Beating the Winter Blues
Winter – it’s supposed to be a time of rest, right? Hibernation and all that jazz?
Well, I don’t know about everyone else out there but for me, this winter has so far been a fast-paced, hair tearin’, hold-on-for-your-dear-life kinda ride!
But the good part about all that has been just how much all the extra desk time has made me appreciate getting out for a little training – rain, hail, or shine, I’m there. I don’t know what I’d do without that time spent running, lifting, jumping and playing in the great outdoors.
Sure, it’s cold… at first. But once you’re warm and the blood is pumping, winter training can be one of the most rewarding experiences on offer. Even on particularly rainy days, just a few rounds of pushups, burpees, hip raises and squats in your bedroom can be enough to boost your mood and get you revved up for a day of smashing through the to-do list.
Statistics show that depression, substance abuse, relationship counseling and even suicide peak throughout the winter months, so making time for things that keep you happy, despite the gloomy skies and busy days stuck indoors is SO important.
What helps to kick your stress to the curb? It doesn’t have to be working out!
Here are a list of proven winter mood-boosters that are worth leaving the couch (or more likely, the computer) behind for, even if you don’t really feel like getting out of your jim-jams…
1 – Social events
A decrease in social activities during the winter can have a huge impact on your mood and energy levels, so make an effort to catch-up with friends, lock in date nights (NOT on the couch), or meet up with your crew for a weekend stroll in the park.
2 – Choose healthy comfort food, not stodge
Wanna know what’s more depressing than freezing weather? Easy – freezing weather and a really bad flu. Boost your immunity by choosing healthful comfort foods; veggie soups, steamed vegetables, stewed fruit, lean proteins and bowls of steaming oats. That deep-friend potato isn’t doing you any favours, promise.
3 – Stay active
Getting out of the house for 30-60 minutes of exercise every (or at least most) day/s will keep you feeling fit, relaxed and happy – and you’ll look good when spring arrives too! There’s been so much research done on the benefits of ‘green exercise’, it’s hard to ignore to facts. Just do it – and ideally in the morning, so your motivation doesn’t wane as the day wears on. If you're really struggling for inspiration, sign up to an event that will get you focused - the City2Surf is only eight weeks away, so that's perfect to get you through winter if you're a Sydney-sider. The Bondi BUF will be bringing you run-specific articles for the next number of weeks in the lead-up to the big event, so see you back here for all your training and technical race info!
4 – Watch cool fitness and motivational videos to keep you inspired
It’s so hard to still say “I don’t feel like exercising” after watching a cool training video, or to eat crap after watching an inspiring TED talk on the benefits of good nutrition. Equally, when I’m stuck in the office, a quick clip of Richard Branson waxing lyrical on the world of business will get me fired up to just… keep… going.
What stokes your winter fire? We’d love to hear about it!