The grey and gloomy weather the early months of the year bring is enough to make us want to curl up on the sofa under a blanket and do nothing. But the truth is, it often makes you feel worse, especially in the long run.
Whether it’s keeping up with your exercise routine, making sure you get the fresh air your body needs, or simply getting out to see friends and family, the shorter, darker days make motivation and positivity difficult to maintain.
There are several things you can do to keep your spirits high and your motivation levels up until the warmer weather arrives. From setting goals for yourself to finding ways to make the most of each day, here are some tips on how to stay positive and motivated at this time of year.
• Seven Top Tips for Staying Motivated & Positive
Whether you’re facing a challenging month or just need a little extra boost, these tips will help you stay on track and feel great no matter what time of year it is.
• Get a good night’s sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is paramount to good health, both physically and mentally. Giving yourself at least eight hours of sleep each night improves creativity and problem-solving skills, as well as lowering the chances of mental health disorders such as depression. You’ll wake up feeling fresh and rejuvenated, ready to take on the day, month or year.
• Stick to a routine
Motivation doesn’t come naturally for everyone, which is why it can be tough for so many of us. By planning out a routine to achieve your goals, no matter how big or small, will keep you feeling motivated throughout the cooler months.
• Stay hydrated
Proper hydration leads to an increase in energy and therefore motivation and productivity. Keeping your body filled up with water is a simple but effective way to boost your mental health. Dehydration significantly impacts your mood and brain function, so the more you can give your body the water it needs, the better. For adults, it’s recommended that we drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
• Spend time with positive people
Positivity breeds positivity. Being around positive people has been shown to boost self-esteem and increase your chances of reaching your goals. So, the more time you can spend with friends and family that will lift you up, the more you’ll naturally feel happy and motivated.
• Practice meditation
Meditation brings you a sense of calm, peace and balance, all things that help to bring about positivity and, in turn, motivation. It can be as simple as starting your day by taking time out to focus on your breath and surroundings to get you in a positive frame of mind.
• Set realistic goals
The worst thing you can do for yourself is set unrealistic goals that you know you just won’t reach. Putting too much pressure on yourself will only result in poorer mental health. It’s also important to set goals based on you, and you alone. Try not to compare yourself to others - everyone is on a different path with different ambitions, so focus on what you want to achieve and give yourself realistic goals.
• Celebrate the small wins
Don’t wait for big milestones to celebrate. Whether it’s reaching mini goals, following through with plans you were thinking of cancelling or seeing progress in your fitness or mental health journey, it’s important to take the time to give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. This will not only help give you that boost in positivity, it will also help you to keep pushing on.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged in today’s world, but staying motivated and positive is essential for success. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to stay focused on your goals and keep a positive attitude.
From setting achievable goals to taking breaks from work, you can stay motivated and positive even when the going gets tough. So don’t give up - take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to tackle any challenge with a smile on your face.
• How Nutrition Can Help You Stay Positive & Motivated
Staying motivated and positive can be a challenge. Fortunately, there is an easy solution that can help you stay on track and keep your mood up: eating healthily.
Eating the right kinds of food can provide you with the essential nutrients for both your physical and mental health. It can help to reduce stress levels, improve concentration, and boost your overall morale.
Your mental health is of paramount importance in your day-to-day life, so it’s essential to keep your mind healthy and your heart full of positivity. Eating healthily can be a great way to stay motivated and positive. In fact, eating the right foods has been scientifically proven to provide physical and psychological benefits.
A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats is the key to improving your mental wellbeing. Complementing it with natural, nutritional supplements to make sure you’re getting all the essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other powerful health-enhancing ingredients can also help.
Our Multi Vitamins & Minerals is a good all-rounder. It provides 100% of the recommended daily requirements of most vitamins and a full complement of minerals, and is suitable for vegans too!
Disclaimer:
Information and other content provided in Lily & Loaf blogs should not be construed as medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise. If you have any medical concerns, you should consult with your health care provider.
