Anne at Modern Mrs. Darcy invited people to share what’s helping them get through the winter. Today marks the halfway point until spring!
I’ll admit, this winter has been easier than those past. The biggest reason is probably because we’ve had unseasonably warm temperatures with beautiful, sunny skies here. Winter in Georgia is typically rainy and grey for days on end. Not so this year.
Breaking up the dreary with pockets of spring-like temps has done wonders. We get outside more, move around more, and enjoy the bright sunshine streaming in through our windows. That’s probably the main reason I’ve sailed through this winter without any SAD symptoms, unlike years past.
Other things that are saving me this season:
Weird healthy drinks
When I signed up for Crystal Paine’s 15 Days to a Healthier You, I made a goal to drink one healthy drink each day. These are recipes from the TrimHealthyMama cookbook. (I do this eating plan but don’t really talk about it here. I do have a TrimHealthyMama blog focused on that topic though.)
These are delicious, but I often forget to make them. I’ve been enjoying them so much, however, especially recently because I cut my caffeine consumption considerably. They give me energy and something to taste without snacking and hydrate me nicely.
This one is called Earth Milk Sip. It looks disgusting but it’s delicious and has a whole cup of greens.
This one, called Apple Pie Sip, contains chamomile tea, apple pie spice, collagen and other goodies.
My BuJo
My Bullet Journal is my brain on paper. Without it, I forget stuff. It’s where I keep track of my goals and my progress on them, keep to-do lists, ideas, thoughts, inspiration, etc.
Without it, I wouldn’t be half as productive.
My early morning time
The best thing I did last year was begin an early morning routine outside my home. I get up at 4:30 and head to a coffee shop to write and plan. Not only has this kept me busily working on personal goals (which is very important for a mom’s happiness!), but rising early in winter means I’m getting more daylight time in my eyeballs.
Naps
Because my youngest isn’t sleeping through the night, and because I rarely get to bed early enough to get 8 hours of sleep, naps are vital. I snuggle in with my youngest, the only baby who is still napping.
Although clearly, the 4 year old still needs a nap occasionally!
What’s helping you get through the long winter right now?
I love my BuJo too!!! While I get up at 4am, I can’t imagine actually going anywhere where people had to SEE the 4am-me (ha!), so HUGE kudos to you for getting yourself up and ready enough to leave the house by then! So glad this winter is easier for you!! <3
I’ve been making Zero Belly Smoothies (from the Zero Belly Smoothie book) for the last month for both breakfast and lunch and I LOVE them! All different flavor and ingredient combos so I’m not bored with them. They have protein and fill me. I’ll add in a few healthy snacks during the day and I’m good until dinner. I just needed a kick start to better eating and this has helped, along with a better exercise schedule!
I didn’t remember we are half way to Spring, just made my day. Hot Chocolate and Tea is helping me get through this winter. Some great books and nice warm pair of jammies.
Winter is soooo long! This year I’ve been enjoying green tea and extra naps.
I live in CA where the winters aren’t so long, but I still miss the sunshine and warm weather. Flowers from Trader Joe’s, fuzzy socks, and wooden wick candles are saving my life right now.
Although I now live in a warmer climate than my native Michigan, it is still so easy to get the winter blues! The Apple Pie Sip looks absolutely amazing and I love all of the health benefits. I think your tips about trying to ensure you are focused on your health are fantastic and will get us all through the winter!
Hahhaa, I’ve never heard of anyone call a “bullet journal,” a BUJO. BUT I LIKE IT. I love abbreviating ALL the things. I’m sorry. I love ‘abbrev-ing’ all the things. Haha
Thanks for popping over Carrie! I love this list–our Georgia weather has been crazy, right? I kind of love it though. We can get outside and sometimes I can even sit on the porch and write. I might give the Bullet Journal a try… my planner isn’t working as well as I’d like and everyone I follow LOVES their BuJo!
yes it has! I had forgotten this, but reading my post from last year, it was similar. “Global Weirding”, eh?
Haha, BuJo is everywhere. Search Instagram for the #BuJo hashtag 🙂
I don’t think I could live in a place like Michigan! I’m just too cold-natured. Although I know much of Michigan is beautiful.
YES to naps! I have developed a love for Oolong. I’ve been drastically cutting my caffeine, and oolong has just enough to boost energy without crashing me afterwards. It makes me feel calm.
I used to love drinking smoothies and wish that I still could but for some reason lately I always feel sick after drinking them. It’s not a dairy thing, because almond milk does the same thing. I have been wondering if I have developed an allergy to bananas because I typically put bananas in my smoothie.
That apple-chamomile combo sounds so good – need to try that! I’m loving tea-infused foods right now ?
It is yummy! I forgot to mention my favorite, called a Singing Canary. It has a whole lemon, peeled, blended with stevia, collagen, vanilla, MCT, turmeric. Sooo delicious and helps me ward off the virus du jour.
Bananas make me nauseous too, and so does coconut oil. I prefer to use MCT in my smoothies. It doesn’t affect me that way. Bananas make a lot of people feel sick, probably due to the high natural sugar content.
I didn’t know you have a THM blog too! Yahoo! I use some of the recipes but keep telling myself I need to go full plan again! Headed over to that blog to try to subscribe!
Yes I do! I started it because I wanted to write about THM but didn’t want it to take over this blog.