Suggestions on getting out of the "winter funk"

llocke5

I started a workout regimen in the summer of 2010 and everything was going really well until the holidays. I work with a trainer at my gym and he has me on a meal plan (eating clean). I had a few setbacks with my meals during Thanksgiving & Christmas, but nothing extremely drastic.

Now that winter has really set in, I just can’t seem to get out of the winter funk. I am still working out 3 days per week on average, but it just seems that everything is not "clicking" like it did in the summer for me. Winter leaves me feeling tired and just blah in general. I have 17 weeks until my youngest son's HS graduation and really don't want to let this sabotage my weight loss efforts.

Any suggestion on how to beat the winter blues and get a kick start again?

cmw9696

just bundle up and get outside anyway! Don't let it stop you! You have goals to keep...

udallmom101

I say bundle up and go out there and walk it out. I love to go out and walk when I get a chance. It is refreshing and it helps me to stay motivated.

amcmillan730

i've been feeling similar... yesterday for example. i put on my gym clothes at work... and told my boss after work i was going to the gym. on the drive home i really didnt want to go... but i told myself i HAD to. once i got there i got into my groove and felt AWESOME after! just push through it... and think of your end goal

rhiannon1979

I know how you feel! The winter really affects me, too. I know that increaseing your Vitamin D intake is supposed to help. I know some people have used UV therapy. Maybe exercising more than 3 days a week would help? Like just walking or something light like that. i think that exercising in the morning seems to help with feeling more energized, too.

kerriokey

I get SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder. I just joined this site, and putting in my daily metrics has been helping me to keep on track. I would suggest going to your Dr. and getting a blood test to determine your vitamin D and B-12 levels, and ask about any other tests they think could be done. I recently found my vitamin-D levels to be low, so I've been taking a supplement and have been trying to get out into the sun as much as possible, and I've found it to really combat the blues. Exercise too is a huge help, but it can be very hard to motivate yourself to get out and do exercise if you can barely get up and do anything else. Hope that helped a little. Hang in there!

emscat78

Bundling up and going outside for a long walk is a proven energy booster. You have the added benefit of sun exposure to keep your Vit D level up!

barbarella

I hear ya!!! I'm feeling really weather funky too! :grumble: :sad:

That's great you're working out 3x a week.... better than me! Getting out of the house & to the gym or even a walk outside is not so easy when it's so cold & rainy.

I bought myself a "goLITE" by Philips from Costco. It simulates blue sky light which tricks our brain into feeling better! It's working.

It also helps me to have some equipment at home like a yoga mat, exercise ball, weights and workout DVDs. You could ask your trainer for some home workouts to do. Many times I just get up & DANCE!!! Just moving in any crazy way that feels good helps lift my blue mood.

Good luck & stay on track for the graduation! :drinker: :flowerforyou:

lindainak

Take some extra vitamin D. It worked for me.

ladyhawk00

While it's great to get outside when you can, I know several people who have success using light therapy. You may be feeling symptoms of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and light therapy can really help with moodiness and tiredness in winter. Might ask your doc about it.

Here's a link that explains it: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195

Good luck!

lilRicki

I did a university research paper on this...the best thing to do, especially after you work out, is tan...don't tan to turn yellow, tan for the vitamin D...or get "happy lights"...you can get them at wal-mart...sit infront of the lights the moment you get up for about half an hour and you'll be infused with light. Check your Vitamin D levels too, I take mine with calcium. and get lots of sleep, it's dark out all the time, so don't forget your relaxation and your beauty rest. Other than that just keep moving your limbs, winter is almost over.

♥Violette♥4Ever♥

I have a friend who can't afford a gym and she walks the local mall every night for an hour after work and when she goes from the top floor to the bottom floor, she uses the stairs. There are solutions. Another thing she does, is get free trials at different gyms and uses the facilities as much as she can. Don't let winter stop you.

LFern

I put "SUNSHINE" pictures on my computer wallpaper - on my facebook daily log - I even hung a beach picture above my desk. I email friends on facebook that may be on vacation and ask them for a SUNSHINE picture! When the sky is gray and it's cold out, nothing wakes me up better than the thought of Spring being 60 something days away and a beautiful picture of a sunrise or a sunset!!

Just think how awesome you're going to look this summer for your son's graduation!! Think how proud YOU will be but think how proud HE will be knowing that you used him as motivation!!

