During winter, do you find that you lack motivation? Especially towards the end of winter, when the long nights and miserable weather have dragged on just a bit too long. But with spring here, it’s time to get motivated once again,whatever the weather!
Here’s some ways to improve your mood, reduce stress and increase positive health benefits, which will leave you feeling more motivated now spring is here at last.
1. Get moving. As well as leaving you feeling re-energised, fitness has a positive effect on your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins and serotonin which boosts your mood, making you feel happier. Join a regular exercise class or sign up to SurfGirl Premium and do it in your own time.
Photo: O’Neill Europe
2. Surf more. If you live near the sea then surf more. The benefits you get from surfing through the tough months of winter will reap rewards come the spring. Invest in a good wetsuit and accessories and you’re good to go.
3. Eat well. Comfort eating is what gets us through winter but a healthy-balanced diet is crucial to your long-term health. Eat good food to feel your best and perform better. For inspiration, take a look at our nutrition tips and healthful recipe library at Premium.
Spring is the perfect time to let go of what weighs you down and embrace the joy of new beginnings.
4. Start a journal. Get off of social media and take a step back to reflect on the positive things that are going to happen to you in 2024. Then write them down in a journal. If you’re not a writer, think about sketching your daily experiences.
5. Go outside. Get outdoors, go for a walk, run, meet up with friends or do a beach clean. Time spent outside in Nature is time well spent and will increase your endorphins, positive attitude as well as Vitamin D levels.
Photo: Lucia Griggi
6. Ocean time. We all need Vitamin D in winter but we also could do with a dose of Vitamin Sea too. Whether you’re surfing, cold water swimming or paddle boarding, just being in and around the sea is good for you physically and mentally.
7. Stay surf fit. Even if you’re landlocked practice your pop ups every day and strengthen you’re body so that when you’re back in the surf your performance is higher. Get surf fit with our 30 Day Challenge at SurfGirl Premium.
8. Reduce stress. Practice deep breathing is especially useful when you feel stressed as it helps to make you feel more grounded. Yoga is good for this also, do a calming yoga practice or relaxing meditation to clear your head before bed to help destress for a good night’s sleep.
Photo: O’Neill Europe
9. Think positive. Don’t let a negative spiral take hold. Be grateful for all that you have in life, surfing, good health, friends and family. Appreciate the small things. However if things aren’t looking so good for whatever reason, take time out to change your situation in the the year ahead. It’s time for a reset, make it happen.
10. Look forward. We’re almost through winter now with lighter evenings and warmer days on the horizon. So get planning events, road trips with friends, book a surf trip and make this year your best yet!
