Let’s admit it. The cold, ice, snow, wind, boots, layers, and forecast are really starting to get old. The bad news is that it’s not going anywhere fast. Wish it wasn’t so, but, unfortunately, spring is not right around the corner. In fact, we can’t even see the corner. So, what’s the good news? The good news is that we will survive. And we will do so in good health. Here’s how to keep your head up and beat the winter blues:

• Do whatever makes you feel warm and cozy inside. Whether that’s a hot shower or sitting by the fire with a glass of wine, do that! (No, not everyday, but some days…and then enjoy tea the other days.) If it’s watching your favorite movie with your favorite blanket in your favorite pj’s, do that. Whatever makes you appreciate more and hate less, make the time to do that. It’s the only way we’re going to make it to the other side.
• Nourish your soul, not just your body. Try a new recipe. Try a few new ones. Eating with the season is crucial to keeping your immune system strong and indulging mindfully is crucial to keeping your happiness strong. Hot chocolate, anyone?!
• Get out of bed. When you’re in bed, it literally seems like the end of the world having to get out. Then, when you get out and start your day, it’s actually not that bad.
• Stay in bed. Yes, this is an absolute contradiction of the above. And that’s intentional. The healthy, motivated you would get out of bed and tackle their to-do’s, of course, but if you’re sick, have nothing on the weekend agenda, or cannot function in the outside world before sunrise once in a long while, go ahead and press snooze. Just think, you want to be well rested for when spring finally does make its grand appearance.
• Get some Vitamin D – through sunshine and food.
• Cut yo’self some slack. While spring is a time to step it up for summer, it’s alright to take advantage of some rest and rejuvenation over these next few weeks (hopefully it won’t last months.) On the other hand, we are not creatures of hibernation and do not need to sleep or eat until we have grown a second ‘layer’ if you catch my drift. Reminding yourself that “summer bodies are made in the winter” may be the push you need.
• Commit to a monthly challenge. Maybe you try one new vegetable a week or maybe you choose a fitness challenge to work a new muscle group. (Pinterest is great for this!)
• Enjoy winter sports. Try skating, skiing, or snow shoeing or try a new indoor fitness class. Anything from hot yoga to spin, you’re sure to get hot and sweaty. If you absolutely despise the treadmill, join the club! There is no need to go near one because there’s so many other options! Grab a friend, get new sneakers, or make a chart to motivate you to stick with it.
• If you don’t despise the treadmill, sign up for a race this spring and start your training now! Buddy up for accountability and get running.
• Put your workout clothes near the heat so they’re toasty warm when you change into them.
• Set an alarm clock that doesn’t make you miserable. Choose a fun song to put you in a good mood or something soft to ensure you wake up calmly. Try a gratitude exercise to start the day.
• Get to know YouTube. It is a world of workout videos…FREE! There is seriously anything and everything you can imagine for exactly how long you have to workout. No equipment necessary.
• Use your time inside smart. Start your “spring cleaning” early and you’ll feel super accomplished, uncluttered, and organized in no time.

One Healthy Breakdown: turn those winter blues into winter wins!