With the cooler weather fast approaching it’s all too easy to abandon any form of physical activity you had going on in the summer months and replace it with lie-ins, hot chocolate and TV series marathons. However, keeping an active lifestyle through the colder months (taking lockdown restrictions into account) is important for both your body and mind, says Su-Marie Annandale, Clere skincare brand manager. She adds that when your physical activity dips so too can your general well-being, which is why it’s easy to slip into an anxious state of mind during winter.
We know that when we look good, we feel good both physically and mentally. “Show more love for your beautiful skin, and your whole body, by keeping up with your physical activity and remaining motivated throughout winter.”
Annandale shares some tips to help keep you in tip-top physical and mental shape:
Switch it up – Routine is great for results but can become tiring. If your fitness or meal plans are becoming boring, consider trying something different. Attending new online classes, experimenting with exercise variations and trying new recipes might just help to pull you out of your funk, prevent you from plateauing and find your inner fire to train again.
Virtual exercise buddy – Sometimes, when motivation declines, even pre-scheduled online classes and exercise clothes laid out for the next day aren’t enough to keep you from wanting to cancel. In those instances, phone a friend to join you virtually. It’s a lot easier to cancel when you’re only accountable to yourself, but when you’ve agreed to exercise with someone else you generally won’t want to let them down.
Nutrition – While you may be more drawn to warmer and heavier foods this time of year, make sure you’re getting in your fair share of nutritious foods, and that you aren’t only relying on treats to boost your mood. Carb-heavy comfort foods can leave you feeling even more tired and lethargic than you already felt. Starting your day with a glass of water is a great way to ‘wake up’ your body and keep you hydrated. We may not perspire in winter as much as we do in summer, but you don’t want to find yourself dehydrated and feeling exhausted as a result.
Get up and go – Rather than your normal, irritating alarm clock, use your phone or tablet to play specific songs that get you going. It doesn’t need to be a rave but something that lifts your mood and energy will do wonders for your ability to get out of bed on the first try.
Dress the part – There’s a saying that ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices.’ When it comes to motivation this really does ring true. Is it time to upgrade your workout gear? New leggings or trainers may just be the motivation you need to exercise regularly – even if you are in your living room.
You matter – Whether it’s listening to a podcast, dancing to music from your favourite artist or reading a book, if there’s something that stimulates you, no matter how small, make time for it, and it may just alter the course of your day. Self-care is important for your overall wellbeing and will help you to de-stress.
Look after your skin – There’s nothing like a hot shower or bath when the weather outside is cold, however the heat strips your skin of its natural oils leaving it feeling dry and uncomfortable. Clere’s range of crèmes and lotions consist of four unique formulations to suit all skin needs: Pure Glycerine Crème, Triple Glycerine, Tissue oil and Pure Glycerine and Glycerine Gel. All four formulations provide 48-hour moisturisation and contain Vitamins E & A which are gentle, yet effective on dry skin as a result of the cold winter air. Apply a thick layer of crème on your skin, paying attention to the very dry spots, before you go to bed. This gives your skin time to heal overnight.
Clere’s range of crèmes and lotions are available at all leading retailers at a cost of R34.99 and R21.99 respectively.
