At this time of year, it’s all too easy to stay in bed a little longer, spend longer snuggled up in front of the TV and generally remain warm, cosy and still inside, isn’t it? When we’re leaving for work and the school run when it’s dark and then returning in the dark, even getting motivated to exercise inside at home can be a struggle. 

This lack of motivation can affect the whole family, from the kids who spent the summer outside on their bikes to the adults who are normally more energetic throughout the day. If we were already struggling, the winter can make things worse. 

The long, dark nights and the dreary days are perhaps the biggest dampener to our get up and go. So here’s our tips on keeping everyone motivated and active until next spring…

• If lockdown taught us anything, it was the power of spending time outside in nature. Going for a family walk, no matter the weather encourages us all to appreciate what surrounds us. Whether we’re in an urban jungle or the countryside, there’s nature to encounter. Look around you as you walk and make a point of looking both down and up. Hedgerows and grass verges are teeming with life and higher up you’ll spot Mother Nature weaving her way through the tree tops, in guttering or perched on rooftops. Being outside helps improve our mood too, as endorphins, or feel good chemicals are released. So wrap up and make it fun! 
• Talking of being outside, have you got some bikes in the garage? If so, a family bike ride is just as much fun (just practice safety on the roads) and you can go much further afield. You may even discover new and exciting places such as ponds and streams that you didn’t know were near you. Pack a flask of hot drinks and some healthy snacks (these Homemade Muesli Bars are ideal) to keep you all going. Or have a winter picnic! 
• As much as going outside is fun, exercising indoors can be just as much fun - if you have room for all of you to jump arounf. Many of the OYG plan exercises can be carried out by older kids too. So put on your latest workout and all join in together and see who can get the most out of breath. 
• Sitting down and watching the TV is a lovely family pastime, but if that’s all we’re doing, then it isn’t the healthiest way to be. Set a timer and every hour make everyone stand up and perform three sets of 20 star jumps. It’ll get you all giggling, we promise! 
• Something else that’ll get you all giggling for sure, is dancing. So channel your inner Strictly star and create some family dance routines. Doing something fun is bound to help boost motivation, so the sillier, the better. 

Our motivation often needs an extra push during the winter months – keeping things fun and upbeat will almost certainly help. You’ve got this!