BEAT YOUR WINTER BLUES

It's that time of year where the daylight hours are short, but days and weeks seem to last forever. I'm definitely a warm weather girl. I know plenty of you love the cold weather and all of the sports that come with it, but me... I'm counting down to Spring!

I thought it would be fun to put together some practices that I find helpful during the long winter months.

Plan Fun Activities and Trips for Spring and Summer

Go ahead and get it on the calendar! There's no reason not to, and seeing those vacations on the schedule will give you the motivation to take great care of your health through the winter! What is more motivating than seeing a beach trip on the schedule for March? I know it makes me want to eat healthy and exercise so that I'll feel great on that trip!

You can give yourself small rewards. If you're looking forward to a vacation, maybe tell yourself that for each month you eat healthy and exercise consistently, you'll pick out one new outfit for your trip!

Get Outside

I know it can be hard to get outside much with the low temperatures and rain, but let's bundle up and venture out if even for just a few minutes. Getting moving and getting outside always perks me up!

make exercise fun

My sister-in law and I have been doing a workout app together this winter and it's been great! It gives me accountability and gives us something fun to talk about together! In case you're interested we are doing the Madeline Moves app (Endurance Plan). It's easy to fall off the bandwagon during winter months, but don't lose hope. Spring is right around the corner and you're going to want to feel good and be healthy enough to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather!

Eat Healthy

When it's cold outside we tend to want casseroles, soups and generally heavier dishes. Get creative! You can still have all of these, but try making lighter versions. I'll post several ideas soon! By sticking with a healthy diet you'll feel better and will be prepared to finish those workouts each week.

Keep a Healthy Schedule

Sleep... It's one of the most important decisions that we often neglect. I say decision, because normally it is a decision that requires discipline. Yes, sometimes things happen and there's nothing we can do about it, but for the most part we can control our sleep schedule or at least our bedtime.

It's been proven time and time again that low sleep or low sleep quality leads to weight gain, inability to lose weight, and a lack of discipline in diet. In order for your body to thrive, it needs regularity in schedule. It helps me to set a bedtime and wake time, set an alarm for when it's time to get ready for bed, and set an alarm for when it's time to go to bed if it helps. Just make sure you're prioritizing sleep - it's one of the foundations of health after all!

Find activities and schedule fun on the Calendar

Winter doesn't have to be boring! Schedule a game night at your house, invite people over for chili and a movie, or bundle up and go for a hike! We don't have to sit on the couch watching shows all winter; there are still some great options even if the weather isn't great.

One thing Michael and I enjoy is keeping some fun two person games to play on weeknights. Some are question/ conversation starter games while others are more fun/ activity games. It's a great option for an after dinner activity if it's too dark to get outside for a walk.

I hope you find these helpful and encouraging! Feel free to share your own ideas below. I'd love to hear how you all handle the long winter days.