7 Ways to Motivate Yourself This January

I know how it is... It's cold outside....you're nice and cozy in your joggers... your in your fluffiest jumper and there's no way you're moving from the sofa. There is a way! You can motivate yourself you just need a little inspiration. Here it is, my 7 ways to motivate yourself this winter...

I find the best way to motivate myself is to totally switch my mindset. Instead of thinking of the cold outside, or the tiredness, or the acheyness from my last workout, I think positive. Think about that lifted mood you get when you've finished your workout, think about that lifted sense of self esteem when you realise you've done something that's making you a healthier, stronger human being. Then think about how that hill you hate will be easier to climb next time, or those shopping bags that won't feel as heavy. As soon as you put a positive spin on getting up and getting going, it becomes habit... Here are a few simple ways to get you up and running to banish those January blues...

1) Have a coffee...

A warm caffeinated drink will get your metabolism going and your body working. The warmth of the drink may even make you want to shed a layer... That's right that fluffly jumper is already off, your metabolism is already boosted and your energy levels will be rising. Why waste that...

2) Get in your gym gear...

Now you are off the sofa, you're changed into something more pracitcal for exercise so whats the point in sitting back down when you're in your active wear?

3) Put some music on...

I know you're in your gym gear and you want to do what's best and go for a run/to the gym but you're in your room and the bed is calling..... Well put your gym playlist on (That's 2.5 if you haven't already made one!!) get yourself energised with some upbeat tunes.

4) Get outside...

Once you're outside, you may aswell start walking.... Ha! got you, you are already exercising!... You are already better than the millions of people sat at home who have switched on their TV for a long night of sitting. Did you know, sitting for more than 8 hours a day reduces your sense of wellbeing, increases your risk of life threatening disease and increases your likelihood of being overweight. If that's not motivation to get up and get off your sofa, I don't know what is!

5) Start with a light jog...

You've already been walking, now it's time to step up the tempo and get moving. If you don't like running, take your bike. If you don't like cycling, walk to the gym and take a class. Once you've started you're already going so why stop!? Even if you only have time for a 20minute workout, that's better than 20minutes sitting.

6) Make a note of the times you do feel motivated... Is it when you get up in the morning? Or when you get back from work? Is it after you've had some chill time or straight away before you stop. Could it be that putting your music on is the biggest trigger or is it after your coffee? and remember that positive feeling...

After you've worked out, take a moment to recognise how good you feel. How much your self-esteem has risen and how energised you are now feeling. Keep this in your head for next time and remember how positive you felt after working out before you start the next one!

7) Take a buddy with you...

Having a friend to join you on your workout can be a great motivator. If you make plans with friends why would you break them? Scheduling in dates in the diary to meet up and walk or jog or gym can be a perfect way to stick to a workout routine that will very soon become habit.