a subject that’s well outside your usual realm — maybe you’ll even discover a newfound love for Tennis Monthly.

Body

“If anything is sacred, the human body is sacred.” - Walt Whitman

 

Get your beauty rest.

Like we’ve said before: Humans don’t hibernate. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a healthy dose of sleep. It keeps us in good shape and helps our immune system out so we can remain healthy even during flu season. Take the initiative to opt in for a good night’s rest instead of staying up late and binging your favorite show — you’ll be glad you did.

Exercise right from your own home.

Disclaimer: Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.

Lucky for you, we recently put together a handful of workouts to turn your home into a simple, DIY gym! Once you’re given the OK from your physician to start an exercise program, get your sweat on! You’ll feel better, more productive and ultimately less stressed. And who doesn’t want to be less stressed?

Experiment with healthy winter meals.

Just because certain veggies and fruit aren’t in season doesn’t mean you can’t create nutritious, delicious dishes. A quick Google search will bring up virtually endless options for lip-smacking meals. And while you have the spare time, why not try a new one every week? It’s easy to fall into the prepackaged snack pit, but avoid the urge to let lethargy win. Get your gourmet on.

Spirit

“Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.” - Bernard Williams

 

Light candles and get cozy.

We’ve mentioned the Danish practice of hygge before, and it’s worth mentioning again. The Danes do a great job of creating a happy and warm atmosphere by using the soft light from candles all around their home. It’s that warm, cozy, yellow light that allows them to ease into their cold and bitter winters without feeling down.

Create a cocoon-like nook.

There’s a reason we take the fetal position when extreme stress gets the best of us. It’s the same reason “child’s pose” in yoga is used to decompress inbetween difficult flows. Humans like to curl up in small cozy balls to feel safe! So pick a spot and make your own little comfort nest to read a book or watch a movie from.

Start a weekly tradition with friends and family.

Find a reason to gather: board games, bad movies, knitting club, darts — whatever it is that tickles your fancy. The important part is to make it a regular thing to give you a consistent social gathering to look forward to. Don’t let anyone tell you this is the most isolating part of the year — keep the people you care about close by.

Taking care of yourself is a year-round activity, and it’s important to make sure that even in winter you practice healthy habits for a happier self. How do you keep your mind, body and spirit in tip-top shape? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section!