How To Stay Motivated with Darker Mornings and Earlier Evenings

I don’t know about you, but with these darker mornings and earlier evenings have made my motivation and energy levels feel depleted. This time of year, it is harder to get up and moving in the morning and energy level seems to drop drastically earlier in the afternoon. Time change (even though daylight savings you gain an hour) can mess with your circadian rhythm and sleep habits. Sunlight and temperature 100% effects our moods - which we know can affect our motivation when it comes to exercising and eating healthy. If you feel this way too - or know you suffer from seasonal depression (in my opinion most people’s moods/energy change due to the time change and weather change) then follow these tips to continue to move forward towards your goals! 1. Start a new morning routine or create a new evening routine - find a new routine that will work for when you have the most energy to complete your workout. 2. Expose yourself to more sunlight (if the weather cooperates) by getting 15-30 minutes extra sunlight a day - - this will sure boost your mood! 3. Make sure you are getting at least 8 hours of sleep (or what your body considers an appropriate amount to feel replenished). Being well rested will help you not feel a slump during the day. 4. Set yourself up for success the night before - set your alarm for wake-up time, have clothes ready to go for workout and post workout, have food/coffee prepped for after your workout 5. Upgrade your lighting - if your lights are more orange/yellow, try and change them to a brighter LED type light (can even invest in a blue therapy light by your desk) 6. Put your alarm/phone across the room so you HAVE to get up to shut it off - (NEVER snooze your alarm - every time you snooze your alarm you decrease the likelihood of getting what you need to in the am, which will in turn start your day off on the wrong foot).

7. REST and LISTEN to your body when needed

You are not alone when it comes to daylight savings and the effects it has on your body, emotions and ultimately motivation.

Stay true to your goals, work with your body, give yourself a little extra slack and catch up on sleep when needed BUT do not get in the habit of missing your workout due to the darkness outside your window!

Meg DeSalvo Fit