The days are getting shorter and temperatures are dropping week by week. Autumn is just around the corner in all its glory. But many people lack the motivation to pursue their goals in the colder months of the year. But what most people forget is that it is precisely in these months that we can make the greatest progress in training and personal development. In this article we will show you why this is the case.
Why is fall and winter so important for physical and mental growth?
Many people lose motivation for their training etc. during the cold season. They complain about the cold and get the so-called "winter blues". They miss the summer and the warmth and prefer to crawl inside in front of the TV. Not much attention is paid to diet either.
But what many forget is that these are the months when we have the most time to really take care of ourselves. You don't have to run around every weekend and take part in the many meetings and be on the road every day like in summer.
In autumn and winter we finally have time to set our goals apart and to think about what we want to achieve.
For example, if we want to have a top body in the summer, it makes most sense to work towards it now and not try to lose weight in the short term with a crash diet in May. Because that usually leads to more frustration.
What can I do to make the best use of the winter?
The fact that mind and body influence each other is no longer a secret. Because a healthy mind lives in a healthy body and vice versa.
If you want to get the best out of yourself, your body and your mind, we have put together some tips that will turn you into an absolute warrior.
1. Get some exercise in the fresh air
Supplement your strength training with endurance workouts or long walks in the fresh air. Especially in winter we don't get enough vitamin D because we don't get enough sun. You can counteract this problem by spending time outdoors. You also keep your metabolism going.
2. Keep eating healthy
Don't let yourself go and eat healthy! Of course, there is nothing wrong with a slight calorie surplus - this can even help you build more muscle mass during your hard strength training. But many make the mistake of letting their diet slip completely in the winter and mostly eat junk food. Try to continue to eat a healthy and balanced diet as much as possible. Don't forget, everything you eat up unnecessarily now has to be trained hard to get rid of it.
3. Face the cold
Face the cold and start loving it! What many professional athletes have known for a long time is becoming more and more of a trend - cold therapy! Find a safe body of water or put a bucket on the balcony and fill it with water. Start with a few minutes and increase each time over time. The cold water helps you regenerate, releases happiness hormones and endorphins and makes you more resistant to the cold. Of course you can also start with a cold shower. Try it and you will start to love winter. A real game changer!
4. Start meditating
Man has never been exposed to such a constant barrage of stimuli as today. Researchers even think that a person who lived in the Stone Age was not exposed to as many external stimuli as a person who lives today. Constant availability, social media, the internet and streaming platforms have our lives firmly under control. We're addicted to information and our rewards system loves it when you let it wash over you.
But our psyche doesn't do this well at all and we become more and more addicted to these distractions. When was the last time you were really bored or consciously daydreaming? Almost unimaginable nowadays.
Try to consciously remove yourself from all sources that could distract you and start with 5 minutes. Close your eyes and watch your thoughts and feelings come up in you. It won't be easy at first, but you'll notice that you're getting better at it every day.
It is best to meditate for about 30 minutes in the morning.
These were our tips to get the best out of the cold season. Use this time as best you can and you won't regret it.