Staying Motivated During Winter

Contrary to common belief, motivation is not a permanent thing. Instead, it comes and goes, it waivers and oscillates, its force dependent on a vast array of often unidentified factors. The most well-meaning intentions can be derailed by a temporary lapse of motivation: diets undone by the offer of dessert, Sober-October cut short for a work-do. Our yoga practice, too, is susceptible to such motivational caprice, flailing in the emotionally inconsistent winds.

The transition to the colder months holds with it the promise of Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, Halloween confectionary lining supermarket shelves, and - frequently- a growing despondency to visit the yoga studio. Faced with hours without daylight and a swift drop in temperature, the allure of the studio wanes, abandoned for the warm nest of cushions and blankets so carefully constructed upon the sofa. Yet, while watching countless episodes of​ Schitts Creek​ may be tempting, keeping up a regular yoga practice will be far more beneficial...trust us.

Every winter we are reminded of the particular phrase: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing”.

This saying, frustrating as it is to be told bare-armed, shivering in the cold, holds some truth. When the weather turns, the right yoga-wear can make a world of difference, the difference being trembling uncontrollably in savasana or blissful relaxation in the final pose. Thursday night’s Hatha class suddenly becomes more inviting when dressed in a cozy ​soft jumper​, and heading out in the cold doesn’t seem quite so bad when wearing a stylish, comfortable ​cardigan​. After all, there is nothing quite like covering yourself in a ​warm wool blanket ​to begin your practice.

Much like a dog in-training, guided into good behavior by a promised-treat, you might appreciate incentives to keep your my weekly yoga classes. Purchasing a monthly yoga subscription or class pack instils a sense of accountability when it comes to your weekly vinyasa class. When the journey to the studio seems unbearable, the thought of disappointing the teacher, or losing out financially, is more often than not reason enough to head outdoors. And, if you do take a class when you least want to, why not reward yourself with a delicious treat on the way home?

Of course, keeping motivated is much easier when carrying out classes you enjoy with teachers that inspire you. It seems simple enough in practice, and yet all too often we find ourselves half-heartedly participating in classes we feel we “should” attend, rather than those we “want” to. We strive through the discomfort, thinking that perseverance will ultimately result in genuine commitment. Unfortunately not. Longevity comes with finding a yoga style that truly fulfills and lifts you, leaving you eager, not depleted, for the next class.