cold weather=lack of motivation & depression

believe it or not cold weather can be better for burning calories im a wrestle and when im over weight i will do exercises outside because when your body shivers it uses calories to burn to warm you, as well as cold weather helps with stamina. but im feeling the same way lets help each other

Have you tried a light box for the SAD? My husband uses one and loves it - it really helps. He gets up every morning and has coffee, catches up on the news and uses the light box. I've never been affected, but I love cold weather. I make sure that I don't change my routine just because of the weather. I am still at the gym at 6am, rain, cold, snow, etc. Just have to dress for the elements (I walk to the gym).

Me too. I am trying to take Vitamin D, and ensure that I force myself to work out, because I usually feel better after, and keeping on track helps to keep my spirits up.

This is my first winter that I'm still trying to lose weight .... and I chickened out from running last night because it got down to 40 degrees by the time I was ready to go, instead pulled out the old recumbent bike and gave that a go instead..... I remembered why I'd rather be running, so I'm giving it another shot tonight.

I live in the Pacific NW. It doesn't usually get terribly cold here, but it rains and rains and it's windy and gray and the air is CLAMMY and chilly and seeps into your bones. And it's dark when I go to work in the morning and dark when I go home. But it drives me nuts to be inside all day and I need fresh air, so I bundle up and go for a run at lunch and it keeps me from bouncing off the walls. And it's nice to confirm that the sun did actually come up at some point during the day.

totally relate. I have found 2 things that help me. (a) and my husband HATES it - I turn on all the lights in the house, as soon as I get up and as soon as I get home. I work and make as much as he does and I'll pay the extra light bill thank you very much (b) Vitamin D - my physician routinely screens ALL of her patients now since she has repeatedly noticed that those of us who live in the NE have abnormally low Vit D. levels - after 2 years working and living in Bangor, ME mine was nearly non-existent. EASIEST way to get Vit D. Gummy Vites. I leave them on the counter by my coffee maker so I don't miss them and they are waaay easier to swallow than the horse pills I used to have to choke down. They are so handy & yummy that even my husband has begun to take them every morning and they are good for bone health also. I keep my eye on the pharmacy BOGO sales about once a quarter cause they can be a little pricy.

NOW if he would just get on board with the lights.

While it sucks about the limited available daylight, i found that it helps to get out for a walk or run during the middle of the day. Look the sun exists (or at least daylight if cloudy) - happy psychological benefit; potential for natural vitamin D - multiple phsyiological benefits, including helping produce melationin which will help you get better quality sleep. colder weather burns extra calories in trying to kep your body warm and you're carrying more weight with the coat and the gloves and the boots and the scarf and the hat - so double benefit.
If you can't go out for whatever reason during the day - try to sit near a window; turn on extra lights to help your brain cope, get indoor plants, wear brighter colors, try to eat bright colored fruits and vegetables (again muliple benefits)

I am mildly affected by the grey days (after multiple grey days in a row, I'm miserable) in terms of outlook, so I do sympathize. But I kind of like the cold too. the skies are so star-filled when it's colder so night walks around the neighborhood are always nice.
Just learn to dress for the weather.

Bundle up, once you get out there, the cold air, keeps u MOOOOVING!

My speeds have totally increased due to the cold weather!

I grew up in Minnesota, and the winters can be depressing. I finally said" If you can't beat it. join it", and I started to do winter sports--crosscountry skiing etc. How about snowshoeing? If you take a walk in a winter woods it can be beautiful, and lift your spirits. Instead of being depressed--Get Out and About! I found that it made alot of difference. Dress right, if it's cold, and enjoy the world you have around you.

If you don't have a light box, bundling up and getting outside during daylight hours, any time you're not actually in a blizzard, can be highly beneficial. The first 5 minutes are the most important, and more often is more important than spending a long time at it. I try to make every little errand or chore that takes me outside into a short outdoor walk around the block. Even if it isn't sunny outside, the light still does you a lot of good.

P.S. I have a hard time keeping my spirits up through the winter. Good luck! The days start getting longer again in December!

I live in a cold weather region...and the cold just hit. soon the days will become shorter and shorter to where i will go to and from work in darkness. it really gets me down, even depressed. Perhaps a bit of seasonal affective disorder. i find it hard to stay on track with eating and exercise (the limited exercise i did do) during winter months. can anyone relate? I need to find motivation to stay positive--not just for nutrition/fitness aspects but for general mental health. Another winter of chilly cold, wind and snow...ugh.

I lived in the cold of Buffalo for a long time and we ran all winter. Never bothered with a treadmill. And we ran fast. Cold is just an excuse to not get out there. I miss those Tuesday night ten milers. Now I live in the heat of Florida and have the summer extremes..same deal. Suck it up and get out there. Of course, that assumes you are not injured or sick. If so, then we have the right to rest and take some time off, but if not then you have to treat it like work and make sure you get it done.

And if you can't get out there because of the cold, then hopefully you can work out at a gym where it is always warm.

Move to Florida !!.....Gets chilly (cold) here too, just no snow. Join a Gym or buy a treadmill !