12 days until the darkest, shortest day of the year when everything seems bleakest and weather terms and probably your aspirations to get fit and healthy again. Weight gain is a near certainty for most and physical activity for most slows down to that of a hibernating animal!
Quick ways to lighten the mood and focus on being in better shape always start for some by getting holiday brochures out and thinking of summer holidays. Nobody wants to be well overweight for their summer trip and contrary to popular belief, the hard work doesn’t start in may, it starts right now especially if you have a lot to lose.
No amount of spray tan or sunbed will disguise the fact that you need to lose weight and no specific clothes will make you look better either. Wearing black is a lifestyle for some but it doesn’t cut it too well on your summer holiday!!
Another nightmare this time of year is the lack of light in your day. You may only start to feel better at the weekend simply because you experience more daylight hours. If you work in an office you have the horrid unnatural light, if you work night shifts, you will be sleeping through the best part of the day. The trick is to use ANY excuse to get out there and do something, even a walk. This Will make you feel better and give you a lift, even at the bleakest time of year.
This is why the weekend is so important, and not just an excuse to go shopping. Try and do your shopping in the evenings or early mornings if you can and don’t waste all that light the weekends. The weekends should be about getting out there for longer periods of time, walking longer, cycling longer if not icy, running longer if not icy etc. The light is your friend and is there to automatically make you feel a whole lot better.
We take the light for granted in the summer and feel much better. With a bit of thought, we can make much more use of it in the winter too.
16 days left to Christmas day and hope you haven’t given up on yourself yet!!!
