As the colder months approach and our daylight hours decrease, it can become all too easy to give in to the temptation to hibernate for the winter. Without the warmer weather that helps us to get out and about during summer, it can be challenging to maintain our motivation to exercise. If you’re struggling to escape your cosy blanket cocoon, here are some tips and tricks that may help:
Be prepared for the weather:
Whether this means layering up, keeping an eye on the forecast, choosing an indoor activity, or exercising at home for the season, make sure you have a plan so that cold, rainy weather doesn’t get in your way.
Build physical activity into your routine:
Our brains use a huge amount of energy and resources to help us make decisions every day. To reduce the load, we often rely on cognitive short-cuts such as habits to save energy on decision-making. Setting aside specific times to exercise, following the same routine (having something to eat, changing into activewear, hydrating) prior to exercising, and choosing a consistent activity or sport all help to reduce the cognitive load of choosing to exercise. Thus reducing the motivation required to get you going and limiting opportunities for your comfy couch to talk you out of it.
Find an accountability buddy:
Knowing that someone is expecting and relying on you to show up for an activity can help you to stay motivated even when your blankets have claimed you. Exercising with a friend or family member means you get to spend more time with them, and is also a great way to distract yourself from the cold!