Staying Motivated in Winter

Winter in Wisconsin can be ROUGH on the motivation. It’s cold, dark, snowy, and icy and it can be so easy to get off track with your health and wellness goals. Stepping outside of the box can be helpful in rejuvenating your energy and giving you a boost to get back on track.

PREP

Having a game plan puts you in charge–whether it’s meal prepping for lunches or dinner or laying out your workout gear in the morning–and leaves less opportunity for excuses. Take the time to cut up fruits and vegetables, write out your grocery shopping list after making your dinner plan, or plan out your workouts for the week.

GET COLD WEATHER GEAR

Getting outside and enjoying fresh air is during any season is a great way to feel revived and have more energy. In winter, it’s necessary to have the proper gear if you plan to venture outside, and incorporating layers, a good hat and gloves, and proper footwear can mean the difference between a great walk, run, hike or snowshoe, and a cold, damp miserable one.

FIND AN ACCOUNTABILITY BUDDY

Knowing that someone is waiting for you at the gym, fitness class, or at the end of the block is one way to keep your motivation high. Being accountable to someone makes it challenging to come up with an excuse or to find other tasks to complete, but it also brings a social component to your workout, meeting, or grocery shopping adventure.

EAT WITHIN THE SEASON

Winter brings a whole variety of produce that brings different nutrition, such as pears, apples, citrus fruits, root vegetable and greens. Get creative with trying new recipes that incorporate in-season produce and can give you new favorites for winter.

FIND A NEW HOBBY

Having a hobby anytime of the year gives you something to look forward to, and an opportunity to boost motivation and excitement. Great winter hobbies that will bring a newness to your activity routine can include snowshoeing, ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, playing with the kids/grandkids outside, sledding and even hiking!

WAKE UP EARLY

It can be tempting to stay in bed longer in the winter because it is dark outside, and the bed is usually warm and comfy. By waking up early and starting your day–whether it is with taking some ‘me time’ with coffee and a book, or incorporating a walk or doing a little cleaning, you’ll feel productive and ready to take on the rest of the day!