Unusual Strategies to Stay Motivated in Winter
Winter is a vibe–and not always a good one. It’s dark by five in the evening, your energy’s in hibernation mode, and, being honest, sweatpants have become your new uniform.
Motivation? Yeah, that froze a long time ago.
The secret to motivation isn’t trying harder. It’s thinking differently. Here are some unusual strategies to stay motivated this winter and get what you want to get done finally.
Table of Contents
1. Create a Dopamine Menu
Made famous by TikTok and IG enthusiasts, a dopamine menu is essentially a list of small, satisfying activities that you can pick from whenever you feel unmotivated or stuck.
It’s popular for a reason–it gives your brain a quick hit of feel-good chemicals without relying on endless scrolling or unhealthy habits.
Make your menu personal. Think of 10-15 small actions that bring you joy or a sense of accomplishment. Examples could include lighting a scented candle, making a hot drink, dancing to your favorite song, doing a 5-minute tidy-up, or stepping outside for some fresh air. The key is low effort and instantly gratifying.
When you’re feeling stuck or sluggish, pick one item from the menu. The mental reset from the small reward can be just enough to tackle bigger tasks.
2. Embrace Reverse Psychology With “Anti-goals”
Instead of writing down what you want to achieve, write down what you don’t want to become.
For example, “I don’t want to feel sluggish all day,” or “I don’t want to regret wasting my time.” It sounds negative, but it works by triggering your brain’s avoidance instincts.
Humans are wired to run from pain, so framing your day this way can push you toward action. It’s a weird mind trick, but you’ll find yourself more driven to stick to good habits.
3. Take Ice-Cold Showers to Heat Things Up
This might sound like torture in winter, but hear me out. A blast of cold water shocks your system awake, boosting your circulation and spiking your adrenaline. It’s like a jolt of pure energy—no caffeine required.
Plus, enduring the discomfort builds mental toughness, making everything else in your day feel easier by comparison. Start with just 10 seconds at the end of your shower and work your way up. It’s brutal but surprisingly effective.
4. Create a “Procrastination Playlist”
Most people make playlists to pump them up, but a procrastination playlist works differently. Fill it with songs so absurdly fun, nostalgic, or ridiculous that you can’t help but laugh or sing along.
Think ‘90s boy bands, theme songs from your childhood, or guilty pleasure pop hits. The goal isn’t to focus—it’s shaking off that stuck, sluggish feeling. Once your mood lifts, you’ll naturally feel more inclined to tackle your tasks.
5. Work in Absurdly Short Bursts
Forget the usual “work for 25 minutes” advice. Instead, set a timer for five minutes and see how much you can accomplish in that time.
The absurdity of the short burst makes it feel like a game instead of work. Most of the time, you’ll find that starting is the hardest part, and once you’re in the groove, you’ll keep going well past the timer. It’s sneaky, but it’s one of the fastest ways to break out of winter procrastination.
6. Turn Chores Into an Adventure
Pretend your errands or chores are part of a secret mission. You’re not cleaning your house–you’re preparing a fortress for an imaginary invasion. You’re not grocery shopping–you’re scavenging supplies for a winter survival kit.
It sounds ridiculous, but turning mundane tasks into a story makes them engaging and fun. Plus, a little creativity can turn a boring day into something you’ll actually laugh about later. Maybe now is the time to start a vlog.
7. Change Your Lighting to “Vacation Mode”
Replace your usual overhead lights with warm-toned bulbs or even string lights. Better yet, use a daylight lamp to mimic sunshine.
The right lighting can trick your brain into feeling like you’re somewhere warm and sunny instead of stuck in the dead of winter. Bonus points if you pair it with tropical music.
8. Bet on Yourself—Literally
Put money on your ability to stick to a goal, but make the stakes uncomfortable. Apps like Waybetter let you put a little money on the line. It’s unconventional, but it works because nobody likes losing.
You can try it for just about any goal you set–weight loss, healthy eating, reading more, staying hydrated, getting steps in, meditation, and so much more. The idea of losing money, especially in a way that stings, is a powerful motivator.
9. Rearrange Your Space—Frequently
Sometimes, your motivation dies because your environment feels stale. Rearrange your furniture, set up a new workspace, or even swap out your wall art.
The physical act of changing your space creates a sense of novelty that can reignite your creativity and drive. I love this one.
10. Reward Yourself With a “Winter Escape Hour”
Instead of grinding all day and burning out, reward yourself with one hour each week (or day if you have the time) to do something indulgent that feels like an escape.
Watch travel vlogs from tropical destinations, play a VR game, or take a hot bath with a beachy scent.
This ritual gives you something to look forward to and reminds you that winter doesn’t have to be all gloom and grind. You’re more likely to stay motivated when you give yourself permission to enjoy the season in your way.
11. Start a Future You Journal
Instead of a regular journal, write letters to your future self. Picture the person you want to be in a month, six months, or a year, and write notes of encouragement, reminders, or updates about your progress.
This creates a sense of accountability and excitement to see how your story unfolds. It’s like building a relationship with your future self, and every time you revisit the journal, you’ll feel more connected to your goals.
12. Try the 10-Minute Curiosity Rule
Instead of forcing yourself to tackle a big task head-on, commit to being curious about it for just 10 minutes.
For example, if you’re avoiding decluttering, spend 10 minutes “exploring” one drawer. If you’re dreading exercise, research a new workout technique.
By framing it as curiosity rather than obligation, you’ll often find yourself naturally drawn into the activity, and before you know it, you’re motivated to continue.
13. Create a Comfort Productivity Corner
Designate a cozy, inviting space in your home where productivity feels like self-care. Think of soft blankets, warm lighting, and maybe even a small heater or foot warmer.
Having a physical space that feels comforting yet intentional can make it easier to focus on tasks during the cold, dreary months. And the bonus–you’ll actually look forward to spending time there.
14. Use a Streak Tracker With a Twist
Instead of tracking big goals like “working out daily,” track tiny, unconventional habits, like drinking a glass of water, reading one page of a book, or organizing one item.
The twist? Make it a competition with yourself—set a record for how many days in a row you can maintain the streak.
The satisfaction of seeing your streak grow is addictive and keeps you motivated to continue.
15. Make a Winter Vision Board
So you’re already not being productive. Why not do something with that time?
Most people think of vision boards for long-term goals, but try making one just for winter. Focus on cozy, achievable aspirations: sipping hot cocoa by the fire, completing a puzzle, trying a new soup recipe, or reading a book while wrapped in a blanket.
A visual reminder of seasonal joys can motivate you to embrace the best parts of winter instead of dreading it.
16. Use Novelty Time Blocks
Split your day into quirky, themed time blocks to make tasks feel more playful.
For example, designate Power Hour for intense focus, Cozy Hour for reading or journaling, and Wild Card Hour, where you let yourself do whatever you feel like. The variety and structure add excitement to your routine, making even mundane days feel dynamic.
Theresa Bedford is a minimal-ish advocate, storyteller, and wellness enthusiast who believes that simplicity is the key to wellness and a more intentional, fulfilling life. After realizing she was spending too much time searching for things—both physically and mentally—she embraced minimalism, not as a rigid rule, but as a way to create space for what truly matters.