Staying Motivated in the Winter: 10 Wellness Ideas for Moms
The weather has been so bitterly cold lately and that makes it really hard to stay motivated with your fitness goals. But, let’s be honest, we’re moms and nothing can stop us! Not even Mother Nature…Connie, our resident fitness guru here at iFamilyKC has got 10 great ideas for staying motivated this winter. Take a look…
Staying Motivated in the Winter: 10 Wellness Ideas for Moms
I hate Winter. I hate being cold. I hate being even slightly chilled if I’m being honest. I hate how gray it is outside. I hate that it gets dark at 4pm. I hate Winter. And I know I am not alone in that. But even if you don’t share my strong feelings about the season, it is true that winter is a challenging time for people and motivation. Personally, Winter makes me want to curl up on my couch in sweats with a blanket and stay there until Spring comes. How do I get past this complete motivation suck? Here are few tips to staying motivated this winter:
Winter is the worst. Winter means cold and flu season and stir-crazy children and stuffy houses from furnaces running for months on end. But it also means Christmas and New Year and family time and that spring is coming. It means that we have to make sure we keep the winter blues away so that we don’t become overwhelmed by them.
#1 Start Early
I get up every morning during the week before my children at the ghastly hour of 5am. And there are many days that I don’t want to do it. My bed is so warm and comfortable and my kids won’t be up for at least 2 hours. But I get up. I have to. If I don’t get up early and start moving, I don’t ever get moving. I can’t find my groove. I get up and hit the gym because that is what motivates me for the rest of the day. I feel energized, and I feel like I got something accomplished. I felt centered and ready to tackle the day. Working out early isn’t for everyone, and I understand that. So get up early and have a cup of coffee, check your Facebook, read your favorite blog (I heard iFamilyKC is a pretty great one), and just get going. Don’t let lackluster energy outside invade your morning.
#2 Have a Project or a Goal
I have to constantly repeat to myself (as incredibly annoying as it is) the fitness cliché “Summer bodies are made in the winter.” Winter means sweaters and hoodies and long pants and the ability to hide seasonal weight gain under layers of warm clothes. It means that I have 6 months before I have to worry about putting on a swimsuit. It means pale legs and lazy days. But I can’t let it mean that. Every winter I try to add something new to my fitness routine. I either try a new class or start a new weightlifting program or set a new cardio goal for myself. I have to have something I am working toward or I get lost in the routine and I lose motivation.
#3 Update Your Playlist
This is my go-to when I need a pick-me-up. I don’t always have to find brand new songs, it can be my jams from back in middle school as long as it’s something that I haven’t heard in a while that adds new energy to my workout. I get excited every time I add new music to my playlist.
#4 Drink Lots of Water
Since we don’t break a sweat as much in the winter, its easy to find yourself not feeling as thirsty as you do during the Spring and Summer. When winter grayness has me feeling tired and unmotivated, I typically reach for a tea or soda. Anything with caffeine. But we need just as much water in the winter as we do any other time.
#5 Get Your Heart Pumping
Get in and do some kicking intervals on the wall. Anything that gets your blood pumping and your heart rate up is going to provide all-day motivation. Take the kiddos and make it a family activity. Race the kids around the pool. Challenge them to a splash fight. Make it fun and get some of their energy out while increasing your own.
#6 Take Some Time for Self-Care
Motivation and wellness don’t just pertain to fitness goals, but to your overall health and happiness. Take time out to treat yourself to something that makes you feel good about yourself, whether that be a manicure, a coffee date with friends, or a glass of your favorite wine. Winter is hard. Do what you have to do to take care of yourself. I tend to be much crankier during the winter, and that ends up carrying over into my interactions with my kids. I always find I am far less cranky after I do something for myself. I take 20 minutes and sit and read a book, or I go get a manicure or paint my nails at home. I take a walk around my favorite store and window shop. Anything that allows me a minute to unwind improves my overall mood and motivation.
#7 Dance It Out
Meredith and Cristina used this as their way to survive anything life threw at them. I know Grey’s Anatomy isn’t real, but I have found this bit of it to be solid advice. Turn on some music and dance it out. It doesn’t have to be in public, it can be in your own bedroom after the kids are at school or in bed. But there is just something liberating and energizing about an all-out, I don’t care who’s watching, dance party. Even if it’s just one song and you just sway a little bit. Turn on something that elevates your mood and move to it. Trust me, you’ll feel better.
#8 Plan Fun Activities
Winter doesn’t have to mean that you are stuck at home. You can bundle up and head outside for a brisk winter walk. Go ice skating as a family. Or explore indoor attractions such as a museum or a trampoline park. Find something to do that excites you and makes you want to get up and get out and be productive.
#9 Go digital
Having some form of digital trackers like an Apple Watch or Fit Bit will help you keep motivated by closing your “rings” daily, seeing how many steps you took, or just something as simple as breathing. I just got my first Apple Watch this year and I can already tell a difference in mindfulness. I am also more aware to keep moving and taking time to relax and focus on my breathing. That in itself has also reduced some stress of having kids and a super busy life.
#10 Grab a bestie
Whether it be your husband, friend, family member, or online group member, having someone to partner with during the cooler months will definitely help with keeping motivated in winter. Organize a check-in date, routine, or meal plan together. Staying motivated in winter with a partner will make a huge difference. You are not alone in this!
Be sure to check out our Best Bike Trails Guide, Indoor Pools Guide, and our Guide to Where to Hike with Kids too! We have plenty of places and ways to stay moving in our community.
From iFamily to Yours,
