Colder weather is upon us and it is so easy to switch into hibernation mode this time of year. It takes extra dedication to your health and wellness to get up and venture out on the cold mornings to go to the gym or to get your run in outside. Keeping your routines through the months that can be more ‘depressing’ than the sunnier, warmer months of the year, is important and will make you happy!
People ask me all the time how I do it and how I fit in all that I do in a day/week/month. I am constantly juggling being a single mom and children, my workouts and work and everything else that life brings on a day-to-day basis. I realize that the reason I stay so energized and focused on what I need to get done every day is because the regular exercise that I do pretty much on a daily basis gives me energy! By starting my day with a run, swim, spin on the bike or yoga I am mentally and physically preparing myself for the day. I am also awakening and energizing my whole being and allowing myself to get those good endorphins flowing to keep my energy levels high for the day.
I read this article from Athleta Chi titled ‘We all need to play’ and it all rang so true to me and is what I live on a daily basis (even when it is cold outside!) and want to share with others. I promise it works!
Need to get energized?!
- Make being active a priority EVERY day! Find the time and stick with it – with no excuses.
- Do activities that you enjoy doing and that are fun. I enjoy surfing, but also like to run or bike to get my day started.
- Try to exercise in the morning. You will have more energy throughout the day and are more likely to get it done. Same with your children — if they can get active a little before school, they should!
- Learn to say “NO.” You do not have to be a super busy mom to be a good parent. It’s okay to say no to others, even your children, if it takes time away from your own needs. It’s not being selfish. It’s you just setting a good example–to say that you, too, are important.
- Encourage your children to go outside and play…and then go with them! Let them be kids and play freely, unstructured without set rules. A little imaginative play is very important, and many children do not know how to play anymore.
- When your young children are trying your patience, think about what they have done that day. Did they get some activity? Were they able to run and expend their energy? If not, send them out to play.
- Training schedules are important, but they are not written in stone. Rest days are important, but may not be necessary for all activities. If today is your required rest day, but you feel like you want to do another activity, do it! You need to listen to your body before all else. It may not need or want a break — or conditions may be perfect for a specific sport or activity!
- If you are feeling low on energy, just get up and do something. I guarantee you will feel better and happier once you get going.
- Cold weather makes for a little more planning and maybe some warmer clothing, but it will be well worth it.