I am not okay ❄🥶 (and that's ok)

Is it cold and snowy where you are? How are you doing? I've realized lately, that I am not okay. 🥴

I mean, I'm FINE (don't worry Mom 😍). But the cold, snow and ice, lingering on the streets and sidewalks (poor Hank and his little feet!), and the never ending gray skies... I am definitely more grumpy and in a funk than usual. Not to mention Phil and seeing his stupid shadow - 6 more weeks of winter?? I mean, come on! 😅 And let's not even talk about everything on the news...

AND - I keep reminding myself, this time will pass and soon enough we'll be zooming forward with spring, sunshine, and all the busy things that go with it.

Don't miss this time to rest and regroup!

I saw that image above and remembered, this time is fleeting.

I don't want to look back and be frustrated with myself because I wished it away, waiting for spring. Below are some things I'm encouraging myself to do (mostly, giving myself permission to hibernate, to be honest!). Now I know none of these things will negate what's happening outside of my personal space, but as my yoga teacher reminded me in class this morning - by doing good for yourself, you're doing good for others. Let's lift the collective however we can, starting with ourselves. 💗 If you don't take care of yourself, how can you take care of others?

First of all, ABSOLUTELY give yourself space to check in and recognize your feelings. These tips aren't about fixing or changing you, just giving you some tools to help you take care of yourself when you're not feeling your best.

Nourish your body and mind:

• Give yourself permission to hibernate/rest - NOW is the time!

• Eat nourishing, warm food: soup, stews, Mexican anything 🤩

• Get enough sleep - it's still dark early, might as well go to bed 🤷‍♀️

• Take a walk (safely! watch for ice!) - breathe the fresh air, change the scenery

• Be mindful of the media you're consuming. Sometimes it's simply too much and it's okay to turn it off

• Hydrate - even though it's cold, the air is super dry and hydration is still super important

Embrace all things cozy

• I've been living in my favorite hoodie

• A book (or favorite show), cup of tea with a warm blanket = Heaven

• As I get dressed, I'm slathering lotion on my feet and then putting fuzzy socks over to lock it in

• Hand warmers (I've used some daily for the last week - so cozy!)

Do something WARM!

• Hot yoga (my personal favorite!)

• Find a sauna - aside from feeling good, detox baby!

• Book a trip somewhere sunny (be sure to check the weather - it's pretty chilly in FL right now!!)

• Or simply close your eyes and imagine being on the beach, feel the sun on your skin, hear the waves crashing... AHHHhhh (not quite the same 😅 but still feels nice)

Use the downtime to clear out something

• Decluttering physical “stuff”

• Unfollow negative social media accounts

• Finish up lingering projects

• Reduce digital clutter (emails/photos)

Or maybe even use this time to create space mentally!

• Release that breath you’re holding

• Notice & revise the “story” you tell yourself (your brain believes what you tell it!)

• Say no to things that don't light you up (again, this is the time to hibernate!)

• Let go of a limiting mindset, shift your perspective and see what's possible

• Drop expectations around a challenging situation - what if you accept it for how it actually is, vs how you think it "should" be?

And remember, what you focus on expands, so if you spend your time dwelling on not feeling good, your brain will find ways to confirm that for you. A gratitude practice is a great way to shift your focus into noticing the good thing vs only the challenging.

⭐ My big decluttering project so far this year - the PILE next to my desk!! 🙌

Soon enough the days will be warmer, there will be flowers blooming, and being outside will feel magical. Hopefully some of these tips will help you stay present and find some peace and joy TODAY, no matter the weather.

How can you make the most of this time of year? Are there ways you can bring in more self care, even if that means cutting out something that isn't serving you right now?

⭐I'd love to hear your ideas and what you think about this! Shoot me an email, or comment with your ideas!!