Lacking Winter Motivation

Struggling to stay active Hazards of the Winter Blues

We are now past the shortest and the coldest (hopefully) days of the year and are well on our way to spring (can't wait!). However with the colder, darker days and evenings seemingly compelling people to spend even more time indoors, this season is the toughest for maintaining a healthy lifestyle (especially if you feel like you are doing it by yourself!).

Many enquiries we are currently receiving into our PT & Original Bootcamp programs are compelled by a lack of motivation, boredom or dissatisfaction with their current exercise program. If you're like a lot of people you'll have noticed mood changes because of the season and disruptions to your active lifestyle due to the colder months.

However if you let it, disliking winter can be much more than simply missing warm weather and summer activities. People sleep more, eat more and usually crave carbohydrates which leads to weight gain. If Inactive you'll have a lot less energy to do things outside the bare minimum.

If over the last few years you have been severely affected by the colder months beyond what is described above, you may want to know about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a depressive illness that has a seasonal pattern. It's characterised by mood disturbances that begin in winter and subside when the season ends. It's usually diagnosed after the person has had the same symptoms during winter for a couple of years in a row.

With SAD, the depression symptoms are more about 'slowing down'. Winter can become a severely debilitating and isolating time for many as they try to manage symptoms.

The behaviour associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder is quite different from the standard Winter Blues, it has a cluster of symptoms that makes the person look and feel like they are going into 'hibernation'.

The cause of the disorder is believed to be a lack of exposure to light. The pineal gland, located in the middle of the brain responds to darkness by secreting melatonin which regulates daily biorhythms including the sleep/wake cycle. It's believed that when this is out of balance, SAD can occur.

It's even more important for people to get up in the morning and get some exposure to sunlight, ideally before 8am. Dawn and morning light is believed to be integral in regulating our biorhythms. Combining this with exercise is really important. If people feel this is not helping they should go to their doctor for more advice".

So get up early in the morning and go for that walk/ jog or bike ride OUTSIDE. If you feel like you need more assistance Original Bootcamp Dawn Programs are perfect as they combine early morning sunshine, physical exercise and surround you with positive like minded people who have the same goal in common. It'll be good for your mind and great for your body.