Categories
Fabulous living

Getting Through the Winter Slump

Hey guys! Happy Wednesday! I hope you had a wonderful Valentineā€™s or Galentineā€™s Day! Now that we have made it through the holidayā€™s of the month, my mind is on the next seasonā€¦hello Spring! Just kiddingā€¦well kind of.

I love that I can live In a place with all four seasons, but sometimes, the cold and snow can seem never ending, especially when itā€™s May and you still have a chance of snow on Motherā€™s Day. As much as I love the winter months and winter activities, I have found myself in a bit of a winter slump. 

Here’s just a little look at all the snow

At the start of the year, I found myself really tired with winter and it just got started. We kept getting hit with snow and cold weather, Covid-19 cases were high around my area and it seemed like we would never see warmer weather. 

If you felt like this at all then you know what Iā€™m talking about. Iā€™m used to the cold and snow and gray clouds, but sometimes, the lack of sunshine really gets to you.

We got hit with two big snow storms in a month. Here’s a look at the snow.

I decided that wishing it was spring wouldnā€™t be productive so I did my best to change my mindset and find little things that brought joy and warmth to my days and make them a little less gray.

Hereā€™s what worked for me and if you are feeling this way, then maybe they will work for you.

I found the simple joys in the days and really leaned into them, like savoring my cup of tea in the morning with my candle lit. Instead of rushing through my morning routine of making a cup of tea, reading and doing a word search, I did my best to savor it and enjoy it and take pleasure in those simple joys. 

Starting my days slower and savoring them definitely helped.
I also enjoyed cozy days off enjoying my favorite hobbies. Here’s what I’m currently reading.

I also found that moving and exercise helped my mood. I go to the gym during weekday mornings, but I carved more time to get some exercise, whether itā€™s a 15 minute yoga session at the end of the day or even a walk to get the mail, moving my body and getting fresh air made a big difference.

Enjoying the outdoors helped too…I enjoyed skating.
And cross country skiing…just make sure you are all bundled up!

I also decided to brighten my wardrobe and have some fun with it. Even though it is winter, I have been wearing brighter colors and fun jewelry to brighten up my outfits. Even if itā€™s swapping in a pair of hoops for a pair of studs, itā€™s little things like that that can just make you smile. 

I also gave myself things to look forward to, whether it was a dinner date with a friend, making plans to see a new movie, or a mini day trip. Making plans for the future gives you something to look forward to and it shows you the importance of looking for the positives.

Making a winter bucket list gives you ideas for fun things to do while making the most of the weather! Here’s mine!

While the cold and winter may seem to last forever, we know that it will end but the snow mounds do make it hard to look past. 

By always looking for the positives or simple moments of joy certainly makes a big difference. Also, by reminding ourselves to take it one day at time helps too. 

What things do you do to make it through the winter slump?

Categories
Currently

Currently #13

Hi everyone!! Happy Wednesday. The snow is falling, I have a warm cup of tea and a candle going. Itā€™s the perfect mix of warm and cozy!!! 

Itā€™s been a while since I have done a Currently. I have a lot to catch you up on, so letā€™s get to it!

What Iā€™m up to: A new year always means a fresh start for me. I love creating new routines, setting new goals, and getting things fresh and clean. With the recent snowfall, I have been staying in more too! I have been doing lots of reading and binge watching too!

What Iā€™m wearing: I have been loving all things warm and cozy on days off like hoodies, leggings, and cabin socks. But on days when I work, I am loving long sleeve dresses. I love the dress to look professional but when it keeps me warm is even better!  

What Iā€™m reading:Ā One of my goals for the new year is to read every day and even though we are only a month in, I have been doing very well. Here are some of the books I have read so far. HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Fashion by Elizabeth Holmes. I found her Instagram account several months back and immediately fell in love! She covers royal fashion at home. She breaks down all the Royal Family members outfits down for their different appearances. Holms recently came out with a book that follows the fashion of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. I really loved seeing the incredible photos and beautiful fashion. I also loved learning and reading about the history and background of the fashion and the events. It was especially fun to read it while I was watching The Crown. If you are a fan of The Royals or fashion, or both, this is the book for you! I would give it an A.Ā 

Such a good book!

Another book I read this past month was Drawing Home by Jamie Brenner. Itā€™s your typical, light and easy summer read, but why not read it in the winter when you are needing a burst of sunshine! It tells the story of a young girl, Penny, and her mother, Emma, who live in a small town and how their summer unfolds after they inherit a house from a famous artist who dies. But why did he leave it to them? When his business partner, Bea, comes to town to claim the house, a battle between Emma and Bea begins. I finished this book in a week after reading a little bit after morning. There is a bit of mystery, a bit of romance, and a whole lot of smiles!!! Was it my favorite book? No. But was it still a fun and light read in the winter? Yes! I would give it a B. I save all my reads to my instagram account and you can follow along at elspethsdaybyday.

Another fun book for the summer or winter!

What Iā€™m Watching:Ā Besides reading, I have been doing a lot of binge-watching. After a year I finally finished 30 Rock! It was a good show, but I still love The Office or Parks and Rec more. It was definitely a relief to finish it! I have been watching some short series and documentaries. I watched The Social Dilemma, which was an interesting look at social media and how it influences our lives. I also hopped on the bandwagon and watched Bridgerton, it was soooooo good. I loved how it was Pride and Prejudice meets Gossip Girl. Such a fun concept and easy show to get through. I am currently making my way through The Queenā€™s Gambit which has me hooked. I also started Virgin River was has kept me busy too. Staying in during the winter means lots of reading and tv watching.

Finally Finished
Another great watch!
My latest binge

What Iā€™m Loving:Ā Ā I am loving everything warm and cozy! Whenever I am getting work done at home or watching or reading, I always have a blanket and a candle going. I also have been enjoying lots of outdoor walks too! I have been enjoying lots of warm drinks like cooc and tea. Iā€™m also loving the idea of fresh starts and new beginnings for the new year.

How beautiful is this?!

What Inspires Me:  Iā€™m inspired by a fresh and clean slate. Anyone else like to do a deep clean for the start of the year? I did a lot of cleaning earlier this month from organizing to cleaning and getting rid of stuff. It gets me refreshed for the new year. 

What I accomplished:  I felt a sense of accomplishment by wrapping things up for the old year and starting fresh for the new year, there was no better feeling than getting my planner set up for the new year. 

Goals Accomplished from Last Month Last month I got in the Christmas spirit with cooking, baking, Christmas gifts and movies. Even though I worked a lot, I was so happy I still got to enjoy the holidays when I could and be surrounded with family and friends. 

Goals for the New Month: I have added a few more things to my daily routines to make my days go smoother and Iā€™m looking forward to seeing how they help my day to day life. Iā€™m looking for new hobbies for the new year and one of them is to try new recipes. Iā€™m also looking for other hobbies so if you have any ideas send them my way.

More time outside is also on my goal list!

Thatā€™s just a look into my life this past month. Lots of new goals and fresh starts and a clean slate for the new year. What are some things you have been up to this year??