If you ever doubt humans are optimistic, talk to a New Englander in spring! As the snow melts, so does the weight of winter on our motivation to move. We feel the hope of longer days and walking outside without fear of slipping on ice. Its wonderful!!!
Now, I don’t want to be a buzz kill. I believe in optimism and do not want to squash any of it . However, I know from experience, a bit of realism this time of year can help us stay optimistic all year long.
OK… Brace your self – here comes the reality… Winter will return. Breathe…. it will be OK! Lets use this optimistic energy to ready ourselves now for next winter. As they say “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”
Chose your favorite way to take notes and jot down your thoughts:
- How does my body feels right now at the end of winter?
- How do I want it to feel?
- What was my best experience with exercising during the winter months?
- What did I learn from that experience I can use now?
- What are the challenges to exercising in the winter?
- What do I want to try next winter based upon what I know about my successes and challenges?
Take your plan and put it where you will see it in October of this year. Now you can rest easy knowing winter may be a bit easier with a plan in place.
Keep in mind, this optimism also shows up when we are setting out on a weight loss 
plan. The idea that “when I lose weight things will be easier”, can cause us to put off dealing with the true challenges to exercising regularly. Take an honest look here as well. What challenges will not go away not matter how much you weight? What can you do to build your confidence in handling them now rather than hoping they will take care of themselves when you are at your goal weight.
Ok, enough realism! Lets get back to that Spring optimism!
Keep Moving, Be Well,
Janet
Please share these posts with anyone you know interested in losing weight with or without weight loss surgery. Click here to learn more about the UMass Memorial Weight Center
These weekly blogs are general guidelines. These guidelines apply to patients who are cleared by a physician for the type of exercise described. Please contact your physician with any concerns or questions. Always report any symptoms associated with exercise, such as pain, irregular heartbeats, and dizziness or fainting, to your physician.
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