Biohacks For Winter
It's funny isn't it? How you receive compliments for your dedication, discipline and commitment to training and eating in the summer, yet in winter you struggle to do these things?
It can also be confusing when you don't feel like your normal self. On the inside you feel like you lack drive or you can't find your oomph to get up and go. That's when the excuses/speed humps start to creep in. I’m sure this is the number 1 excuse during winter we tell ourselves and others, "It's too hard to get out of bed on cold, dark mornings."
It's not uncommon to experience a dip in motivation at times, particularly during winter. However, the cool weather isn't the only cause of this. Did you know a lack of motivation can be sparked by many factors, such as stress, sleep & nutrition, as they often influence one another.
Here, are our 5 biohacks to regain and keep your motivation going this winter!
Biohack 1: Stay Social
Yes, we do know we are in the middle of a pandemic and all we're being told to do is socially distance ourselves. However, this is the number 1 cause of depression. In winter we do tend to socially isolate ourselves even more due to the weather. Social interaction is important to reduce levels of stress hormones while increasing levels of feel-good ones.
Try making plans with a friend, or part-take on zoom bingo nights or quiz nights with your friends if you not comfortable going out. It’s important to remember when socializing to keep your mask on and sanitize.
Biohack 2: Turn up the lights
Light therapy can fight the winter blues! Light therapy can enhance the levels of serotonin in our brains. The lack of winter light can also affect your sleeping patterns, this is where light therapy also comes in handy by sorting out our circadian rhythm. By increasing your serotonin levels as well as you sleep your mood will automatically improve!
Read More: A Guide on Red Light Therapy
TrueDark has a wide range of light therapy and eyewear tools to help you combat your winter blues. Shop here: TRUE DARK RANGE
Biohack 3: Soak up the sun
In winter we tend to stay cuddled up under a blanket or indoors to stay warm. However studies have shown that in winter vitamin D deficiencies increase due to us wanting to stay indoors. Vitamin D is an important factor in the release of serotonin in the brain therefor we need to soak up the sun during winter months.
Shop here: NeuroActive Neuro Sero
Biohack 4: Get your gut in check
90% of your serotonin production takes place in your gut. Serotonin is critical to your motivation and overall mental health. Imbalances in gut heath & serotonin levels are linked to depression & anxiety. Probiotics can activate the vagus nerve, affecting brain & mood.
Read More: Your Health Starts in Your Gut
OPTMZ has a wide range of gut & digestive supplements to help you beat your winter slump! Shop Here: Gut & Digestive Health
Biohack 5: Keep it simple, smarty (K.I.S.S.)
The best way to overcome excuses is to not create them in the first place. The more things that need to fall into place in order to reach your goals increases our excuses to why we shouldn’t do what we have set out to do as it is too much “work”.
Keep it simple: go for a 25-minute run around the office block, do a few laps of your garden first thing in the morning, or switch things up at the gym by using different cardio machines you don't have to wait for. This will ensure you'll finish a quality workout with less wasted time and at a pace that feels rewarding to you!
Shop Here: Supplements for Physical Performance
Closing thoughts
It’s important to remember that a holistic approach to your health & wellness is the best to attaining your goals. The above mentioned biohacks are a step in the right direction to boost your motivation and drive this winter!
So challenge yourself and keep going this winter with OPTMZ!