When fall turns to winter, the snowy season brings with it its own unique set of challenges when it comes to self-care. Although we all like to think we take good care of our mind, body and soul, certain areas can sometimes be left neglected.
With the colder weather comes shorter days, dry skin, seasonal depression, end of semester stress, overwhelm with the holidays and more. It can be a lot, so it’s important to remember to devote extra time and consciousness to self-care in order to combat your winter blues.
By giving your mind and body the attention it needs during the winter season, it will help you adapt and embrace new opportunities. But dedicating entire days to self-care or hopping on a plane to a tropical destination isn’t exactly practical. Taking half an hour per day or even just 10-15 minutes to focus on self-care will work wonders.
Here are a few self-care practices to help you get through the winter weather.
Eat foods that energize you
What you put inside your body is perhaps one of the most important forms of self-care. Adding healthy, clean foods to your diet will provide you with much more energy than “comfort” foods. I know it’s tough to do with all the holiday baking going around, but be sure to get your veggies in too. Your body will be left feeling bright and vibrant, making the weather outside seem not so dreary after all.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
By now, it’s no secret that our skin takes the bulk of our stress and neglect. Being our largest organ, our skin acts as a visual map of what’s happening inside our bodies. For example, eating poorly or dealing with extra stress at work can lead to more breakouts than normal. That, combined with the colder, dryer weather is a recipe for a skin disaster. Make the time to take care of your skin and don’t forget moisturizer is your best friend during winter.
De-clutter your home
Yes, organization is a form of self-care. An organized home is a happy home because, for most people, clutter can weigh one down without even realizing it. So get rid of the excess; rid yourself of whatever no longer serves you, grows you or makes you happy. Keeping your space clean will keep you grounded and you won’t feel overwhelmed by unnecessary messes each time you come home.
Don’t forget fitness
During the winter months, finding the motivation to work out seems even more difficult. Not only is working out outdoors unavailable because of the cold temperatures, but it’s hard to want to work out when it’s already dark by 5 p.m. But to keep from feeling lethargic, even just a bit of fitness can uplift your entire mood. Try a new fitness class or do yoga with your girlfriends. Even if it’s just a 20-minute at-home workout, you’ll feel better that you did it.
Remember your vitamins
While seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can be a serious issue for some, and professional help might be necessary, it’s not uncommon to feel a little blue when the days are grey. This can impact not only our mood but our energy levels, social lives and nutritional choices as well. But taking a daily multivitamin can help. A multivitamin can do so many things like improving digestion, strengthen teeth and bones, reduce anxiety, support your liver and more – all while addressing your mood too.
Stay hydrated
Hydration is the key to everything. Tired? Drink some water. Bloated? Drink some water. Dry skin? Drink some water. In the cooler months, it is natural not to feel as thirsty, but it’s still essential to keep hydrated. Staying hydrated can keep you energized and thus boost your mood, so drink up!
Read a book you enjoy
It seems silly to say, but make time to sit down and read a really good book. Between work or school, you’re busy and you probably spend most of your time reading stuff that isn’t for leisure. So be sure to find the time – maybe even just 10 minutes before bed – to unplug, destress and dive into a great novel.
How do you take care of yourself this winter season? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image: Instagram/ @chaptersindigo
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Winter is one of the best seasons to take in everything Toronto has to offer. It may get cold here in the Great White North, but that doesn’t mean you should stay inside and hibernate all season long. Bundle up, get outside, and enjoy the chilly season. With everything from holiday markets, to skating and skiing, and winter vineyard tours, there’s so much to do in Toronto come winter.
If you’re looking for ideas on how to spend your days (and nights) this season, here are 5 cliché but totally awesome things to do in and around Toronto this winter!
Toronto Christmas Market
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The Toronto Christmas Market is a must-visit for a true Torontonian winter. The city’s Distillery District is transformed into a magical, holiday fest with activities for all ages to enjoy. It boasts one of Toronto’s largest real Christmas trees, locally crafted products, festive lighting, beer gardens, a carousel, and of course, Santa and his reindeer. It’s one of the best ways to spend a day (or night) this winter!