You CAN do it!! Find the sunshine from within!! Smiling more always helps too!

judelyon

I've read a few posts saying exactly the same thing - and it's happened to me too - I haven't lost any weight for about a month now -at least I haven't put any one - but also struggling to get back into the routine which was keeping me motivated. I've been analysing my food diary to see where i'm falling down - and my snacks (although healthy) have increased somewhat... Perhaps have a look at what you eat?

I think also getting onto exercise without thinking about it and just do it...I do my exercise in the morning and have been gulity of lying in bed and talking myself out of it - when I get up as soon as the alarm goes off, it's all good - if it's too cold to go out - perhaps an exercise bike or a fitness dvd may help...

ladyhawk00

I did a university research paper on this...the best thing to do, especially after you work out, is tan...don't tan to turn yellow, tan for the vitamin D...or get "happy lights"...you can get them at wal-mart...sit infront of the lights the moment you get up for about half an hour and you'll be infused with light. Check your Vitamin D levels too, I take mine with calcium. and get lots of sleep, it's dark out all the time, so don't forget your relaxation and your beauty rest. Other than that just keep moving your limbs, winter is almost over.

Tanning bed UV light is NOT the same as the visible light used in light therapy and is not considered a good alternative. Either limited direct sunlight or low UV light therapy is a much more safe way of addressing SAD.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195/DSECTION=risks

lilRicki

I did a university research paper on this...the best thing to do, especially after you work out, is tan...don't tan to turn yellow, tan for the vitamin D...or get "happy lights"...you can get them at wal-mart...sit infront of the lights the moment you get up for about half an hour and you'll be infused with light. Check your Vitamin D levels too, I take mine with calcium. and get lots of sleep, it's dark out all the time, so don't forget your relaxation and your beauty rest. Other than that just keep moving your limbs, winter is almost over.

Tanning bed UV light is NOT the same as the visible light used in light therapy and is not considered a good alternative. Either limited direct sunlight or low UV light therapy is a much more safe way of addressing SAD.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195/DSECTION=risks

still got an A+ on the paper...and i disagree with your findings

chelekaz

I did a university research paper on this...the best thing to do, especially after you work out, is tan...don't tan to turn yellow, tan for the vitamin D...or get "happy lights"...you can get them at wal-mart...sit infront of the lights the moment you get up for about half an hour and you'll be infused with light. Check your Vitamin D levels too, I take mine with calcium. and get lots of sleep, it's dark out all the time, so don't forget your relaxation and your beauty rest. Other than that just keep moving your limbs, winter is almost over.

I have actually heard that same thing. My friends Vitamin D was very low (actually our area of the country has some of the lowest according to Scott's doctor) and suggested getting those lights!

ladyhawk00

I did a university research paper on this...the best thing to do, especially after you work out, is tan...don't tan to turn yellow, tan for the vitamin D...or get "happy lights"...you can get them at wal-mart...sit infront of the lights the moment you get up for about half an hour and you'll be infused with light. Check your Vitamin D levels too, I take mine with calcium. and get lots of sleep, it's dark out all the time, so don't forget your relaxation and your beauty rest. Other than that just keep moving your limbs, winter is almost over.

Tanning bed UV light is NOT the same as the visible light used in light therapy and is not considered a good alternative. Either limited direct sunlight or low UV light therapy is a much more safe way of addressing SAD.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195/DSECTION=risks

still got an A+ on the paper...and i disagree with your findings

You can disagree with them, but they aren't my findings. Here are several different reputable sources that recommend NOT using tanning beds for treatment of SAD. While some tanning promoters might say otherwise, obviously they have a bit of a conflict of interest.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195/DSECTION=risks

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/mentalhealth/depression/267.html

http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/1659/1/Seasonal-Affective-Disorder-and-Tanning-Salons.html

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=55164&page=2

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/01/02/bc-sad.html

http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0307.html

http://www.skincancer.org/sad-article-2010.html

daybyday

just bundle up and get outside anyway! Don't let it stop you! You have goals to keep...

