how to stay sane in the winter

The midwest winter is real. Negative temperatures, frozen fingers & toes, no sunlight - make no mistake, I still love it here, but BRR! I think what's keeping my attitude afloat is my newbie mentality, but I know the winter blues are no joke. As a kid growing up in Pennsylvania, I'd usually start to feel the dreariness of winter set in mid-January. With those past experiences in mind, I've been thinking of ways to keep my mind content & my body happy in preparation for what will surely be a long winter.

• Keep Moving | I know. It's cold outside, the bed is so tempting - but don't give in! Schedule game nights with friends, go on dates, hit the gym. Try to say "yes" more to activities that require you to leave your house, & chase away that cabin fever!
• Visit With Sunshine | With the mornings arriving late & the nights showing up uninvited at, like, 4:30pm (what is that even), it's important to soak up the sun when you can (sunlight = vitamin D!). Recharge your batteries by taking walks on your lunch break, or at least spending them near a window. If you can't get any daylight, bump up your vitamin D intake by consuming more salmon, eggs, & of course, milk.
• Embrace Your Inner Gamer | Whether it's board games, video games, or crossword puzzles, now's the time to break 'em out. As tempting as it may be to curl up on the couch & marathon Friends re-runs, having fun & keeping your mind active will help stave away the seasonal depression. 
• Don't Forget Fido | If you're feeling the effects of cabin fever, chances are your dog is too. Since it's too cold for regular walks, schedule more frequent, shorter walks with your pup to keep her healthy (bonus: it's an excuse for you to get out of the house!).

How do you practice self-care in the colder months?

xoxo,

-m.e.

P.S. Don't let the few hours of sunlight get away from you! Why you should be waking up earlier.