This time of year can be brutal. I forget that until it finally rolls back in. It’s dark, cold, and damp. I feel like I’m ready for bed at 4 pm, and I get sick of coffee because I drink too much of the beauteous brown nectar. But then there are days when the fog and drizzle feel like a hug, rainy walks are incredibly soothing, and I get a killer workout in because sweating is the one thing that keeps me awake and motivated.
Yes. It’s the start of an interesting time of year.
But instead of dreading it, I try to embrace it and focus on things that help, or I can only do when daylight and sunshine seem to have gone into hiding.
So I figured I’d pass those along. Here we go.
• Start or stick to a new workout program. I switch it up and usually get weights in 4-5 times a week, usually in the afternoon to help me stay awake. Plus it’s super rewarding to see how jacked my arms have gotten when I get my tan back can finally wear a tank top again in July.
• Sauna. ‘Tis the season to sweat a lot. And I look forward to it so much because I am always super cold.
• Try new recipies, adn cook a ton – I got Dennis Prescott’s new book, Cook with confidence, And I am trying a new recipe each week. Especially the pasta dishes. Healthy food, new flavors, and it makes the house smell good when you’re stuck in it. Yum.
• Night time dog walks. These are some of my favorite walks – quiet, Christmas lights are up, and usually it’s a soft mist at night. And there are hardly any other dogs out so Kili doesn’t freak out that much.
• Get crafty – As much as it’s easy to want to sit on the couch and binge watch shows, it feels good to do something away from a screen that’s tangible. Paint, repurpose thrift finds, sharpie shells, heck bust our the floss and make some friendship bracelets. Bonus points if you crank up some good tunes while you’re at it.
• Sidenote: music helps so much. Good tunes are on alllllllll the time.
• Hydrate and simplify. Drink lots of green tea, slather on the vitamin E, do what you gotta do to keep your skin from going bonkers (which is what my skin does. or it totally did last year. I’ve got my skincare super dialed in right now so I”m hoping it will all work out.)
• Still get outside for runs, hikes and swims. Ok, the pool down the street is super warm this time of year, and it’s outside so it feels like I’m in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland or something. Hikes are less busy but still breathtaking, and a quick rainy (or snowy) run does more for my seasonal depression than anything.
• Get excited about the clothes and cuddly cozy stuff. Especially at thrift shops this time of year. So many cozy scarves, wool coats, vintage sweaters and boots are out there waiting to be scooped up. There are some amazing gems on the sweater racks at Goodwill right now. Trust me.
• I’d say read, but it puts me to sleep. sorry. If that’s not the case for you, scoop up some good books, baby.
I think that’s it for now. I guess if I was being thorough I’d say make sure to take Vitamin D supplements and if the sun does in fact pop out, stop everything and stand in it like a crazy person for however long you can. But To sum it all up, you just gotta get up, take care of your body, find motivation, and get outside to make the most of each day. Even when the days tend to feel like they blend in with the night.
We got this. Ready, set, embrace each season.
Made the collage in Shuffles, Such a fun app. I know I said get away from screens but making those collages is super soothing, too.