The Late Winter Survival Checklist
During this time of year in Chicagoland, and throughout the Midwest, the winter starts to feel never ending! I have created a survival checklist for you to use as your own self-care, with your family, or with your clients. Check out my recommendations, and try to think of your own too!
TAKE YOUR VITAMINS
Personally, I always forget how much impact the sunshine has on me. The cloudy weather really can get me down. Taking your recommended dose of vitamin D can help your body get what it needs even during this time of year. I also love using my “happy” lamp to soak in some light.
GO TO A NATURE CONSERVATORY
Shed your coat to stop and smell some roses! In Chicago, my personal favorite spots are the Garfield Park conservatory and the Lincoln Park conservatory. Smelling the flowers and feeling the humidity helps remind me that spring is right around the corner!
TAKE A BUBBLE BATH
Warm up, relax, and release muscle tension by taking a hot bath with your favorite salts or bath bombs.
WATCH A SUMMER TME FLICK
Have a “beach day” at home. Put on a summer time movie and lounge on beach blankets at home in your flip flops! Moana is my favorite summer movie.
EAT TROPICAL FOODS
Smells and tastes can have such a strong impact on your emotions. Even the smell of a pineapple helps me imagine myself at the beach. Take a break from hefty winter time foods by cooking your favorite summer time treats, or going to a themed restaurant!
TRY AN INDOOR FITNESS CLASS
Even though all you might want to do is curl up under blankets and watch Netflix…keep your body moving! Try an indoor activity to stay moving and warm. Try a dance class, go to a yoga class, indoor rock climb, indoor volleyball - and one of my favorites - go bouncing at a Trampoline Park!
Remember, Spring is just around the corner. These last few weeks seem to drag on forever, but you can use these tips to keep yourself and others sane as the cold comes and goes!
Let us know how you practice self-care during the winter months in the comments below.
