How to Convince Yourself to Take a Walk on a Cold Day

Taking a brisk walk is good exercise; just ask any physical fitness expert or medical professional. You may have all sorts of good intentions for improving your health (physical and mental) with a walk today; I know I do. But then, you look out the window, the wind is blowing and/or you look at the thermometer and its pretty chilly out there. What do you do? Change your mind, stay inside where it is warm and do some sedentary inside activity? Or you can read below for tips on convincing yourself to take that walk on a cold day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Arrange your walk for the warmest time of the day, which is usually mid-afternoon when the sun is at its highest.
2. Take your walk when the sun is shining. The sun is good for you, providing extra warmth on your walk.
3. Dress in layers, including a hat, scarf, and gloves. As you walk you can remove the layers as your body warms with exercise. Wrapping a scarf around your face when the wind is blowing really helps to keep you comfortable.
4. If it's really cold, wear an extra pair of pants, leggings, or tights on your legs. Many times not dressing your lower body appropriately keeps your legs cold on winter walks, which makes you miserable and less likely to want to walk again.
5. Start with a short walk-like "testing the waters." Tell yourself that if it is too cold you can come back quickly. Getting out the door is half the battle. Once you are outside and exercising you may choose to keep going.
6. Look in a mirror. Ask yourself if that walk is really necessary. The answer is probably yes. This is all the motivation you will need to brave the cold.
7. Find a walking buddy. It is much harder to convince yourself and another person not to take a walk than just yourself. Walking buddies are a good support system.
8. Finally, remember how good the last walk felt when you came back inside. Don't let a little wind or cold weather stop you from taking a brisk walk.

Tips & Warnings

• Be cautious of icy patches on sidewalks and roads.