Do you also feel like sleeping all day in cold weather? The silence, the darkness before dinner and those cold nights in winter almost convince you to stay in bed all day and do nothing. But winter doesn’t have to be the season where your productivity freezes.
Here are some simple ways to make your brain productive in the winter season
Get a winter mindset
While most people see winter as a season to slow down, you can choose to see it as your season of discipline. Instead of fighting the cold, embrace it. When the world is hiding under blankets this time of year, tell your brain: this is my monk season.
Romanticize your winter
If it’s difficult to get out of bed in cold weather, you need to romanticize your surroundings. Light a candle, make a mug of chai or hot chocolate and get started, focus and complete your goals. By making your environment aesthetic, you trick your brain to improve mood, reduce stress and increase motivation.
Hot start rule
An uncomfortable temperature distracts you and makes it harder to concentrate. Keeping yourself warm in a cold environment (even if it is by standing in the sun for a while or using a heater) can increase productivity and help you concentrate even better. A warm environment tells your nervous system that it is safe. Once your body has calmed down, your brain will follow.
Get your body moving
Exercise increases dopamine and energy — two things that winter can steal. You don’t necessarily need a full workout, but a 5-minute stretch and a quick walk are enough to let your brain know we’re awake and ready.
Organize and declutter your space
One of the most effective ways to stay productive is to stay organized. Cluttered spaces contribute to a cluttered mind, making you lazy, demotivated and less productive. That’s why a five-minute declutter can help your mind feel in control, increasing clarity. Clean your desk, rearrange a corner or create a small winter workplace.
Build a winter-specific routine
Your summer habits might not work in December, which is why you need a seasonal routine. When the nights are long and the days are short, your personal routine helps you stay productive. Your personalized winter-specific system includes active mode, deep work mode and a charging mode.
Protect your energy
Energy is valuable in winter. You don’t have to give it to everyone. Multitasking less, setting small boundaries – especially with people who drain you, will help you protect your energy. When your energy isn’t scattered, your productivity becomes sharper and more focused.
Stay hydrated
While an ice-cold glass of water is satisfying on summer days, in winter it’s probably the last thing you crave. In winter we forget to drink water and dehydration leads to brain fog. Your brain works 10x better when it’s hydrated.
Create micro-prisons
Your brain likes to check things off the list. Therefore, instead of one big task, divide it into small victories. Every small victory releases dopamine, making your brain want more.
Be existed, not perfect
In winter you don’t need perfect work or rigid routines. Instead, aim for gentle consistency with small daily actions. Even 1% of progress per day becomes a fantastic achievement by the end of the season.
With lazy mornings and early bedtimes in winter, productivity isn’t about working harder, it’s about working in the rhythm of the season. So don’t wait for motivation this winter, but trick your brain into it.
