10 Tips for Breaking Through the Winter Wall
Leaving one year and heading into a new one feels momentous. Bring on the new beginnings, new goals, and new moments to look forward to. Yet somehow, the “shininess” of the new year seems to fade come February. The days are still short, the winter chill is relentless, and tomorrow always sounds like a great day to start whatever it is you’re after.
We could feel the winter wall settling in and knew it was time to change our mental game. We are tackling this winter wall and want you to join us! Here are 10 tips and tricks we’re using to stay positive and motivated.
1. Get a whistle.
Seriously. Nothing like someone saying drop and give me 20. Coaches take the guesswork out of training. Not only do they provide you with your workouts but they also give you that extra push to get you going (and keep you going). And coaches are not just for newbies. Even runners with nearly 70 marathons under their belt 😉 opt for a coach!
“I’ve never really had a formal training plan before. So, I got a coach...and for the record, he scares me!”
2. Commit to a finish line.
Yes, there is still uncertainty in the world - but do it. Put something on the calendar, say it out-loud, let other people know your plans. If it’s an actual event that you are signing up for and it moves or gets cancelled, have a contingency plan to still complete it locally on the original date. This “finish line” could also be taking on a local trail or mountain. Choose your adventure, set a date and keep your eyes on the prize!
3. Challenge your norm.
Try something you have never done before or never thought you could do. The adrenaline alone that you get from stepping into the unknown is exhilarating. Is there a certificate course you always wanted to do? Have you been nervous about yoga? Curious about rock climbing? Find a class, training, sport and give it a go.
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
4. Phone a Friend.
Remember Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? where you could phone a friend to help you? Do it! Find yourself an accountability partner or two and make sure you set check-ins. Not only do you motivate one another, but you also share positive endorphins! Kelly and her friend Brett commit to 2-3 outdoor “momma runs” per week, because you can’t skip when you know there is someone out there waiting for you! Speaking of the outdoors…
5. Get outside.
Nature is a healer. Bundle up. Breathe in the fresh air. Bask in the change of scenery and get some good ol’ vitamin D.
6. Refresh your closet.
Been living in the same athletic-wear for the last year like we have? Time to spice it up! Get a new piece of workout gear, do a little catwalk, and jump into your workout looking AND feeling great.
7. Set a schedule.
It’s true - the more in your schedule the more productive you are overall. Find what works for you. Fill your online calendar, write out your tasks in a planner, put a daily to-do list on the fridge. However you do it, plan out your day. Your time will be accounted for, you will find your rhythm, and conquering your day will become second nature.
8. Celebrate. Seriously.
Especially the small stuff. Remember those sticker charts when you were a kid? Set small weekly goals - mileage goals, number of workouts, etc. - and reward yourself for your progress (see #6). It’s amazing what checking off a completed workout can do for a little endorphin boost (try it)! Didn't quite make it this week? Make note of what got in your way and head into next week with even more fire.
9. Move for FIVE.
"I'm tired. It's cold out. It's getting late. I'm busy." If you’re like us, you've had these internal conversations while debating whether you should get up and move. Try to catch yourself when you start doing this. Take those minutes spent debating, or scrolling, or sitting and just MOVE. Set a timer for five minutes and do anything: step outside for a walk or jog, get on the floor for a plank, do some squats, grab a weight... Chances are after those five minutes are up you'll be in a flow and want to keep at it! And if not, at least you got five minutes of movement in 😆.
10. Be realistic.
Yes, we’ve talked about pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, but don't set yourself up for failure. Not a morning person? Don't set the alarm for 4am. Start with 30 minutes before your typical wake-up time and gradually increase. Heck, you already won cause you woke up 30 minutes earlier!
Above all - you can do this! Breaking cycles can be hard and requires some dedication - let’s set this change in motion.