What do you do when the sidewalks/streets are snowy/icy and my town has no mall to walk in? I haven't tried just wearing my snow boots and going for a walk anyway yet. Maybe now that it's getting dark a little bit later I will try just doing that!

lilRicki

I did a university research paper on this...the best thing to do, especially after you work out, is tan...don't tan to turn yellow, tan for the vitamin D...or get "happy lights"...you can get them at wal-mart...sit infront of the lights the moment you get up for about half an hour and you'll be infused with light. Check your Vitamin D levels too, I take mine with calcium. and get lots of sleep, it's dark out all the time, so don't forget your relaxation and your beauty rest. Other than that just keep moving your limbs, winter is almost over.

Tanning bed UV light is NOT the same as the visible light used in light therapy and is not considered a good alternative. Either limited direct sunlight or low UV light therapy is a much more safe way of addressing SAD.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195/DSECTION=risks

still got an A+ on the paper...and i disagree with your findings

You can disagree with them, but they aren't my findings. Here are several different reputable sources that recommend NOT using tanning beds for treatment of SAD. While some tanning promoters might say otherwise, obviously they have a bit of a conflict of interest.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195/DSECTION=risks

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/mentalhealth/depression/267.html

http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/1659/1/Seasonal-Affective-Disorder-and-Tanning-Salons.html

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=55164&page=2

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/01/02/bc-sad.html

http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0307.html

http://www.skincancer.org/sad-article-2010.html

What about the release of endorphines? that is sure to boost your mood? and tanning does that. I don't really care about all the websites you can google

ladyhawk00

I did a university research paper on this...the best thing to do, especially after you work out, is tan...don't tan to turn yellow, tan for the vitamin D...or get "happy lights"...you can get them at wal-mart...sit infront of the lights the moment you get up for about half an hour and you'll be infused with light. Check your Vitamin D levels too, I take mine with calcium. and get lots of sleep, it's dark out all the time, so don't forget your relaxation and your beauty rest. Other than that just keep moving your limbs, winter is almost over.

Tanning bed UV light is NOT the same as the visible light used in light therapy and is not considered a good alternative. Either limited direct sunlight or low UV light therapy is a much more safe way of addressing SAD.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195/DSECTION=risks

still got an A+ on the paper...and i disagree with your findings

You can disagree with them, but they aren't my findings. Here are several different reputable sources that recommend NOT using tanning beds for treatment of SAD. While some tanning promoters might say otherwise, obviously they have a bit of a conflict of interest.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195/DSECTION=risks

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/mentalhealth/depression/267.html

http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/1659/1/Seasonal-Affective-Disorder-and-Tanning-Salons.html

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=55164&page=2

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/01/02/bc-sad.html

http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0307.html

http://www.skincancer.org/sad-article-2010.html

What about the release of endorphines? that is sure to boost your mood? and tanning does that. I don't really care about all the websites you can google

Seriously, I'm not bashing tanning, or you personally - no need to get hostile. I'm just saying it is not a good source of light therapy. It's not the right kind of light (UV vs. visible), and light therapy requires DAILY exposure, which even tanning salons will tell you is bad.

At any rate, tanning can encourage endorphin release, but lots of things will encourage endorphin release - doesn't mean they are all good for you. And endorphin release isn't the goal in treating SAD.

pdxscarlett

I did a university research paper on this...the best thing to do, especially after you work out, is tan...don't tan to turn yellow, tan for the vitamin D...or get "happy lights"...you can get them at wal-mart...sit infront of the lights the moment you get up for about half an hour and you'll be infused with light. Check your Vitamin D levels too, I take mine with calcium. and get lots of sleep, it's dark out all the time, so don't forget your relaxation and your beauty rest. Other than that just keep moving your limbs, winter is almost over.

Tanning bed UV light is NOT the same as the visible light used in light therapy and is not considered a good alternative. Either limited direct sunlight or low UV light therapy is a much more safe way of addressing SAD.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195/DSECTION=risks

still got an A+ on the paper...and i disagree with your findings

You can disagree with them, but they aren't my findings. Here are several different reputable sources that recommend NOT using tanning beds for treatment of SAD. While some tanning promoters might say otherwise, obviously they have a bit of a conflict of interest.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/light-therapy/MY00195/DSECTION=risks

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/mentalhealth/depression/267.html

http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/1659/1/Seasonal-Affective-Disorder-and-Tanning-Salons.html

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=55164&page=2

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2007/01/02/bc-sad.html

http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/0307.html

http://www.skincancer.org/sad-article-2010.html

What about the release of endorphines? that is sure to boost your mood? and tanning does that. I don't really care about all the websites you can google

I care, thanks for posting these sites. ;0)