In order to stay healthy, vibrant, energized, and well, we can’t just count on our healthy diet to do all the work, we also need to exercise our bodies. Today’s “Motivational Monday” topic was spawned from this article found on FitSugar.com (as well as the countless chats I’ve had with friends, family members, and clients about how the “short days” leave zero time for work outs). Did you know the following information?
About 4 to 6 percent of people may have winter depression. Another 10 to 20 percent may have mild SAD. SAD is four times more common in women than in men. Although some children and teenagers get SAD, it usually doesn’t start in people younger than age 20. Your chance of getting SAD goes down as you get older. (Source)
Did you know that countless studies have shown that working out actually improves mood and may even reduce your risk of depression? You probably already knew that, but does that fact alone actually motivate you to get up, get out, and workout as the days get shorter?? Maybe not. Here are some of my tips, in addition to tips from the article
1) Remind yourself that you will never regret a workout. Period.
2) Don’t listen to what you hear on TV about certain times of day being better for workouts. Workout whenever it’s best for you.
3) Really take note of how you feel after a workout, and throughout the day. If you pay close attention you will realize that you feel better and are actually less hungry on days you workout (especially if your workouts are consistent).
4) Join a gym with windows, so you don’t feel like you’re still inside if you prefer working out with weights and machines.
5) Find an exercise partner who will keep you motivated, and provide you more desire to actually get up and exercise!
Source: iStockPhoto
6) Find an exercise you actually enjoy, so you will actually do it. Make exercise a priority, not a “maybe”. Treat exercise like an important meeting, you have to go!
7) Load your iPod with motivational songs that keep you moving.
8) Take vitamin D. I’m still convinced that the reason we get more colds in the winter is because we don’t see the sun as much, thus we don’t often get enough vitamin D. I take 2000 IU per day in the winter, but typically 1000 IU is sufficient (as long as your also getting some in food).
9) Think about how exercise can boost your immune system. You don’t want to be like this lady, do you?
Source: iStockPhoto
10) This is reserved for YOUR tip. Go ahead and share your tips! My tip? Stop making excuses. Period. Who makes excuses for their health and mental/physical wellbeing? It’s just not right!
