With the first week of March already here and gone, spring is bound to arrive any day now. But this is that time of year in Chicago where everyone is really blue, and ready to kick winter to the curb. March brings the hope that spring {and eventually summer} will come soon enough, but those cold days make warm weather seem so far away. As someone who’s been feeling a little down too, here are a few of the ways I’ve been trying to perk myself up to get through the last grueling weeks of winter! Shout out to Zoe for her sweet suggestions below too 🙂
- Vitamin D – This is huge! I don’t think we realize how much sunny goodness we lack during these months! Vitamin D is a great addition to any diet as well as many other great vitamin supplements. This is a super easy way to fight those winter blues.
- Yoga / trying a new exercise class – Another great way to stay in shape when its cold outside and change up your routine! Personally, I’m just starting to get into yoga myself. I’m already seeing/feeling its health benefits, its a great way to relieve tension. Plus, its a fun excuse to buy more cute work out gear!
- Go on a 3 – 5 day juice cleanse – I know I haven’t been eating all that healthy, especially these last few weeks… yikes! I think this is definitely needed once in a while, just to get back on track and feeling better.
- Change up your routine – Sometimes you just need to change up the way you do things. Whether its waking up earlier to watch the sunrise, drinking more water, changing up your route to work, make a switch. A little change can sometimes make all the difference in your day.
- Plan a vacation – Its always good to have something new and exciting to look forward to, and its also almost just as fun to make the plans too! So, if you find your mind wandering for some adventure, start planning out your next travel endeavor!
- Treat yourself to something you’ve been wanting – Sometimes this is seriously all you need to make things better and add that extra pep in your step. So, if you have something that’s been sitting on your wishlist for a while, now might be a good time to make that splurge! For me, I just snagged a Neospresso and it’s made my mornings so much better – it was worth the splurge!
- Take a fun day trip – Because we all need to get away from our daily surroundings and routine for a bit, this is one of the best ways to add a little fun to the week! So, go ahead, check out that new nature trail, venture into the next town, or stroll into that new shop, get your mind off things for a bit and do some exploring!
- Learn something new: There’s nothing better than feeding the soul with a new skill! Pick up a book and learn something new, or better yet – go out there and do something you’ve always wanted to learn {photography, calligraphy, a sweet art class? Go for it!}
- Go to a concert: Okay, maybe this doesn’t sound that crazy, but even just going to a concert and getting a change of scenery can totally help get you out of a funk. If you can’t get to a show, make a killer Spotify playlist you can listen to – it’s almost the same thing, right?
What else keeps you inspired/happy during the last days of winter? I can always add more to the list 🙂
This is a fantastic list – I'd have to agree with all of them! I definitely think planning a vacation and treating yourself to something on your wish list are my top two. Those things always instantly make me feel better!
YES! What a great list. I have been trying new fitness routines and I should remember to take Vitamin D to help! I am also planning our summer vacation which gives me something to look forward to!
Rachel's Lookbook
These are all such great tips Maya! Love the one about planning a trip. Thanks for sharing! xo
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com/
Even though I burn like a sucka….I still love getting a little sun and being motivated by it!
Great tips, sometimes when it is freezing ass cold and the wind isn't out of control I will walk the half mile home from the bus stop just so I can be outside longer and that makes me feel pretty darn good! 🙂
Great post! I'm definitely ready to kick spring into high gear.
Love this list! You're totally right — it's amazing what a little sunshine can do. I just got back from Florida and already feel energized and refreshed. I'm also going to a concert this weekend, and I can't. wait. Another thing that helps me get out of my winter rut is incorporating more color into my wardrobe. I wear so much black and gray in the winter, so it's nice to break out the florals and pastels!
xo,
Natalie
CincinNatalie
Hi Maya!
Although I don't mind the weather or the month of February that much this year, these tips seem so obvious but reading them just now made me realize I have to slow down. I have been so extremely busy with school that all I have been doing was sleep, go to school, study, eat and sleep again without taking a breath. I am simply exhausted. This weekend will be the first in a while I get to do (next to) nothing and I have never been more excited for a "no plan" weekend. I will definitely keep some of your tips in mind!
Great post!
Liv
http://www.lovealwaysliv.com
Thanks these are some great suggestions! I need to get on point with them 🙂
xo, Jessica || The Petite Diaries