For those of us in the Northeastern US, our winter weather has been anything but balanced. We’ve experienced record lows, highs and a freak blizzard in mid-March. Two weekends ago, we were enjoying sitting out on our patio, today, that patio is covered in snow and ice.
What’s a girl to do? Take extra special care of herself! Here’s how:
Sleep more – it’s like hitting the reset button on your mental, emotional and physical being. Go to bed a little earlier, wake up a little later. That extra time may be just what you need to recharge.
Savor your favorite warm beverage – be it hot chocolate, tea, coffee or even broth. Take a moment to inhale the aroma. Serve it in your favorite cup or mug. Make an event out of it.
Get outside – Yes. I mean it. Even if it’s just from your house into your car and back again at the end of the day. Fresh air is good for the soul. Even the frigid kind! If the sun is out, you get the added bonus of some Vitamin D.
Speaking of Vitamin D - We need more of it in the winter months because our exposure to the sunlight is often limited. Healthy Vitamin D levels are critical for our bone, brain and heart health. Add this supplement to your winter regimen!
Exercise – You may not feel like it because it feels better to snuggle in your footie pjs but exercise can not only warm your body temperature so you don’t always feel cold, it’s a mood booster as well. If you are feeling lethargic, go for a yoga class or something else low impact. Don’t like the gym? Shake it up at home with FREE challenging workouts offered by programs like FitnessBlender.com.
Hydrate – If you are anything like me, you tend to drink less water in cold temps because it makes us feel colder. It’s important to hydrate year round so keep up with your H2O! I’ve learned to keep a pitcher of filtered water on my counter as opposed to my fridge. It’s visible so it serves as a reminder to drink up and it’s kept at room temperature so it doesn’t leave me shivering.
Connect – It’s so easy to become a hermit. Instead, invite friends over for that snow day. Or put your devices down and play a board game with your family.
Help Others – I think we can all agree that shoveling sucks. Especially, when it’s the wet, heavy, icy kind of snow we had to deal with yesterday. Thankfully, I had loads of help with clearing out my car, driveway and walk yesterday. In turn, I cooked and baked and shared those goodies with those that helped me. Helping others warms everybody’s hearts!
Speaking of helping others, you can help us right now! Please share your tips on staying balanced this winter in our comments section below. Our herd would really appreciate it and we’d love to hear from you!