How to beat those winter blues

Winter is finally officially here. For most of us that means sneaking an extra five minutes in bed each morning, fighting against the cold air after a shower, and stocking up on warm soups. So how do you convince yourself to jump out of bed and tackle the day ahead? Here are some top tips on beating that winter slump and staying healthy throughout the season. 

~1~ Consistent sleep cycle:
Learn to embrace bed time. Set a time each night and morning that works for you and base your plans around them. The right amount of sleep, and a consistent cycle, could make a huge difference to your days. 

~2~ Consistent food intake: 
Whether you are eating 5 small meals or 3 standard meals a day, stay consistent. Find what works for you and keep up a variety of intake from the five core food groups to strengthen your immune system and fight off common colds. 

~3~ Make a workout buddy:
Call your friends, your parents, your boss, whoever, and make a commitment. Knowing you have someone meeting you at a chosen time, willing to exercise, will encourage you to go. 

~4~ Find comfort in warm meals:
Soups, stews, and slow cooked meals are your friends this season. Cook up a whole lot and freeze them for later. Mix it up for lunch and dinner so you don't get bored of the same meal. These are perfect for adding in legumes for extra protein and fibre!

~5~ Find an exercise that you genuinely enjoy: 
Join a local winter sport, go for a walk, visit an indoor pool, whatever it is find something you enjoy. This could be the difference between cancelling on a workout and actually enjoying your time spent exercising. 

~6~ Start off the day right: 
A good source of fuel for the day ahead is a bowl of porridge. The warm dish will be comforting whilst also providing you with the energy you need. Add some frozen berries for extra taste and nutrients. 

​~7~ Learn to workout indoors: 
If the weather is really getting you down, and you really don't want to leave home, use the space around you! Getting creative indoors and fit a workout in despite the bad weather and winter blues. 

~8~ Avoid looking for energy in high kilojoule snacks: 
Sweets and chocolates may give you a small boost at the time, but they don't last throughout the day. These sugary snacks only give a short term high, you'll crash hard later. 

​~9~ Plan your outfit the night before: 
This is an oldie but a goodie. Lay out your workout clothes for the next morning the night before, so it's easier to jump up and get straight into the right mindset. 

~10~ Avoid late night indulgence: 
With winter comes the temptation to have a late night snack or hot drink, Try avoiding this, or swap out that hot cocoa for some herbal tea (like camomile, green, or peppermint). 

~11~ Stay hydrated! 😍
Water is your best friend all year long, so don't neglect it in winter! It can be harder to remember to drink water consistently in winter, so set yourself realistic goals to meet throughout the day. Try adding lemons or berries to your water bottle for a taste boost and a little extra encouragement.