It's important to stay active even when New Year's resolutions fade: Experts

According to experts, motivation for many New Year's resolutions begins to wane in mid-February. While the unseasonably warm but humid month may make it difficult for some to get outside and exercise, the importance of being active never goes away.

“Every month January sets certain New Year's resolutions or certain goals for the year are a little misleading because you're setting yourself up for failure. If I set all these goals now and if they're not met, I won't do any of them. But what about the other 11 months of the year?” asked clinical psychologist Dr. Jay Greenfeld.

“The pace of New Year's resolutions starts to slow down in February. At the end, people start to completely screw up the plan and say, I didn't hit my goals in January, so I don't need to continue.”

Greenfeld says Winnipeg's unusual weather can affect people's mood and willingness to exercise, but it does so in a different way than in early winter.

“We've had it for a few months now and it's very difficult to get out of it, so people get a bit sullen or a bit upset because it's misleading. It's raining out there and it's nice to be outside because it's not freezing, but it's wet,” Dr. Greenfeld said.

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“It changes, here I can't do anything, so I don't do anything. Therefore, this extreme way of thinking often paralyzes people physically and mentally.

“We cannot change our situation except our attitude towards them. That's what makes a difference. So dress appropriately if it rains a lot. If it's too cold, dress warmly. If there's something you don't want to do outside, consider other options that you can do indoors.

“I look at it as a challenge,” said Ashley Gulakov, a content creator from Winnipeg. “The day is cold. Dress for the weather. You always feel good, especially when you are outdoors when the weather is not good. And then you always feel like you did something, maybe you didn't want to, but you feel better afterwards.

“I think it's really important to find ways to move your body that you enjoy. Going out is good for my mental health. I always feel better afterwards. You get some sunshine – not really today, but – the fresh air is good for you, too.

“I feel relieved. I am more patient with my children. I feel like I have more energy and my mental health is always stronger afterwards.”

Gulakov is self-employed and works from home, so he has to prioritize going out or finding other ways to get around.

“Dress for the weather. We live in Winnipeg and it's not always clear what's going to happen. Try to find a way that works for you so that you can look forward to each day so that you don't feel unmotivated when you think about doing this exercise,” she said.

“I invested in a treadmill last year. We have it in our basement. I throw a show on my phone and just start walking. Or there are YouTube videos you can do that are free, or many local companies now offer exercise programs online.

Gulakov, who last month worked with the nonprofit ParticiPACTION to inspire people to get active, says he's seen a lot of people post their New Year's goals on social media — noticing frustration when results don't come quickly or when people get bored of the same thing. exercise routine. She says New Year's resolutions are voluntary – goals can be set at any time.

“It's never too late to start over. Just start over. Every day can be your day or something for a day. I always look at it like every day is a new beginning. Maybe your goals weren't met yesterday, but you can always start today and keep it fresh,” he said.

“If setting goals is difficult, start with the week,” Dr. Greenfield adds, “Don't worry about the month, don't worry about the calendar. So tell me, between today Monday and Friday, I want to do the following twice this week, and then we'll go from there. The calendar doesn't really matter.“

“Stick to it, don't let the calendar dictate when you do or don't do this thing. Of course, don't let the weather get in the way, because there are plenty of opportunities to get active, stay active, and reap these benefits.”

According to Greenfeld, even if you have to be creative, there's always a way to be proactive.

“If you give a reason like that, I can't do it because it's outdoors, so what can I do indoors?” It doesn't have to be something you do every week, and it doesn't have to be something you do every day, but start making a list so you at least have options. Because you can't change the situation again. We don't know how much snow will fall,” he said.

“We don't know if it will snow. It really doesn't matter. How do we change our perspective so that we can control the situation, no matter what our path? You can't go out, what can you do inside. If you can't go for 2 hours, what are you going to do in 45 minutes? If you can't go with 2-3 friends, what can you do by yourself?”

Greenfeld says people can help motivate each other by leading by example and encourages others to do what they can before the warmer weather arrives.

“Be an example to the people around you. If you are a parent, set an example for your children. If you are children, set an example for your friends. Lead by example, because other people aspire to it, and when they say something, that's good for you – I can't do it. Use that as an opening and say yes, you might not be able to do it, but try it with me,” Dr. Greenfled said.

“There are really no real, legal barriers to starting and doing exercise. They are obstacles of our own making. As you begin to assess the obstacles you have placed on yourself, write them down and highlight them.

“These are resilience skills that you can persevere with no matter what your circumstances are.”