Shoutout to my east coast girls with low iron, because times are about to get ROUGH.
If you read my newsletter or listen to my podcast, you'd know that I'm in the midst of a self-imposed (non-punitive) "isolation era". My isolation era has become something so comforting, so rewarding, and so necessary. Quite frankly, I’m dreading returning to the real world. Since the start, though, I've been quite adamant about not “letting myself go” (it's a slippery slope and I know I’m not alone here).
As the temperatures drop and things around us are changing/slowing down, it's normal to adjust accordingly to the Winter Blues. I've taken the liberty to compile a list of things that MUST be protected at all costs throughout the winter (Love It), along with things that are completely fine to pull back on (Lose It).
Mental Health: Love It
PLEASE focus on this one. Everyone's mental health maintenance is unique, so I can't tell you exactly what to do, but I can implore you to make a priority out of anything that brings you joy and relieves stress. Control for issues before they become a problem.
PS. step your vitamin game up, apparently Vitamin D and B are game changers!
Body & Weight Maintenance: Lose It while Loving It
In the past I've been like, "oh, it's winter, I'm supposed to get fluffy" and then proceed to get fluffier than originally anticipated. Nowadays, I pick a number; 5-10 pounds is what I give myself because I know that I can easily make it back from that range. Anything more than 10 pounds and it's a wrap (a chicken one, with extra tzatziki and french fries inside).
Winter can seem long at first, but before you know it, Zara will be rolling out their Spring collection.
Shaving: Lose It
Sasquatch legs? Don't tempt me with a good time! We’ll likely be in sweatpants all season, anyways. Plus the added layer for warmth? I see no downside. My only disclaimer is that if you wax (especially your little "panini press"), you should totally stay up to date with appointments, you've already come so far.*
Laser Hair Removal: Love It
I may be contradicting my excerpt above, but if you have the budget, I’d totally recommend investing in laser hair removal. This is the season to put in the work. If you’re transitioning from waxing into laser hair removal, then yup… do it now!
Exercise/Movement: Love It
It’s dark, it’s cold, and it’s gloomy - those early morning gym sessions are getting less and less tempting, that's fine. Let's find discipline or a happy medium. If you’re looking to switch things up, here’s what I love doing from the comfort of my home:
Walking Pad: Sure, these things look so silly, but trust me when I say, it's a game changer. I’m easily able to get in an hour of power walking while watching YouTube videos on my TV.
YouTube Dance Workouts: Think of it like a dance party in your home, these are fun workouts, all you need is space. I’d recommend having a few videos queued up since most of them are kinda short. I like The Fitness Marshall.
Stationary Bike: This is the exact bike that I've had since covid and it's amazing, I burn a lot of calories and sweat a ton (all while watching my shows).
Elaborate Nails: Lose It
This is a great time to let your nails breath, you never know what's lingering underneath**. On the flipside, if nails are your thing, how’s about toning it down a little? Getting back to the basics, huh? Dare I say; a solid nail colour with no design?
Hobbies/Pleasure/Community: Love It
When’s the last time you had a grown-up sleepover or in-home movie night with your girls? Catching up doesn’t have to be on a patio or at a venue. Let’s transition the scope of our activities to include where we find the most comfort.
I also love a virtual FaceTime tea date, dedicated time with a favourable activity.
(OR get the fuck outta here and hop on a plane to the tropics, city girls up)
This is a tough time for so many of us. Keep up the spirit, keep up the morale, we got this! It’ll be Spring in no time. Right? Lol
* if you wax, you'll know what I'm talking about. Your hair is likely finer and grows back slower and less dense - don't mess up a good thing UNLESS you're planning on doing laser hair removal
** I recently got my acrylic overlays off and there was mold on/in one of my nails. My acrylic had lifted a bit and water got in between.. I never would've noticed unless I got my overlay removed
Product Recommendation: "STFU" Bookmark - meant for cozying up and diving into your fave book
ughhhm I hate winter!