The snow, the cold and shorter days are upon us. The winter season is right around the corner. Not to mention we still have covid restrictions in place. We know that winter can be hard for many people being inside more often, less sunlight, less nutritious foods available and it can be easier to slip into a depressive state.

If we think of the first time we went into lock down in March how did you deal with the situation? Did you take a “corona” vacation? Or, did you use the time to build better habits and find new ways to stay positive, healthy and fit? Well, if you failed the first time that’s ok. Now is your chance to change. If you were resilient and battled through it and came out just as good if not better, then high five to you.

Here are a few ways to stay positive with the colder months upon us. Also if we ever go into another full lockdown you can also use these simple strategies.

1. Workout – We all know how you feel after a good workout. It’s easy to stay home on your cozy couch. Mark down your workouts in your calendar as appointments that are mandatory. Get in your workout to get the endorphins pumping that will create a positive mindset for the rest of the day or to relieve any stress at the end of the day.
2. Eat well – Food can affect our mood and how our body functions. Eat a diet full of whole foods, low in processed sugars and an abundance of fruit and veggies in order to get a wide range of vitamins and minerals for your body to function properly.
3. Vitamin D – We get most of our vitamin D from the sun in the summer. In the winter you may want to consider using a vitamin D supplement and/or eat more vitamin D rich foods such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel, red meat, liver and egg yolks. This can help you avoid fatigue, mood changes, muscle weakness, aches and pains.
4. Get outdoors – Utilize the outdoors as your playground. Be active and enjoy outdoor activities like snowshoeing, skating, skiing or just getting out for a walk. The outdoors will bring you positive energy.
5. Mindset exercises – Start off each day with a simple mindset exercise to get in a positive state. Try gratitude journaling, take ninety seconds to sit in peace and quiet, go for a five-minute walk outside, meditate, whatever works for you and helps create a positive mindset.

Motivation doesn’t come from posting a picture on your wall or writing out your goals. Motivation comes from progress. Progress happens when you take action!

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