When winter arrives, the shorter and colder days can cause many people to feel unmotivated. The “Winter Blues” slump makes it harder to stay active and to stick to routines, including martial arts training. As it’s tempting to stay cozy at home than attend class, showing up anyways is one of the best ways to fight those feelings.
At Choe’s HapKiDo, each class provides an opportunity to break through all kinds of funks, including winter funk. Braving the cold to come to class will make you stronger and help you stay on track with your goals. If anything, sticking to your training matters, and there’s great ways to combat the challenges winter brings.
Why Do People Skip Class During Winter?
1. The Winter Blues
The winter blues are a common reason many people struggle to stay active. The lack of sunlight and cold temperatures can leave you feeling sluggish, unmotivated, and depressed. To break out of this mood, get some physical activity in, and get out of the house. If it’s too cold, make effort to walk indoors, make it to HapKiDo classes, or go walk your dog. Overall, skipping class or staying home can actually make your mood worse. On the other hand, staying active and engaged with your community is one of the best ways to combat the winter blues.
2. Lack of Energy
Winter often drains people of their usual energy levels, making it harder to muster up the motivation to leave the house. After a long day at work or school, the thought of bundling up and heading to class may feel overwhelming. However, staying inactive only feeds this cycle of low energy.
If energy levels are low, there are ways to give yourself a boost. Start with proper nutrition—snacking on something light but energizing, like a banana, nuts, or whole-grain toast, can provide the fuel you need before class. Staying hydrated is also key, as dehydration often leads to fatigue. Additionally, meditation or deep breathing exercises are another powerful way to increase your energy. Just five minutes of focusing on your breath can clear mental fog and help you feel refreshed.
Finally, remember that the hardest part is often showing up—once you’re in class, the warm-up and engaging atmosphere will naturally elevate your energy levels. The structured environment and camaraderie in HapKiDo can help push past any lingering sluggishness and leave you feeling more awake and motivated. On days when you’re low on energy, start small—getting to class is often the hardest part, and the rest will fall into place once you’re there.
3. Busy Schedules
The holiday season and end-of-year commitments often leave people juggling full schedules. Between work, family obligations, and holiday preparations, it’s easy to let martial arts class slide to the bottom of your priority list. But skipping class might mean missing out on crucial time to recharge and de-stress. Taking just one hour for yourself in class can actually help you handle your busy schedule better by reducing stress and improving focus. Even if your schedule is packed, consider blocking off your class time like an important appointment—it’s an investment in your well-being that pays off in every area of your life.
Why You Should Go to Class Anyway
1. Combat the Winter Blues
Martial arts training is one of the best ways to fight feelings of sluggishness and sadness brought on by the season. For example, working through a dynamic kicking drill gets your body moving and helps release endorphins, which naturally boost your mood. Even the excitement of practicing a self-defense technique with a partner can shift your focus and re-energize your day.
2. Maintain Your Momentum
Skipping classes in the winter can disrupt the progress you’ve worked so hard to achieve since January. Consistency is key to martial arts, and each class keeps you on track toward earning your next belt, improving your techniques, and reaching your personal goals. For instance, breaking a board after weeks of practicing your strike or improving in several techniques serve as a tangible reminder of your progress—and it’s something you’d miss out on if you skipped class. Talk to your instructor, and together, create a martial arts goal that you will smash in 30 days or less!
3. Stay Connected to Your Community
Martial arts isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s also about the relationships you build along the way. Especially when overcoming the winter blues, surrounding yourself with peers and instructors can be a game changer. Sharing laughs during a sparring drill or getting cheered on by your classmates when you flop or achieve a technique helps you feel connected and supported, even on tough days.
Overcoming the Winter Blues: Practical Tips
1. Set a Pre-Class Ritual
Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting out the door. A pre-class ritual, like drinking a cup of coffee, listening to a favorite playlist, or packing your gear in advance, can help shift your mindset into “training mode.”
2. Remember the Why
On days when motivation is low, overcoming the winter blues can be achieved through reflection. Remind yourself why you started martial arts in the first place. Reflect on the progress you’ve made, the skills you’ve gained, and the confidence you’ve built. Visualizing how good you’ll feel after class can push you to show up.
3. Lean on Accountability
Talk to a fellow student or instructor about your commitment to attending class. Knowing someone is expecting to see you there can give you an extra nudge to follow through, even when the winter blues are hitting hard.
4. Reward Yourself
Create small rewards for making it to class on tougher days. Treat yourself to a hot drink or relax with your favorite movie afterward. Celebrating your effort builds positive reinforcement.
5. Focus on Fun
Instead of focusing on how much effort it takes to go, think about the exciting parts of class: mastering a new technique, sparring with friends, or even the satisfying sound of breaking a board. These moments make the challenge worthwhile.
Come to class anyways!
At Choe’s HapKiDo, every class is a chance to reconnect with your goals, improve your well-being, and overcome the winter blues. While the temptation to skip a class may be strong, the benefits of showing up far outweigh the comfort of staying home. Remember, martial arts is not just about physical skill—it’s a practice of resilience, discipline, and self-care.
So, bundle up, pack your uniform, and head to the dojang. Each step you take toward your training is another step toward overcoming the winter blues and staying your best self, all season long.
Check out our locations page to find a school near you and schedule a trial class today! www.TryKarateClasses.com/karate-locations/. Also follow Choe’s HapKiDo on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choeshapkidomartialarts !