Hello and welcome to another installment of Ageless Style. Today's prompt is brought to you by Joanna from Slices of Life. Here in Saskatchewan, Canada winter is LONG. It's our longest season and it's hard for all of us and seasonal depression is very real and alive for many. I am thankful that I do not suffer from depression and continue to have good mental health, that being said there are times were I feel down and defeated by the endless winter months and the cold. Over the years I have been able to figure out some ways to keep myself moving forward and to keep the winter blues at bay as best as I can.
#1 Outdoor Time
As long and cold as winter is here, we do have a lot of sunny days. Forcing myself outdoors daily is the best medicine for the winter blues. Partially my job requires me to be outdoors daily on supervision for 45 minutes and that happens everyday that is warmer than -27 C (-16.6F). After dinner we have pups who need to get their daily walk so off we for a 30 minute walk. This is a daily habit. We also love being in the forest and exploring, walking, and cross country skiing.
#2 Physical Activity
Being physically active is a must for winter blues. It's easy to slow way down, which has it's own benefits, but you don't want to become sedentary. We all know that vigorous physical activity is critical for our mental and physical health, so I have invested in good quality winter gear that allows me to continue running even in winter. I have a great post on winter running and gear you can find here. I also have an amazing in-home gym, with weights, a spin bike, treadmill and an elliptical machine, that we have invested in.
#3 Planning for Fun
Having something to plan and look forward to always helps keep my eye on warmer days. I start planning out our lake time in February. I reach out to our regular guests and we start picking out dates for them to come and visit. If we have trips, I take lots of time to do research, bookings, and all the planning during those colder months. This year we are heading to Europe over Easter so that's super exciting!!!!! I also try to have something FUN with friends and as a family on the calendar each month (January - Halie's birthday celebration/parties; February- family ski/snowboarding day trip; March- HELP?!?)
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| We are heading to Europe over Easter and we couldn't be more excited! |
#4 Down Time
I do take a lot more time to blog, start new projects, read, etc. during the winter months. I embrace that there is less on the go and it's less busy. I enjoy the slower mornings on the weekends and keep my workouts later on in the day.
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| When I actually take out my cricut Kindness shirt project. |
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| Enjoying a variety of specialty teas from David's Tea. |
#5 Seasonal Decor & Fresh Flowers
The last few years I've decided that spending a little bit on seasonal decor to spruce up my homme throughout the winter month makes me cheerful and happy. And although there is often snow on the ground well into April, my home can resemble signs of spring even when it feels like winter. I love to have a Valentines Day tray, a hot chocolate bar, and fresh cut flowers starting in March or whenever I tire of the winter look.
#6 Cozy & Comforting Style
I love sweater weather, cozy sweater dresses, boots, toques, mitts, and I am big fan of matching cozy suit sets like here and here. This year for Christmas I asked for this olive two piece set from Amazon. It's so soft, and cozy, and looks comfortable but chic. I love the half-zip pull over style, and the material is very light weight, but buttery soft. I am currently living in this set on the weekends and I know it's going to be my favorite travel day outfit for our trip in the spring. Bonus, it's teen approved as both girls have already asked if they can borrow it.
It's your turn! How are you fighting off the Winter Blues? What should I put on my FUN list for March (still very cold and snowy here during that month)?
These are great ideas! I definitely get the winter blues, especially around February. But our skies are so grey most of winter and that really contributes to it. I try to get outside and run when I can, but the road conditions can be bad. I will definitely be checking out your winter running gear. I often layer up tights, too.
ReplyDeleteYes, to the the grey skies. I know that would get to me really quickly. I need the sun to actually remind me that brighter days are on their way. I usually have a really difficult time in March. It's like I loose my optimism and just can't seem to get my footing. I try to plan a few extra things for that month just to keep me happy and energized. Also, we use spikes on our shoes because we have so much snow and ice on/off througho9ut the season.
DeleteI don't get the winter blues, but I also don't live in an area with that much winter! But, it's so beautiful there that I think I would do many of the things you do! After all, there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing! Love the photos of you playing in the snow!
ReplyDeletehttps://marshainthemiddle.com/
Your saying is resonating with something my best friend said just yesterday. Although I try to stay positive and look at the "bright side", I do get tired and down especially in March when I know there is still a couple of months of winter and everyone else is moving into spring,
DeleteI hate winter and the cold! Give me warm weather and the sun!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
https://www.curatedbyjennifer.com/
I also prefer warm but you kind of have to make the best of whatever you have
DeleteWhat a great post! Yours was my favorite this month. I love all your tips. I live in Wisconsin so I know about long winters too, although I don't think we are quite as cold as you. But we have been known to have snow in April too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amy. It's so hard to have the length of the winter. I find it hard to not be jealous when everyone is dreaming and wearing spring stuff and I am still in my winter gear. Lol. First world problems but still.
DeleteI love that you are still able to go outdoors despite the cold. Skiing would be so much fun. The only time I went kind of regularly was when I was a kid in France, we went with school. I think the decor and fresh flowers is a great idea!
ReplyDeletewww.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
You kind of learn to make the most of the situation that you have, right? I would love to get outdoors snowboarding/downhill skiing more but we don't really have hills in the prairies . Lol.
DeleteSo many great tips on here! I definitely buy more fresh flowers this time of year than any other as I love the pretty pops of color. They don't have to be anything fancy; usually just a cheap grocery store bouquet but it helps!
ReplyDeleteThat's me too! Usually Costco I just grab a bouquet.
DeleteWell a vacation like that on the horizon...that would certain take away any blues. I can't wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDeleteXOOX
Jodie
So grateful to have it to look forward to. I think it helps my girls too as they are now old enough to be participants in the planning.
DeleteI just love you. Feel like I know you so much better through the types of posts you have been writing lately. This one, for instance, is such a great look at your life and lifestyle. Love the tips. I have always been big on decorating for the holidays/seasons but have come to appreciate a few little things rather than going full-blown EASTER all over the house. LOVE the fresh flowers. I never ever buy them for myself and need to rectify that. Bravo for doing 45 minutes outdoor supervision in an administrative capacity. Kids (and faculty, staff and parents) need to see their 'leaders' out and about. You are amazing.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same of you ❤️. You are just a kind lady with a big heart and smile for people. As someone who has worked in a school setting I know you appreciate not just talking about 'teamwork' but having actions that demonstrate it.
DeleteThese are great ideas for beating the winter blues! Staying active always helps me. I love that you have a home gym in your house! Your vacation sounds amazing! I bet you're having so much fun planning the trip!
ReplyDeleteJill - Doused in Pink