Do You Lose Motivation with Shorter Days?
By Tom Herrin
People do a lot of shifting gears in terms of interest and determination. Even the most dedicated can lose interest at times. Some of those highs and lows may be a result of various conditions that are out of the control of most people. The outside temperature is often one of those things. Almost everyone enjoys the feel of getting out and walking, running, biking, or doing something else active when the temperatures are a little warm but not too much so. It is a little like that time when trees begin budding or flowers begin blooming. There is more motivation then. In order to continue to be active even when the temps are cold, people simply need a good plan.
Get Inside Your Own Head
People need to convince themselves that they can do something. Building the mindset that they are going to get out and do whatever it is can be an important part of it. If they are going to run, they have to have a realistic goal to work toward. The 5-mile run may not be a good place, but deciding that they will run a half-mile in the cold before coming inside can provide something they know they can do. Chipping away at these short goals can help to internalize it. The mind begins to grasp it and can help to make it happen.
Remember to Wear Layers
One of the problems with those who get out in the cold for exercise is exactly how to dress. Too much heavy clothing can inhibit movement. Too little clothing can mean a miserable experience as people struggle to get warm enough. It is important to know the activity and the conditions. Starting out a little cool but being able to get warm after a brief bit of activity is a good guide. Dressing in layers that are easy to remove and may be carried in a lightweight backpack or tied around the waist can do the trick.
Make a Good Schedule
You need to make a schedule that you can keep as you try to carry it out. Being practical can help prevent people from becoming discouraged. Including things that are logical and build on one another can make it enjoyable. The point is to find something you can do that will keep you on track with personal improvement. We all struggle with it once it is colder, but we can do it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Kennesaw, Ga.