Staying Motivated in the Winter
February 6, 2024
Writer: Jacqueline Presser
Editor: Natalia Pinto
To this day, the first thing someone says to me when I say I'm from Florida and that I go to Michigan is, “WOW! how are you doing in the cold, are you freezing and sad all the time?” Well, contrary to what many people think, NO!
Growing up in Florida I have been so lucky to experience nice weather all year round and beautiful beaches but what I have been missing are the magnificent colorful leaves in fall, pumpkin spice lattes, and the wintery white snow with a peppermint mocha in hand! I have learned to embrace changes in the seasons and have come to love them. Well... you may be wondering, how?
When I think about the changes in weather I try to refocus from the stereotypical “seasonal depression” to wardrobe changes, bringing out my fashionable side, comfy season, hot chocolate, a night in with friends, and moving my body indoors of course while keeping the serotonin flowing. The winter wardrobe is quite intense, with multiple layers (literally), but I do love getting to style my outfits daily and it motivates me to get out and do things, and feel good about myself. When you feel good about yourself, your confidence becomes stronger, and more widespread, touching not only you but whoever you surround yourself with. Cozy season, the best season. I may be biased because I always love sweat-sets and just a fun chill night in, but they are the BEST. Winter is just an excuse to buy and wear more matching sweat-sets (sorry, Mom and Dad)!
Some of my favorite things to do to keep myself motivated in the winter:
Wake up and first thing in the morning open your blinds, even without “sun” the natural light is so awakening and fresh
Make your favorite breakfast to energize and get a great start to your day
Either make coffee or go get your favorite one, hot or iced, and enjoy the little things.
Bundle up! Wear a cute outfit and feel good about yourself! YOU deserve to LOVE yourself
Continue to do the things you love to do regardless of the temperature being much colder!
Move your body!! In any form you like, take 30-60 min a few days a week. I love Soulcycle, I have been able to find a community through it and am inclined and motivated to go 4-5x a week as I get excited to ride with my favorite instructors and see familiar faces.
Meet friends for coffee and either do work or take a study break! You sometimes just need some good conversation time in person to divert from school work.
Bouncing off of this. . . lower the screen time! Take an hour a day to do something for you. It's important to stay away from social media for a little while each and every day to let your brain relax.
These are just a few of the things I do/remind myself of during the cold season. Now go do something that makes you feel good, strong, and motivated to overpower the notorious ideas of seasonal depression and climate mood changes.
YOU GOT THIS!
