Caring for your health and wellbeing isn’t a seasonal phase – it’s a lifestyle! Although it’s easy to let your routine slip in the colder months, shorter days shouldn’t mean you lose sight of your goals. So, here are our top 5 tips for staying focused on achieving your best self all the way through the chilly months ahead.
Healthy routines and staying motivated in winter
1.Plan ahead
From meal plans to exercise routines and appointments, creating a blueprint for the week is always a good thing. Scheduling activities in advance means life is likely to flow more seamlessly without unexpected roadblocks. Athlete Lauren Hannaford, believes that ‘staying consistent though winter is all about setting realistic goals’ and we couldn’t agree more. Map your week.
2. Train your brain
We all dread the sound of our alarm clock – chilly mornings make getting out of bed to hit the gym or prepare a nourishing breakfast that little bit harder. However, you can make it easier on yourself: all it takes is time and learning to be stronger than your excuses. Carla Oats, The Beauty Chef recommends making gradual adjustments to daily habits, allowing your body to transition to the change in climate. Rising earlier takes a little getting used to, but we guarantee there is no better way to start the morning.
3. Buddy up
Grab a friend and make a pact! It’s much easier to stick to your goals when someone else is depending on you. Jessica Sepel of JS Health promotes spending time with people who make you feel good to be great incentives in keep yourself feeling energised. Whether you walk around the park at lunchtime or set a goal to drink less alcohol during the week, use the wonderful people around you to keep motivated. They’ll thank you for it, too.
4.Feed your body
Keeping your body nourished and hydrated can be a bit of a struggle with all the decedent wintery treats on offer. It’s all about balance. Carla Oates, The Beauty Chef suggests ‘consuming more nourishing fats’ to keep healthy and prevent the drying effects of the cold weather. Try and replace a few morning caffeine-hits with an alternative like Cocobella, and don’t forget the fresh fruit and vegetables. It’s all about progress not perfection.
5. Smile
Seasonal change can be really rejuvenating and a great time to assess new goals and reflect on recent achievements. Winter months are a great time to teach yourself new levels of motivation – don’t forget to pat yourself on the back regularly for making the time to be the best version of yourself possible. A Cocobella philosophy: Be proud of how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go.
