We’re nearing the end of January and as we settle into 2026, you may be feeling the motivation you had when you made your goals for the year start to dwindle, especially with the winter weather going on (if you aren’t in Canada right now, and somewhere warm, lucky you!). While you might feel your motivation running low in the winter, it’s important to take care of yourself in order to accomplish the goals you’ve set for yourself. We have five tips to make sure you are taking care of yourself through this winter weather:
1. Go for some winter walks
While you will have to bundle up more to go on a walk in the winter, it is a great way to get your steps in during the winter, especially if one of your goals for this year is to be more active. Apart from getting your steps in, other benefits of going on winter walks include:
a. Vitamin D boost
Vitamin D is a nutrient that keeps our bones healthy and strong. During winter, since there is less exposure to the sun, we don’t get as much of it versus in the summer time we get a lot of Vitamin D because we are outside more.
b. Improves overall well-being and mental health
Having trouble focussing during your study session? Go out for a quick 10 or 15 minute walk with or without music and take in the sights and sensations of winter walking. You’ll come back to your desk a little cold but ready to study with better focus.
c. Can help lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels
Having a stressful week? Take a few times during the week to walk and reduce your stress levels. Remember to bundle up properly for your winter walk and have good boots!
2. Check-in/plan dates with your friends or loved ones
While the holidays may have had lots of socializing going on for you, January may be a little quieter and leave you with some feelings of disconnection with friends and loved ones.
Whether you plan a date to be with your friends or make a phone call to loved ones, it’s a great idea to figure out the ways you feel most connected to them and not feel that you are disconnected. Around this time of year we tend to be isolated and so staying connected with your friends and loved ones is very important during this time.
3. Go on a digital detox challenge in the evenings for a week
If one of your goals this year is to spend less time on your digital devices such as your phone, computer/laptop or TV – you can take baby steps to reducing the time you spend on your digital devices by trying a digital detox for a week in the evenings.
For example, once it hits 7pm, that’s when your digital detox starts. Not sure what to do during your digital detox? You can find some ideas here: https://notesbythalia.com/social-media-detox-mindful-activities/
4. Plan fun things to do for the rest of this season
If you are an Indoor person in the winter, here are some things you can do indoors:
– Learn a new hobby
– Read those books living on your bookshelf that you haven’t read yet
– Do a digital declutter – reduce the emails in you inbox, delete apps you’re no longer using on your phone
– Attend events being held indoors – campus events
If you are an outdoor person in the winter, here are some things you can do outdoors:
– Ice Skating
– Winter birdwatching
– Ice Fishing
– Go for a winter hike
5. Head to the gym or find a YouTube fitness channel you like and get your body moving
A common way to get out of a slump or rough day is to get your body moving. Whether you have a gym you can go to or not, you can find a variety of exercise videos on YouTube to try in the comfort of your room. Even just thirty minutes of exercise can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being.
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