Winter is well and truly with us.
The clocks went back last week, Halloween has been and gone and we're well on our way to Christmas (hurrah!)
And I don't know about you lot, but every year, around this time my motivation seems to hit rock bottom.
It's dark when we wake up, it's dark when we leave work and our central heating bill starts racking up and generally our moods are a little bit peakier than usual.
So with that, and the fact I'm sat here in a mini mood that I can't seem to shake, I thought I'd share some of the things that keep me motivated in these darker, colder, winter days.
It's important for all of us, no matter what line of work we're in, to keep motivation and happiness to it's highest degree and I find it harder at this time of year than ever to even drag myself out of bed in a morning. However, I do have a few tips and tricks that help pull me up and out from underneath my duvet and allow me to be the bad ass girl boss I was destined to be, so lets go!
Write It Down
I am a compulsive list writer. I love nothing more than writing myself a daily list, usually the night before, with the things I'd like to achieve that day. Heck, sometimes I even write myself a weekly list, day-by-day as to what I need to get on with before the weekend comes around again. I find this really helps me to stay on track and to be motivated as theres nothing quite like ticking off from a to-do-list now is there?
On particularly hectic days I'm even Monica enough to set myself timings in which I'd like to achieve things by... Call me mental but honestly it really does help to keep motivated by having a fun game of "how fast can you do this!?" with yourself.
My mum knows that when I'm stressed I simply just need to write everything down, to compartmentalise and to prioritise, so I'm passing on these pearls of wisdom to you guys too; it seems obvious but my goodness does it help when you have the weight of the world on your tiny, well dressed shoulders.
Music
For me, in most aspects of my life, music really is EVERYTHING! Theres a song, playlist or album for everything, no matter what you're doing or what your mood.
When I've got a heck load to do, particularly things that involve writing, whether that be blogging or replying to emails, I often find myself hitting pause whilst I read over something, and then play again whilst I write; meaning my mind isn't fully engaged as I'm thinking more about turning my music on and off in order to concentrate.
I've tried a variety of playlists for "Concentration" over on Spotify, honestly there are LOADS depending on what it is that allows you to concentrate, however, they don't often work for me.
What I have found really useful and I've used consistently since it first came out is the Stranger Things soundtrack and more recently the Stranger Things 2 soundtrack. Whilst the music within the series is absolutely EPIC and full of some of my favourite tunes from the 70s & 80s, the soundtrack is purely instrumental based upon drum fills and synthesisers, something I find to be EXTREMELY motivating. Due to the lack of lyrics within the 30 plus track album, I find myself getting SO MUCH DONE and I HIGHLY suggest you check it out if you're up against a strict deadline for getting shit done too!
Take A Lunch Break
Even if it's just for 15 minutes, I find taking an albeit short lunch break away from all things work really does keep me motivated. First up it's something to work towards during the morning and secondly you feel revived and ready to crack on once it's up. I often cook up something yummy and v comforting for lunch now it's got a little colder, my faves being a jacket potato with tuna and sweetcorn or with beans and cheese (anything with beans and cheese is the ultimate comfort food AMIRIGHT?!) or some homemade soup, I'll then step away from my desk and my phone and catch up with my fave YouTubers whilst digging into something hearty. Since I've started taking time for a lunch break I've noticed my productivity levels SOAR, that and countless cups of coffee, but we don't need me to be Captain Obvious now do we?
Limit Yourself
Natural light is on rations and nesting mode is well and truly on, but I find getting all cosy with fairy lights and candles galore does nothing but make me want to get into the foetal position on the sofa under a mountain of blankets, despite having a to-do list the length of my arm.
So I've found that limiting myself to just one, uplifting candle right by my laptop is just the ticket for driving productivity and keeping myself motivated, whilst also paying homage to the winter months. I try and avoid woody and masculine scents as that tends to make me sleepy and instead I opt for something fruity or floral like the Jo Malone Sweet Almond & Macaroon candle to keep on keeping on.
The Early Morning Gym Sesh
And finally, something I NEVER thought I'd be saying as a part of motivational Megan but that is to get an early morning gym session in! It's a new thing for me since starting with my personal trainer just 3 months ago now but my goodness have I seen the difference, particularly when compared to the days I don't train with him.
I'm currently seeing him twice a week and on those days I feel like I can take on the world and to be quite honest, on those days I do just that! I speed through my to-do list and often that of the following day's to-do list and do it all with a big fat smile on my face.
It really is true what they say about exercise and endorphins (yeah I thought that was a loada crap too) I come home at 8am after my one hour session a brighter, breezier and lighter version of myself, someone who can tackle anything that comes her way and I really like who I am on those days!
If you've been toying with seeing a personal trainer I would whole heartedly recommend taking the plunge, it is well worth every single penny, particularly if, like me, you hate exercise. You'll honestly find yourself loving it and in-turn loving yourself a little more, and that really is everything isn't it?
So they're my tips for keeping motivated this winter.
It's the most wonderful time of the year for many things but it can also be a depressing time of the year too, so really value and cherish those small things that make a huge difference. I really hope these help and would LOVE to hear if you try any of them or if you have any winter motivational tips of your own, lets share in the comments below and help one another out 🙂
Lotsa love
x M
I absolutely love writing lists down too, it keeps me super organised. Having an early morning gym sesh sounds amazing but it is so much harder to wake up for exercise in these darker mornings. Love these photos Megan!
