Six tips to stay energized and focused in the winter

During the winter, we get less sunlight than in other months. Having fewer daylight hours, combined with colder weather, can affect your body’s circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm is your inner clock that tells you when it’s time to sleep, eat, and more. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to boost your energy in the winter.

Tip #1: Get enough sleep

To get your energy back in the winter and stay focused during the day, it’s important that you get enough sleep at night. During the winter months, some people choose to blast the heat in their homes. However, sleeping in a room that’s too hot can disrupt your sleep, leading to tossing and turning all night. Keep your bedroom at a cool (but not too cold) temperature in order to get enough sleep.

Grow a business

Use free apps and tools from microsoft for your small business and side gig.

Learn more

Tip #2: Take a walk outside

Exposing yourself to sunshine can help give you a boost of energy. Take a walk in the afternoon when it’s the warmest to help you get more energy. Plus, taking a short break from your work can help improve your focus when you return to it. Motivating yourself to get outside in the cold is sometimes difficult. You can invite a friend, coworker, or classmate on an afternoon walk with you to help you stay motivated to go outside.

Tip #3: Get enough exercise

Exercise can impact how much energy you have. When you exercise, you boost your blood flow and metabolism, which can help you feel more energized. Plus, exercising can release endorphins, which are the feel-good chemicals that can help make dreary months more tolerable. Adults should get 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week and dedicate two days per week to muscle-strengthening activities. If you need help getting motivated to exercise, try a fun new workout class like aerial yoga or a trampoline workout class. You can go alone or bring a friend to make it more exciting.

Tip #4: Consider a light therapy lamp

Light therapy lamps are special lamps that give off full-spectrum light, similar to sunlight. In other words, they mimic natural sunlight. Using one for 20-to-30 minutes per day can potentially provide a boost of energy.

Tip #5: Spend time with your loved ones

It’s easy to want to stay cooped up in your house during the winter months. Try to get out of the house to see your friends and family, since social connections can help boost your energy. If you can’t get out of the house due to inclement weather, scheduling a video call with your loved ones is another option.

Tip #6: Find a new (indoor) hobby

Taking up a hobby that you can enjoy from inside your home can help you recharge and prevent burnout. You can even try one of these cozy hobbies alongside a friend or loved one to maintain social connections. Here are some examples of indoor hobbies that you can try:

• Baking or cooking
• Painting
• Pottery
• Yoga
• Knitting or crocheting
• Candle making
• Writing

Explore hobbies that align with your interests or passions. For example, if you’re a creative person, pottery or painting might appeal to you.

Staying energized and focused during the winter is sometimes difficult, but taking advantage of the aforementioned techniques can make it a little easier. Just remember: Spring is right around the corner! If you want to learn more about ways you can improve your focus, see how the Pomodoro Technique can help.