Keeping My Head Above Snow!

Our Winter Wonderland

It is February (bom, bom bom)! The magic of the holidays has worn off and the excitement of the first snow has passed.  It is cold, very cold.  You have a hard time wanting to crawl out of the warmth of your bed and find yourself craving your favorite comfort foods.  You are feeling cooped up and all this while trying to achieve your New Years Goals. 

While some love the winter time and embrace the snow I often times find myself with the winter doldrums.  I long for the green grass and can't wait to get dirt under my fingernails while digging in my gardens.  I feel less than motivated and have to work extra hard to keep the pep in my step.  There are several things that one can do to beat the winter blues.  Here are a few things that help me find joy through the long cold days and help me not only endure the winter time but endure it well!

#1 - GET OUTSIDE

It is cold, wet and dreary, but nothing puts the wind in ones sails like FRESH AIR.  Bundle up and get outside: take the dog on a walk, play in the snow with your kids, take up a winter sport.  Our family enjoys snowshoeing, skiing and sledding. It is proven that FRESH AIR: boosts the immune system, busts stress and increases happiness and energizes you.  A daily dose of Vitamin D from the sunshine does a body good.  Take advantage of the sunny days. 

Snowshoeing with Friends

#2 KEEP THE CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING

With the roller coaster weather I feel less motivated to CREATE.  Creating helps stimulate your imagination, boost your self-esteem, provides a sense of accomplishment and reduces stress.  I enjoy creating things for my home and creating organized spaces.  I enjoy creating gifts for friends and learning new talents (such as wreath making).  I also like to involve my kids as much as possible.  Winter time is a great time to get some of those indoor projects done as well.  

Wreath Making with My Boys for Valentines Day

#3 WHEN IN DOUBT DANCE IT OUT

When I am facing a sink full of dishes, busy kids and a mountain of laundry all I want to do is crawl back in my warm bed.  Instead of locking myself in my room I crank up some fun tunes and dance and sing along.  Before I know it the dishes are done and I am ready to conquer the world.  It also gets my kids going.  I am not the only one in the house that would rather binge watch Netflix series.  

Dancing Around the Kitchen Table = Spirits Lifted

#4 SELF CARE IS AN ACT OF SURVIVAL

Self Care for a woman at any stage of life should be a top priority.  It is a survival skill that took me too long to learn.  This is so important that it really needs its own blog post.  How you treat yourself is how you are inviting the world to treat you.  My SELF CARE routine changes with the seasons.  I am a big believer in the "LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD" theory.  That does not mean that I do not spend the majority of my days dressing up my sweat pants.  Throwing some earrings on quick or putting on a little lip gloss goes a long way for me.  It is not hard to add a BIG SMILE to your look.    SELF CARE is an individual thing but taking time for YOU is key.  Daily time for yourself needs to be a priority.  

Feeling GOOD!!!

#5 BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

Hi, my name is Cory, and I am a plant addict.  When I want to treat myself it is often done with buying a new plant for my home or as a gift.  I spend way too much time perusing the plant section as Home Depot.  Having plants in my home helps fill my gardening fix and helps me get my dirt therapy in.  They are good for the air, look pretty and add a little life to your space.  This year I also splurged on fresh flowers for our table and to share with friends.  The fresh bright colors make me happy.  Flower power is a real thing! I am also looking forward to starting my own seeds this year. 

Gifts for Teacher Appreciation - they were a hit!

I love arranging mini bouquets to share!

The next time you feel the winter doldrums at your door try one of these five things: Get Outside, Create something - anything, Dance it Out, Take time for YOU or Buy yourself a plant baby or fresh flowers. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a real thing so if you find that nothing is boosting your spirits please see a doctor.  

No Matter How Long the Winter, Spring is Sure to Follow!  Something to LOOK FORWARD to!!!

Keep Warm and Keep Smiling XXOO,

the 8thRareBird

Other Recommendations: Regular Exercise, Serve, Healthy Clean Eating, Gathering with Friends and Family, Laughter, Keeping to a Routine, Light Therapy, Take Up a New Hobby, Plan a Vacation