Abigail Alice x
My boyfriend struggles to get up in a morning for the gym too, I’ve always been a early bird and feel my most productive in the morning so it really works for me. If not for you, then tailor it around your schedule and when you’re feeling your most productive. If it’s the middle of the day or late at night, just work it especially for you girlie x
I’m a HUGE fan of everything ‘80s so I completely agree with you on the Stranger Things 2 soundtracks. There’s something so magical and inspiring about those ’80s synthwave tunes!! xx
– Emma
YES! It’s just the best! x
I needed to read this so badly to know I wasn’t the only one who’s motivation plummets in the colder months. I love winter but all I want to do is drown in hot chocolate in a bundle of blankets. Also, love Stranger Things and I had never even thought about listening to soundtracks while I work so thank you!
I think it happens to a lot of us babe so you’re definitely not alone in it!
I adore winter too, but yes to the cosy vibes are way too tempting haha!
Ooo fantastic, give it a go and let me know what you think and whether it helps you concentrate, I’d love to know x
I srsly needed this, I’m struggling to find the motivation to get out of bed recently let alone motivation for anything else ? but saying that, I bloody love a good list, even if I wrote something down like ‘put makeup on’ and gave it a big fat tick I still feel like I accomplished something lols ?
Charlotte | Two Cats One Flat
AGREED! On my busiest of days I literally right a list with EVERYTHING I need to do that day, whether thats “get ready” “go to the supermarket” it’s the small things such as ticking something off that help to keep us motivated for sure. I feel like such a loser writing this but if it helps, it helps right!? x
Saving this for when I hit winter!! I love this post and totally agree – winter is the worst when it comes to motivation!!! X
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Oh you lucky lady being in summer right now, damn it! x
All I want to do during this time of year is getting cosy, but I always try to be productive during the month of November, just to clear up some free time for enjoying the Christmas Anticipation (which might be even better than Christmas itself) in December, I find that to be a great motive to stay productive, but I have to say your tips are even better!
http://fannyanddailybeauty.com
Yes, I think I tend to work like that too, have a hectic November so December can be a little more relaxed for family time, thats such a great point babe! x
The Stranger Things soundtracks are my life ?? Especially when it comes to studying. These are some awesome suggestions Megan – I’m in Australia but they are still super relevant what with the end of the year coming up and all.☺️
YAY! So glad to hear it and buzzing that you’re already a fan of the Stranger Things soundtracks… YAAAAS! So good for concentration right?!
Lots of love girlie from my rainy country to your sunny one x
Thank you for your post and how it was written.
I genuinely get depressed every year once October hits – bang. The list thing will be a useful tool for
me because then I’ll see things ticked off or I can
put nice things and tick them off too! X
I think it happens to many people at this time of year, including myself, so you’re definitely not alone here my love.
Lists in any form always help me so I really hope they help you too x
I’m such a compulsive list writer too! I can’t go about my day without having a to do list to tick off!
Also, it’s so nice to hear about you enjoying the gym and loving having a personal trainer and everything – I’ve completely got out of the swing of things in that department and am really thinking about getting a PT to help me out because I’m clueless haha! xxx
Honestly babe I would whole heartedly recommend! It’s changed the way I look at exercise and I actually look forward to my sessions, hopping out of bed excited to work out… SOMETHING I NEVER EVER THOUGHT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME!
I’ve always disliked exercise so it’s absolutely changed everything having my PT. You got this girl, go for it. Plus, an early morning session is the best way to set yourself up for a productive day, or so I’m finding at least. xx
really, really needed this right now! reading this blogpost was actually my break of studying (can’t wait for this week full of tests to be over). I find it SO hard to get motivated when the weather is absolutely frightful and all I want to do is get cosy on the couch with a cup of tea and a Christmas film.
Guess I’ll change into something a bit more put together than my pj’s, and get on with my work now haha.
– Liz ❤︎
HAHA oh babes, I’m glad you’ve given yourself a well deserved break! And thank you for choosing to read my post in your break, thats v kind of you. Glad it’s helped and good luck with everything gorge x
Awww I loved this Megan you little cutie! It’s the biggest struggle in the world peeling yourself out of bed in the morning isn’t it – especially when its pitch black outside. It literally should be illegal! And your right in saying having loads of cosey fairy lights does demotivate you. Gonna have to adopt some of your tips thanks mate <3 Always winning at life you aren't ya gal xx
HAHA it should SO be illegal!
Oh youuuuuuuu x
Beautiful post I love to red your posts and I love your style 🙂
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Oh wow babe thank you so much x That means the world x
I thought I was the only person who felt affected by the weather, cold weather definitely sets my mood down and I just want to stay in bed all day. But but this blog is for sure a good source of how deal with it, The to-do list is the best! It really works I was a huge fan when I was studying I used to make a entire list for the week and it really helped me to accomplish goals 🙂 Thanks for the reminder and the other tips are great
Ale
Oh no, absolutely not babe! I think it happens to SO many people.
I’m so glad this has reminded you of some good tips for keeping motivated x
Just at the final few weeks of dissertation writing. I’m on the couch attempting to write, with a blanket and a cup of tea ( Father John Misty on- good glad you’re a fan too!!!) and i’m feeling SO sluggish and just done with deadlines and this really helped.
Your blog really is fab, i’m a fellow Mancunian but up in Glasgow for Uni and your pride for the city really is comforting and really nice to see,.
Thanks for writing your blogs- they are ace xx
Oh babes you’ve got this! i’ve been where you are (but you have FJM to help you out so you win haha)
Cheering you on from the sidelines girl, good luck with everything and flipping smash it girlie! xo