Had a great time going on the news this weekend to talk about beating the winter blues. It is a tough stretch of the year when it is dark, cold, and rainy almost every day it seems like.
Then you throw in the fact that people on TV are dying of tragic, Crock Pot related deaths and it can be a depressing time. In case you missed a few of the tips I had on the news I wanted to share those with you plus a bonus one.
1.Natural light (not the beer)
Getting sunshine can be huge for breaking out of the winter funk. Trim back bushes/limbs, move your desk closer to the window, install a sunlamp. Try to at least get outside for 15 minutes a day.
2. Home workout options
Bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, bodyweight, jump ropes, DVDs, streaming services. You can build a very effective home gym for under $100 that does not take up much space in your home. And if you like follow along workouts, I am a fan of DailyBurn.com. A lot of variety and some really cool workouts for all levels on there. You can try it for free and then I think it is $20/month if you like it.
3. Gear up and Get out!
Winter clothing has come a long way. You no longer have to dress like the little brother on A Christmas Story. I like to follow the BIPA dress code.
B- Base layer. Something that wicks moisture like a dry fit type clothing item.
I- Insulating layer. This would be wool or fleece to keep you warm but still control moisture levels.
P- Protective layer. A jacket, coat, windbreaker, or hoodie to protect you from the elements
A- Accessories. Hats gloves, scarves, ear muffs, ski masks, buffs. Gotta protect the extremeties.
4. A Decided Heart.
If you read my posts, then you saw this tip recently. I shared it because it works!
Once you make your mind up that you are doing something, it will happen. The night before you are planning to do exercise out in the cold make the decision then and there that it is not negotiable, that you are going and that is final. You will be amazed at what you can do when you don’t give yourself an out.
5. Lower your comfort levels
When it gets cold, we tend to want to stay in the house, eat comfort food, and drink wine. Then you start gaining a few pounds, energy levels drop, and all of these factors combine to increase those depressed feelings you are going through. Clean up your eating habits, cut down on the drinking and move your body for 30 minutes every day. It is hard to break out of that comfort seeking routine, but once you do you will feel so much better.