Chill Out: Keeping Fit and Happy This Winter

As winter sets in, it can be tempting to retreat indoors and let our physical health fall out of routine. We all know physical activity is paramount to looking after our mental health, and regular exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, but in the winter months, as the weather gets colder and daylight hours reduce, we have to make adaptations to our routine. Here are some of my top tips for staying on track through winter:

1. Utilising natural light: Despite winter providing reduced daylight hours, it is crucial to maintain natural light exposure – try scheduling your workouts earlier in the day to make the most of this. For those who work 9-5, this is not always possible, so take advantage of your weekends and pop an outdoor run or walk in your diary.

2. Setting realistic goals: Winter months present other challenges to our routines, as life tends to get busier towards the end of the year (Christmas, New Year, school holidays etc), so it is important to look back at our goals and adjust these if necessary. Be kind to yourself if you miss a workout – life isn’t only about your gym stats!

3. Getting outside safely: Take this opportunity to invest in some new workout gear! Embrace the cold, pick up a new outdoor activity – whether that’s on your own, or perhaps going for a walk with a friend – but make sure to dress appropriately for the weather and look after your body.

4. …Also, staying inside! Whilst it is important to embrace the outdoors, this won’t always be possible (or desirable, if you get cold easily like me!), so winter offers us an opportunity to test out some new indoor activities. Why not check out your local Pilates group, ran by your very own blog writer?

5. Social connections: Particularly in the winter months, it is crucial to keep engaging in group activities, to provide that social support that is so key for looking after our mental wellbeing. Text that friend you haven’t seen in a while, take your mum to your next Pilates class, join a running club, try out a group gym class, call a friend while you work out, bring your partner to Yoga…you get the idea.

On this note, I’ll share a few of my favourite organisations who offer a combination the above points:

• Run for Fun Sheffield – Women’s run club in Sheffield, with beginner and intermediate friendly runs, as well as regular non-exercise related social events Sheffield women’s run club ✨ (@runforfunsheffield) • Instagram photos and videos

• 6 + 1 – Sheffield based mixed-gender run club, with a variety of paces from beginner to advanced, including the occasional track session! 6+1 (@6plus1tm) • Instagram photos and videos

• Pilates with Amelia Frances (I may be biased on this one) – Indoor Pilates Classes running 2 weekly classes in Dore and Totley, as well as 2 evenings a week in Wath Upon Dearne Home | Pilates with Amelia (sheffieldpilates.com)

• Yoga with Evie – Yoga classes based in Sheffield city centre, both evening and morning classes, as well as 1 to 1 classes, with the ray of sunshine that is Evie! Yoga with Evie | Sheffield Yoga Studio and Classes

By adapting your exercise regime – whether through indoor workouts, outdoor activities, or group classes – you can combat those pesky winter blues and maintain a positive mindset. Remember, even small adjustments can make a significant difference.

Got any more tips? Let me know in the comments!

All the best,

Amelia x

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