Picture this: as you look outside, you notice the snowflakes continuing to fall onto the snow-coated ground. The wind rips around the buildings and you hear it howl into the night. All you can do is pray for a plow truck. 

You decide, yet again, that you should skip the gym and just snuggle up in bed and watch Netflix. Oh wait… that’s me. 

If you’re anything like me, you procrastinate literally anything. Assignments, going to the gym, making plans, etc. When the weather gets worse outside, so does your motivation. 

I’ve noticed that due to quarantine, my motivation is lacking. As winter gets worse, my motivation most days is almost nonexistent. I’m here to help you get over the crappy weather and help you with your even crappier motivation. 

My first tip is to find a hobby. I know it sounds dumb that finding a hobby will push you to go to the gym, but in a way it does. You need a break from always stressing out about the things you aren’t doing — the homework that’s due tonight at midnight, your parents nagging you to get a campus job, and of course, the most common one, not wanting to go to the gym but knowing that you should. 

You need to find something that you love to do. For me, it’s making jewelry or reading (I know I sound like a grandma, but it’s fun I promise). This will put you in a good mood. If you’re in a bad mood, the last thing you’re going to want to do is homework. A hobby to start that good mood can go a long way. 

The second is to not let the weather get the best of you. This is obviously easier said than done. Seasonal depression kicks in and all you want to do is lay in bed and watch TikTok. Trust me, we’ve all been through it. You have to find something fun about the weather in order to gain a new perspective. 

I hate winter. I hate the cold, snow, and wind. Everything about winter is just not for me. However, I found that randomly deciding to go outside with some friends or your roommate and build a snowman, climb on snow hills, or go sledding is way more fun than it seems. Sometimes it’s just fun to do things that were fun when you were little. 

When you make happy memories in the harsh weather, you replace your negative feelings with positive ones. The weather will start to hold you back less when you have happy memories associated with it. 

Lastly, I sound like my mom, but in many cases, it’s all about your mindset. If you tell yourself that going to the gym sucks and is hard, then why would you go? Instead, tell yourself that even though it will be hard, it will pay off and you will feel stronger and be healthier. 

If you tell yourself that you don’t want to do your 10-page paper because it’s long and boring, then why would you be motivated to write it. Instead, set aside 15 minutes a day the week before the due date so that it doesn’t seem as long.

Work on your mindset, and the more positive it is, you’ll find that the more motivated you are. Take a deep breath and you’ve got this. I believe in you, and you should too.