In our part of the world, January is the coldest and darkest month of the year. Naturally, during this season people struggle with keeping up their motivation levels. While taking a sun vacation is a nice break, it is best to think about long-term, sustainable solutions that help you kick winter in the teeth!

Here are a few ways that we are defeating January this year in the Parkman household:

• Bundling up and getting outside for a walk
• Devoting time to thankfulness journalling
• Maintaining a work out schedule (if you struggle in this area like me, make sure you use the buddy system!)
• Reading the Bible and other uplifting books
• Staying focused on larger goals and staying on daily steps towards these goals whether the emotional kick is there or not
• Taking a break from TV and enjoying a family game
• Anticipating exciting trips/events/milestones in the next year
• Enjoying a home-cooked meal with friends
• Cutting yourself some slack and recognizing that some seasons in life are tougher than others
• Casting anxieties and burdens on God as they come to mind
• Taking Vitamin D supplements
• Listening to motivation-boosting podcasts

Do not let January defeat you!!

*Please comment below with ways that you defeat January!*

Photo credit: ontourwithben viaFoter.com / CC BY-ND