As we move into the days of late winter, the nights are overwhelmingly long. If you’re anything like me, I frequently look outside and all I long to do is sleep. Last night my motivation was looking at the window and longing for my bed at 7:30, thinking it was far later than the actual time. With shrouding darkness at 4:00 due to surrounding snow-capped mountains, it’s easy to feel pushed and feeling that more should be done. (This means in our world all shoots must be completed by 3pm.) How do we stay motivated and stay awake with the surrounding darkness?

Keep reading for our 5 Ways to Stay Motivated!

1.  Replace coffee with another experience of warmth for a boost.

While it’s all too tempting to grab a second cup of joe during the afternoon slump or while preparing dinner for the night, make a point to grab a cup of tea or warm water. If carbonation is your thing, pick up a sparkling water. (Our favorite is the cranberry orange liter bottles from Trader Joe’s.)

2. Skip a nap and head to the gym.

Believe or not, your body might be feeling tired because it’s been somewhat sedentary during the day. If you’re like me, a desk job keeps you to a desk for majority of the day. Prep ahead, by packing a gym bag, and head to the gym right after work. We love doing this! Another option is scheduling time to go to the gym when you find you’re entering your afternoon slump or choosing to gym during your lunch break.

3. Shut off Netflix and choose another option.

By simply choosing to shut off Netflix and pour into your hobbies, you’ll be amazed at the time that is freed up. Pursue creativity, enjoy a good book, and find fresh forms of inspiration. (Find 10 Things to Do Tonight Other than Watching Netflix post here.) Discover the beauty of cooking a new recipe at home for yourself, going for a walk in the rain, and pairing together fresh looks in your closet. Do a bit of spring and deep cleaning, get organized, or refresh your space. Dive into your reading list. Spend your time with purpose and meaning rather than a Netflix binge.

4. Know your goals.

Don’t take on projects and work solely for the sake of being busy. Take on projects that have life, bring a bit of joy to your world, and move you forward. Whether this is a side hustle, moments to find creative freedom, or just going after wellness, get specific, measurable and have check-in points, either weekly or monthly for moments of accountability. (Find previous posts on Intentionality, Crushing Goals, and Dreaming Again here.)

5. Have a tending list or bullet journal.

Where do you have long-term goals set before you? With a simple bullet system or paper planner, find a way to have goals and ideas of what you’re currently working on. This helps me develop true priorities and a knowing of what I need to respond to in a given time. There are loads of articles on bullet journaling and it isn’t something I’ve completely adopted yet. (I’m not one to take the time to make a journal quite so quite and deliberate; however, this sweet episode by Refinery29, shows you great first steps to get started.)

How are you staying motivated during the long gray days of winter? Let us know!