When we think of winter, we may think of the holidays, no school, or a time to spend with your family. There are tons of appealing aspects to this chilly season; here in Canada, however, they are all overshadowed by the weather. Canada is famous for its long and cold winters, and Canadians are famous for dealing with them every year! Strathmore, Chestermere, and Calgary are in for cold winters, as we are every year! In the spirit of trying our best to deal with winter, I’m going to share some of my tips for winter productivity with you!
- Drink more water. One 2011 study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that even mild dehydration caused mood changes and concentration issues in active people (especially in colder months), so drink up if you want to be happy and productive all season long!
- Clear out the clutter. One of the worthiest things you can do to be more productive is make sure your space is clean, whether at home or at work. When everything is put away with no clutter lying around, you’ll be able to breathe a little easier and you’ll maintain the much-needed motivation to get things done.
- Get enough sleep. Exploit the cozy weather to your advantage. Since winter is cold and flu season, make sure you do one of the best things to stay healthy and prevent illness—sleep!
- Eat healthily. We’re tempted to slip the most during the winter months, but this is when healthy eating matters most. If you eat many rich, sugary foods when you’re already feeling sluggish, you’ll be lucky to even answer an email. Eating healthily doesn’t mean you can’t have anything fun to eat; just make sure you’re arranging a well-balanced meal and eating foods that give you energy. Eventually, you’ll value how great you feel after consuming substantial food over the cupcake you’re giving up.
- Start earlier in the day. If you retain more energy when it’s actually light outside, that’s when you should try to get the most done. Since daylight is much more fleeting during the winter, then waking up earlier during the season will encourage you to be more productive.
- Set goals! The wintertime is ideal for focusing on new projects. Even if you’re experiencing sluggishness, set new goals and volunteer for a new assignment that excites you. Your initiative will evoke a sense of accomplishment in you and make you more productive!
If you look outside your window this winter, it’s probably just as cold and snowy as ever. Even if the weather hasn’t differed from last year, I hope these tips can be your silver lining during this chilly season, or anytime you need them.