How not to let winter get you down

Try this instead

As we get into the depths of winter, I know it's a time when lots of us can feel a bit frazzled.

It feels like we never see daylight.

There's all the planning for Christmas (however much you like Christmas, it's a lot!). School and work events starting to ramp up. Lots of calls on our time, and maybe a little less energy to get them done.

It can feel like taking care of yourself, including attending your classes, is the thing that's easiest to let all by the wayside.

And that relaxing with a glass of wine on the sofa watching "I'm a Celebrity" is a better option. And yeah, maybe today, it is.

How will this make me feel?

But if you're not sure, this check in with yourself is definitely worth doing. Ask yourself "How will this make me feel?"

Not just physically, but mentally.

Try this coaching tool to help you stay focused on your well being this winter

If you're feeling low on motivation, try this:

Instead of everything feeling like it's optional, try setting a non-negotiable and an intention.

What's a non-negotiable?

This is something that you commit to, no matter what. It becomes you anchor when everything else is hectic.

It needs to be realistic and support your well being without depending on you being motivated

For e.g.:

"I'll get outside for a ten minute walk every day during daylight"

"I'll eat some coloured veggies every day"

"I'll drink a pint of water every morning before 10am"

This non-negotiable is your reminder that you're worth a daily investment in your health.

Want to go a bit further?

Make a weekly Pilates practice a non-negotiable. Don't forget that you can swap classes, attend online or use the Virtual Vault to make sure that you save that one hour for yourself every week!

What's an intention?

This is about how you want to show up, not just what you do, but the energy behind it.

Your intentions guide your mindset and behaviour.

For e.g.:

"I intend to be patient with myself"

"I intend to focus on progress not perfection"

They're reminders rather than rules.

Choose one of each and check in with yourself weekly

It does't have to be a huge thing - just one non-negotiable and one intention. Then check in with yourself: what's working, what's not working yet, and what's missing and adjust accordingly.

But remember to be kind and not beat yourself up.