I wasn’t surprised to find out that people search more for how to stay motivated in the winter than they do the summer. Why do you think that is? For anyone, the reasons can vary. You might have low vitamin D and you need more sunshine, you might not workout as well in the winter, you might have seasonal affective disorder, or you might just hate being cold.

Fortunately, it’s possible to boost your winter mood and stick out those goals you set in January. No matter what you’re working on, you can follow a few useful tips to nurture your mood and arouse within yourself a greater motivation to live your best life even in the darkness of winter. 

First, let’s talk about light.

Personal Photosynthesis

Alright, scientifically, photosynthesis is a plant thing, right?

Mostly. 

Us humans get a significant amount of vitamin D from sunlight. Our evolutionary ancestors adapted to using sunshine for their personal health. Inheriting this adaptation, our skin literally makes vitamin D from direct exposure to the sun. There are other ways to ingest the vitamin, but the best way is exposure to the big yellow thing in the sky.

Today, we’ve culturally adapted to staying indoors when it’s cold, and many of us live when the sun doesn’t shine as long as it does in the summer. When our bodies are missing vitamin D, we can feel off, unmotivated, and less healthy. What’s more, we can’t just sit by a sunny window. We have to be in the real ultraviolet, or no vitamin.

However, there are a few hacks. Milk, some mushrooms, and fatty fish are good sources of vitamin D. So, if you’re feeling like you need a boost, eat a bowl of healthy cereal with milk, down some fortified mushrooms, or cook up a fish. Then, go for a walk outside. You’ll feel better.

But light isn’t everything. Let’s discuss the awkward elephant, diet and exercise.

Healthy Habits

Winter can come with a decline in good habits. For me, it’s harder to be productive in the evening and go to the gym because it gets dark earlier. As the world gets darker, I get more tired and less motivated to pursue my fitness goals. If I want to be fit by the summer, I have to find ways to motivate myself to workout.

Interestingly, workouts can be motivation for themselves. You show up to the workout and then the exercise will invigorate you and help energize you for everything else you have going on. The fact is that workouts make you feel better. That also goes back to evolutionary roots. Human beings are meant to move.

One way to make sure you’re dieting properly is to eat in a way that your workouts feel good. If you’re overstuffed or not energized, you can look at what you’re consuming. A doctor can help you know what diet will be right for you. Everyone’s body is different, so it’s important to consult the professionals for the best and safest results. The same goes for working out.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

SAD affects a lot of people all over the world. As the seasons change, so does our physiological reaction to our environment. If you think you might have seasonal affective disorder, you should seek help. Medication, therapy, or whatever your doctor recommends can lead you to better winters of personal achievement which will contribute positively toward your overall happiness. There’s no shame in seeking psychological or emotional help. This is the millenial era, everyone goes to therapy. Find out more information about SAD here.

Finding Simple Pleasures

Ain’t that the truth? Most of us don’t like being cold. We want to bundle up with something delicious and a nice long TV binge. That’s kind of the theme of the season, to cuddle and hibernate your way through the winter months. Consumerism is high during this time as well, with everyone buying gifts and their own simple pleasures.

Something to remember: the greatest pleasure can come from feeling accomplished. Once you’ve worked out, completed your goals, taken care of your loved ones, you’ll feel better about yourself and life. The simple pleasures of hot cocoa and holiday presents will sit better with you if you’ve earned them from your own productivity. Sometimes all it takes to stay motivated is to remember why you’re setting out to accomplish whatever it is you’re aiming for.

Summed Up: Be Your Own Motivator

Taking advantage of vitamin D, taking care of your body, and focusing on your mental health all go a long way toward helping you keep your motivation during winter. If you’re struggling, see what little things you can improve in those areas to keep your energy in the right place. You can do it, and Spring is just around the corner.