Hit the Slopes
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If you’re a skier or snowboarder or want to try your luck on the slopes this year, there are quite a few ski hills in the surrounding Toronto area. From Blue Mountain, about 2.5 hours north, to Hockley Valley, less than two hours North West and Ski Dagmar to the East, you can spend the day on the slopes and warm up with a warm hot chocolate and poutine in the chalet afterwards.
Evergreen Brickworks Winter Village
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If you’re looking to get back to nature and enjoy the outdoors this winter, head to Evergreen Brickworks Winter Village to embrace the cold and snow. From campfires to tours of the Don Valley trails, you can see the winter wonderland Toronto has to offer. You can also browse the Holiday Etsy Market on Sundays and shop fresh produce at the Saturday Farmers Market.
Snowshoe Vineyard Tours
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If you thought winery tours were just for spring and summer, think again. Less than a three hour drive from Toronto, the Grey county region offers snowshoeing vineyard tours at the Georgian Hills Vineyards. Snowshoe through the wineries, and end the day cozying up by the fire with a glass of vino and artisan cheese board.
Ice Fest
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Come February, the Bloor-Yorkville annual ice fest will have the neighbourhood transformed into a showcase of intricate ice sculptures and ice carving demonstrations. This year’s Ice Fest theme will be Canada 150, so you can expect gorgeous creations including Canadian Mounties and the Parliament Buildings. Bundle up, grab a hot drink, and take in the gorgeous sculptures. The event is free and takes place on Saturday, February 25 (12 noon – 8 pm) & Sunday, February 26 (12 noon – 5 pm.)
Do you know any other amazing things to do in Toronto this winter? Share with us in the comments.
Featured image: torontochristmasmarket.com
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After a long week of tight deadlines, stressful meetings, and workplace challenges, often all you need is some quality time with your BFF to get yourself back on track. Especially during this time of the year, when the winter blues hit hard, there’s something about hanging out with your bestie that makes you realize everything’s going to be okay.
From taking a culturally exhilarating trip to the museum to sipping on hot chocolate after a winter hike, here are 7 friend dates to take with your BFF this winter.
Play Board Games
Board games are always a fun way to pass the time, and with tons of board game spots popping up all over Toronto, your options are endless. Whether you want to sip on lattés or lagers, you can play games until your heart desires while catching up with your BFF.
Go Art Gallery Hopping
If you and your bestie are looking to feel cultured, take a trip around your city going art gallery hopping. Do some research ahead of time to see where the galleries are located and what exhibits or shows they have going on. You can take a break for brunch or lunch in between galleries to fuel yourself for the rest of the day.
Volunteer Together
There are tons of places you and your BFF can volunteer together over the winter season. From a soup kitchen to a fundraising event to senior living communities, you’ll feel great spending your time doing good for others. Volunteering is also an awesome way to bond even more as friends.
Go for a Hike
There are plenty of gorgeous trails and cliffs in Toronto and surrounding areas. Take Dundas Peak and the West Humber Trail for example. Bundle up and take a winter hike, enjoying the natural scenery and crisp air. Then make a stop for hot chocolate to warm yourselves up when you’re done.
Have a Holiday Movie Marathon
Sometimes the best friend dates include cozying up, eating junk food and watching movies sprawled out on the couch. With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to do nothing but watch holiday movies all day (and night.) Order take out, pick up some wine and cozy up with the classics.
Take a Trip to the Museum
You can never go wrong with a trip to the museum. With new exhibitions constantly popping up, and many museums offering free admission, it’s an affordable way to take in history and culture. Plan a day to explore multiple museums around your city and take in everything they have to offer.
Be Tourists in Your Own City
It’s amazing how many things you miss in your own city when you always have a certain destination to get to. Spend a day aimlessly wandering around your city with no specific destination in mind. You’ll likely come across spots you never even knew existed or perhaps always wanted to visit but never got the chance.
Do you have any other winter friend dates ideas? Share with us in the comments!
Featured image: Instagram/ @wearetwinset
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