As the winter solstice approaches, the days become colder, darkness sets in earlier, and for some, the blues set in.
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If you’ve lost the motivation to rise early and exercise, you’re not alone according to Nowra-based personal trainer Tracey Peacock.
The women she trains tend not to cancel appointments, but she has noticed that during winter, they are far less likely to commit to training in the first place.
“It’s definitely harder to motivate people in winter,” Mrs Peacock said.
“It’s darker earlier and it gets cold, people would just rather go and snuggle at home after work, or stay in their beds in the morning.”
A lazy day can quite easily snowball into a week off, and Mrs Peacock said she often has a wave of clients committing again when spring comes around.
But, after witnessing women from all walks of life enjoy the mental health benefits of regular exercise, she has urged local residents to keep active through winter and fend off the blues.
“One lady has lost over 30kg, she’s positive, always there, and came on this complete journey that transformed her life,” she said.
“We have a couple of people who suffer from depression, and when they’re feeling down it’s hard to get along, but they know that when they want to talk, we’re here for them.
“There are girls in difficult jobs, in social work and psychology, who take on a lot from work. If they go home and stew on it, that affects their sleep and their mental health, if they exercise, they can go home, talk to their partners and kids, and be them at home.
“We have a person with a background of alcohol and drug abuse, who has found exercise as a way to get away from that, to find a new set of positive-minded people.”
By forming healthy habits, her client has kicked the not-so healthy habits.
Knowing the challenge winter presents, she provides incentives to encourage her clients to stay active through the cooler months.
“We’re doing a 40-day challenge,” she said
“Every day they attend a class, they get a stamp, if it’s wet and miserable, they get two stamps, and the people with the most stamps will win prizes donated by local businesses.”
Recognising exercise classes aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, she said there are plenty of scenic walks worth doing, like the Gerringong to Kiama.
Seasonal affective disorder occurs in climates where there is less sunlight at certain times of the year.
To stave off seasonal affective disorder, Nowra general practitioner Richard Griffiths recommends 30 minutes of sunlight on the forearms each day.
For more serious mental health concerns, visit your general practitioner or call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
