Staying Motivated: The Essential Winter Survival Guide

The winter months can be an extremely challenging time to stay motivated and keep a positive attitude. It can be exhausting to wake up and go to work or class in the dark and then go home in the dark too. It’s easy to cuddle up in a blanket for the entire season and hibernate until spring, but don’t give up on the cold winter months yet! Our winter survival guide will help you make the most of the cold winter months.

Keep Moving

There are so many ways to keep yourself busy, active, and even fit in the winter months. You can get involved in winter recreational sports near you, this will help you meet new friends and stay active. You also don’t need a New Year’s resolution to go to the gym. You can capitalize on those New Year’s membership deals and start a new fitness routine. If you live in an area where winter activities are plentiful, consider getting outside to ski, ice skate or sled (if it isn’t too chilly). If cold weather isn’t your cup of tea, this winter could be a perfect time to pick up a new hobby. Whether it’s something small like learning to cook or meditating or something bigger like woodworking, use your free time at home to try something new.

Give Yourself Time

The winter months can be overwhelming with holidays, family obligations and everything else you have going on. It’s important you make time for yourself while also leaving extra time to get your tasks done or to get where you need to be. The weather may not always cooperate with your plans, remember to check it frequently and adjust your schedule if needed. Even if you just need to give yourself extra time to lay in bed on a Sunday morning, do it!

Leave Time For Things You Enjoy

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t always mean you can’t do the things you want to. Finding time for yourself and the things you love to do will help keep you busy. There are lots of indoor options such as playing games, watching movies, solving puzzles, baking, and so much more. You can also go explore the outdoors and take a winter hike or road trip with friends and family to see something that you can’t at home. There are plenty activities that you can do in the winter to get yourself up out of bed.

Put Yourself First

Especially during the holidays, you may get caught up putting others first. It’s important to leave time for some self-care during the cold winter months. Holidays can make life busy, and it can be stressful preparing for family to visit. Pamper yourself! Get your nails done, a haircut, a massage, extra video game time, whatever you’ve been putting to the side, make time for it. Remember that you always come first. Focus on what you need to do or what you want. It’s also important to leave time to study or do homework. This could be something you dread after a long day at work or walking on-campus in the cold, but it’s something you need to get done. Rather than pushing it aside, put it at the top of your to-do list. You can still make others a priority, just make sure that you are at the top of the list.

Don’t Let the Cold Weather Hold You Back

There are plenty of ways to make winter but fun and enjoyable for everyone. Check out local sporting events, craft shows and other activities going on near you. Do what you need to do to make yourself happiest during the winter. Talk to friends and family and see what they do in the winter to keep themselves busy. You never know what feedback you might get! You can even get a head start on your spring break plans. You may not be the only one feeling like the winter months are the worst, check in on friends and family to see how they’re doing. You may even be able to find something fun to do together!