Shopi had a super cute post originally planned for today. i was going to share with you my re-entry into all things needlepoint (yes, your grandma’s needlepoint) and how much i still love it after all these years. (and the fact that it is very much like riding a bike…you just pick it back up.) but, this week has had many, many, many other plans and the needlepoint project has not been started, so i decided to just belabor the point that i think we’re all feeling: january is the longest month in existence.
seriously, new year’s feels like it was a year ago. and i have been trying super duper hard to keep doing things that make me not obsess so much over the cold and the longest month of my entire life. if you’ve seen my instagram stories, i’ve been knitting. (see: another old lady craft. don’t knock it though! have you seen this from parents magazine?) i’ve been doing other stuff too, all in the name of trying to keep some happy and mood-boosting happening, even while we all live through these endless january days. if you’re stuck in the rut, maybe try one of these ideas…you just never know what might help you as we head towards longer, brighter days.
snuggle a pet: i’m obviously biased, but i think edison is the most adorable, most snuggly little guy ever. but, did you know that snuggling with your pet actually helps regulate your nervous system? in my sample size of one, i can tell you that when i’m feeling super anxious, even just petting his back helps calm me down.
cook something new: i realize this isn’t for everyone. not everyone likes to cook. but winter days are pretty good for trying a new crock-pot recipe or something new you think your family might like. it’s also a great way to get the kids involved and teach them some life skills for later on down the path!
exercise: don’t hate me. it doesn’t have to be beating yourself on a treadmill, running a million miles. bundle up and take a walk. head to the gym and walk inside on the track. or, dare i say: use this time to try a new workout you have wanted to try but just haven’t done it. just like elle woods said, “exercise gives you endorphins. endorphins make you happy.”
pick up a book: i’ve really been trying to read so much more lately. most of the time it’s absolute fluff. i’m not reading anything deep. but it’s an escape and sometimes i feel like i’ve watched everything on netflix. this week, i started “the last thing he told me,” which i’ve already watched my bucket list BFF jen garner star in. just like we say for kids: it doesn’t matter what you’re reading, the fact that you’re reading is something. reading for adults has so many benefits, emotionally and cognitively.
alright friends, so what are you doing to make it through these wintery days? what tips do you have? brighter days are ahead, but we do have to do the hard work to get ourselves there!
