Quoted: Winter Motivation

We gathered real-life strategies from our community on how they stay motivated through the darker winter months.

These small mindset shifts and habits show how intention, light, movement, and routine can make winter feel more energizing and even comforting.

Break it into baby steps

“With less light, I’m less and less motivated. Instead of telling myself ‘wake up and workout,’ it’s ‘wake up and stretch next to the bed,’ and then I’m out of bed and more likely to keep the momentum.” — Catherine

Use winter as a reset

“I love using winter as a ‘reset.’ I use it to get back into a stricter routine, find healthy comfort food recipes, and romanticise winter: cosy nights in, early to bed, starry walks, and trying new teas.” — Katy

Move to wake up

 “Working out wakes me up in a good way, and I always feel better afterward. Knowing that I’ll feel energized rather than lethargic if I get a little movement in motivates me.” — Sarah

Do it early, feel it all day

“If it’s a workout day, I have to do it in the morning. I’m always glad to get it out of the way and have the post-workout high for the rest of the day.” — Ruth

Make activity part of life

“Having a winter sport I’m addicted to means I never have to force myself to be active. My overall strategy is to build activity into my lifestyle so it isn’t something I have to force myself to do.” — Ginger

Stay socially connected

“Finding ways to stay social when motivation is lower: dinner parties, game nights, book clubs.” — Frank

Surround yourself with light

“Light is essential for me in the darker months of year. I get out midday as much as I can. But also, after dark in winter months, I keep lots of candles around. Candles always keep me happier.” — Justin

Treat evenings with intention

“I treat my winter evenings like weekends, making time for exercise, seeing friends, or even a quick grocery shop so I don’t cram everything into the weekend.” — Anisha

Across our community, a few clear motivators come up again and again: getting movement done earlier in the day, breaking habits into smaller, more approachable steps, seeking out light where possible, and intentionally protecting time for connection and routine.

Instead of relying on motivation alone, many people lean on structure, environment, and simple reminders of how they’ll feel when they follow through.

Looking for even more ways to turn these ideas into action? Read our practical tips below to help you build supportive habits during the colder months.