Monthly Musings - Taking Care This Winter

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Can you believe January is almost over already? Nearing the end of the month means it's time for another round of Monthly Musings and we're talking about taking good care of ourselves during the winter. Holly at Pink Lady and Patty at Good Better Best co-host this monthly sharing of tips, tricks, and conversation starters.

1. How do you take care of yourself in winter?

I am more intentional about staying hydrated, because it doesn't come quite as naturally to drink all that cold water when it's cold outside. I'm careful to take vitamins and supplements to boost my immune system, because I don't like being sick! I guess that's been pretty successful, because I've managed to stay generally healthy through the past several winters. (But of course I'm battling a cold or something right now. Not horrible, but I'm sniffly and a bit under the weather, and that could also be because I just had an oral surgery on Tuesday and all the tiredness and malaise that follows.) It feels luxurious to treat myself to an Irish coffee, hot chocolate, or hot buttered rum on some evenings, or to enjoy a good book in a hot bubble bath.

2. How do you fight the winter blues?

I don't fight them as much as I just roll with them. I try to keep home warm and cozy, and I enjoy daylight when I can get it. I make sure to appreciate the beauty of winter instead of dwelling on how cold or uncomfortable I am. There's something awe-inspiring about a fresh fallen snow, crisp clear starlit winter nights, and even icicles. It cheers me up to see birds at my feeders, especially the bolder colored ones like cardinals, blue jays, and woodpeckers. Most of all, I try to give myself grace if I'm feeling a little down or sluggish because it's usually just temporary. (Last winter I learned the difference between temporary winter blues and real soul sadness and depression.)

3. Tips to make your living space cozy?

Soft and warm lighting, and candles in warm and comforting scents. Throw blankets always available. I don't know if it's cozy exactly, but it's cheery and helps me to have fresh flowers in the dining room. I've got a holiday decorated ivy wreath in my dining room window right now but it's soon time for me to start splurging about once a week on a clearance bouquet of cut flowers from the supermarket! And just having a cat seems to make it feel cozier and homier too. 

4. Suggestions for fun wintertime activities?

My winter fun activities are a lot different now compared to when I had young kids! Sledding and skating and snowball fights are a NO for me these days, although I'd gladly go along to watch the granddaughters if I could! I've found that winter walks in the city's Metro Parks are a very good thing, but walks are for the weekends only now, since I'm at work during the daylight hours. Birdwatching is something I enjoy, although it's very limited here. My husband likes to do puzzles, but I don't care for that, though I will watch hockey games or movies with him, and I plan on watching the Super Bowl every year, even though I don't care even the tiniest bit about the NFL! It's getting together with family or friends, good food, and evaluating the commercials that entertain me!

5. What are your exercise routines in the winter?

Exercise routines? Ummmm. I'm sad to say I don't have any real exercise routine. I try to get in some brisk walking pretty much every day, but it's not far - just enough to move a bit and get some fresh air. And even that doesn't always work out for me. My personal practice time for chorus often involves a bit of cardio if I'm working any choreo. (Don't be fooled by the word choreo - it's movement, but I still can't dance! haha)

6. Best tips for restful sleep?

I could use some, honestly! I take melatonin many nights and I believe it helps. I've been trying to do better at maintaining a standard time for going to bed and for getting up and moving in the morning, in hopes that my body will get used to this rhythm and allow me to sleep better. We have a humidifier going in the bedroom and I generally sleep better when it's on because my throat and nose are less likely to be dry and irritated.

7. Favorite warm beverage?

Coffee, always! 

8. Best winter skin-care tips?

My biggest problem in winter is dry skin, so the solution is pretty basic - moisturize! We try to keep a humidifier going to help with good sleep, but obviously keeping the air from being quite so dry is helpful for my skin too.

9. Flannel sheets - yes or no?

Yes, I really like having flannel sheets in winter! So cozy!

10. Favorite winter pajamas?

My choice of pajamas is a soft night shirt year round, but in the winter I especially like soft pajama pants for lounging around at home. 

What are your best self-care tips for the winter months? Leave a comment and let me know!

I'm linking up with Monthly Musings hosted by Holly at Pink Lady and Patty at Good Better Best.

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