For example, I find myself much more productive when the weather is rainy. When the weather is nice, all I want to do is play outside. If you are the same, a primary reason for the bad weather-productive connection is that you are less distracted, more focused and work more efficiently when the weather is bad. The idea of being outdoors is not very attractive so you may as well get stuff done inside.
However, for some people, a gloomy day can lead to a dreary mind. It's hard to get stuff done when you are feeling down.
Although most people would agree that weather that looks and feels good puts you into a good mood, and you are more likely to be productive when you are feeling good, you can't get much done in life if you plan your productivity around the weather.
Because bad weather can affect workout motivation, here are a few tips to help you get out of your warm cozy bed when it's dark and cold outside:
- Quite the negative self-talk - All or nothing thinking, jumping to conclusions emotional reasoning and magnifying a situation can keep a negative voice in your head, making it difficult to get a workout started. Learning to catch your brain in the early parts of a distorted thought process can help you realize that your negative talk is unnatural, exaggerated and overdramatic.
- Dress appropriately - There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing, right? To make your workout more safe and enjoyable, invest in good quality rain and/or cold weather gear. This makes outdoor training much more comfortable. Even a new outfit can help with motivation when it comes to working out indoors.
- Find an accountability partner - Meeting a friend for a workout gives you an incentive (and accountability) to show up. It's more difficult to cancel on a friend than it is to cancel on yourself. Plus, having a friend (or a group) keeps working out social and a little more enjoyable.
- Do it for the energy boost - Always remind yourself of how good you feel when a workout is complete. Even a 20-minute walk is better than nothing. Exercise almost always makes your body feel good because of endorphins. Plus, exercise can help minimize stress. And nothing beats the winter blues like a rush of energy.
- Set mini goals - Give yourself a monthly challenge to help you think in the short-term. Keep your mini goals realistic and achievable. It's easy to give up when your goals are too ambitious. Every month, evaluate where you are and what you have achieved and then add new challenges as you go. Celebrate each small goal met as each bit of progress adds up to something great.
- Keep it fun - If you don't enjoy what you are doing, it'll be difficult to stay consistent. Consider a group exercise class or a ballroom or hip-hop dancing class. Maybe a softball league or a master swim group? If you don't like running, don't run. If you enjoy nature, discover the closest nature parks. Discover your talents and interests. Remember, exercise doesn't have to be boring and it should never be painful. You are more likely to stick with something if you are having fun.
- Make it part of your daily routine - When you are tired, busy or stressed, it's easy to make excuses for why you can't workout. You don't have to physically go to the gym to move your body. Take the stairs, park far away from the grocery store, walk around the park on your lunch break or do yoga while watching TV at night. Even taking breaks during your work day to move or standing during a phone call can be a great mood booster