By Gracie Krashoc
I’ll be the first one to admit that once the cold weather rolls around I struggle to get out of bed. Especially when the sky turns grey and the air gets brisk, we all find ourselves feeling lethargic and unmotivated. However, there is hope for getting through this upcoming cold weather. Here are a few tips on how to remain productive and in a positive mindset!
- Set your alarm earlier than necessary
I know, it might sound counterintuitive to wake up even earlier when it already is so dark and cold in the morning, BUT setting your alarm for around 10-15 minutes earlier than you need to can allow for an ease into the day without feeling rushed. Once that alarm goes off jump out of bed and get moving right away, even if it’s just a short walk to the kitchen for your morning coffee!
- Try some journaling in your free time
We all get busy and the last thing you might want to do in your free time is spend time writing in a journal, but taking 5 minutes to highlight positive things in your life can boost anyone’s spirits. You can choose to journal at the end of your day and reflect on the good things that happened, or in the beginning of your week. If you jot down upcoming events, you’ll learn journaling is important for keeping you focused on the good!
- Refuse your bed until bedtime
I myself am guilty of the classic “I’ll just lay down for an hour and then I’ll get it done”, but this is probably the worst thing to do in the cold weather. Staying up and moving will keep you awake until all your tasks are done. It might seem tempting to give yourself a break to boost your energy, but a body in motion stays in motion and when you stop it, it’s hard to get going again. Treat your bed as a reward at the end of the day- you’ll be much more productive and it will be THAT much nicer to lay down and relax.
- Eat well
It is so hard to refuse all the warm and yummy snacks that make you feel full and satisfied while its bitterly cold outside, but the best way to keep yourself alert is to eat healthier foods. Fruits and vegetables, we all know the drill, but it is much easier said than done. However, you don’t have to track everything you eat. Simply make sure to include foods that are light and don’t weigh you down in your meals. Doing this will not only make your body feel better but will increase your energy levels and alertness throughout your long days.
- Stay active
The gym is not for everyone and that is okay. However, getting your body moving for an hour or so a few days a week is important in boosting your endorphins, as well as other “feel good” chemicals in your body. There are a ton of fun exercise classes and events that you can get involved in with a friend if the gym isn’t for you. You can even go for a walk around your neighborhood, weather permitting! Regardless of your exercise of choice, it can be hard to get started so try to think about how good you’ll feel during or after your workout even if you aren’t too thrilled about the idea of exercising at the moment.
Try some of these tips and find what works for you! There are most definitely other things you can do for staying motivated during the cold weather, but these are a few simple things that anyone can try. Good luck and stay warm!