Maintaining balance: my strategies for exercising in winter

Balance is something that is so important for me - it is absolutely the only way I remain effective at work. As soon as my life falls out of balance (not getting enough rest, not seeing friends, not taking enough time out on my own, not getting enough exercise, not doing enough work... or too much of any of those things) I can feel myself being less effective, less happy and definitely less resilient.

Exercise doesn't just help me feel healthy and keep my body fit it gives me more energy and clarity than anything else does. A good run is always satisfying, but more than that a run can help me when I am anxious, stress, tired, overwhelmed, sad, lonely or just feeling stuck! Running in winter it is tough (I live in Melbourne .... winter gets cold!) running in summer is comparatively a dream! Long days, light for hours after work, early mornings with the sun waking me up almost telling me to get outside.

In winter the dark, the wind, and the rain are excellent excuses for me to stay inside. Yet in winter exercise is even more important - in winter there is something about the cold and the lack of sun that has me feeling less energised, more tired, less social and just a bit flat. I don't know about you but in winter I just want to hibernate, as soon as I get home from work I want to curl up on the sofa with a glass of red wine, binge Netflix and eat lots of food - and sometimes that is exactly what I do. But, balance is important and so there are certain strategies I use in winter to help me get out there so that I keep exercising, stay fit and healthy through the dark and cold Melbourne winter. Hoping that maybe this will help one or two who like me struggle with motivation in the darker colder months!

1. Meet a friend: I make a commitment to meet a friend for a run. When the end of the day rolls around all I want to do is cancel but I very rarely do. I said I would meet that friend for a run and I feel bad cancelling, so I don't. Not only does making that commitment get me out there exercising but it also means I get to catch up with my friend during the week when I wouldn't get a chance to see them between work. Over the years I have managed to cultivate a few running friends! If you don't have any at the moment ask around... you would be surprised by how many people are keen to have friends to exercise with. You can go for a walk, a jog or do a class together, whatever it is, making the commitment to meet someone there helps get you there.
2. Incorporate it into the day: Exercising to or from work means that you don't have to have extra motivation after you get home or get up super early in the dark to go before you leave for work. If it becomes part of your commute it cuts down the time commitment it also has the bonus of helping the environment! In winter I try to run home once a week, I arrive home only a little bit later than I would driving, my head is clearer and my exercise is done. When I did this in London I actually saved time in my commute! It isn't the easiest running with a pack and you have to be organised but if you can make it work it really adds up. If commuting with exercise isn't your thing you could try a lunchtime walk/run or exercise class!
3. Switch it indoors: My main exercise is running - I like it, it is cheap, easy and requires simply a pair of shoes. But I know that I won't run enough in winter so I add in classes - I have just started a boxing class that I will go to once a week for the next three months, I have also been going to F45. For winter being able to exercise indoors makes it a LOT easier.

These are just some ideas I would love others if you have any please share :)

Happy winter!