Sauna 3x a Week
I am much more easily convinced to sauna during the cold, winter months for obvious reasons.. not only does it have so many health benefits (especially when done consistently) but it warms me from the inside out and rejuvinates me for a more productive day. I typically like to sauna first thing after a morning workout before tackling the to do list as I find it really regenerates my battery. If you don’t have an at home sauna, I do find they are becoming much more popular and can easily be found at wellness spas, gyms, or even tanning salons.
Yoga Classes
I used to treat hot yoga as my sole form of exercise when I first moved to Washington and that’s probably because I was always cold. I have started incorporating hot yoga back into my routine at least once a week (ideally twice) because it’s not only an amazing and intense workout but it puts me in the best mood afterwards. I don’t always love driving to classes because I feel like why am I paying for this when I have a gym at home but there’s something to be said for a group fitness class, especially hot yoga, since I can’t replicate that at home. The vibes are just high and I leave feeling rejuvinated, stronger, and more positive.
Hydrafacials
A facial.. a little luxury in life never hurt anyone. I like to schedule hydrafacials in the winter months because this is when my skin gets dry and dull. There’s no color in my cheeks and I just feel, well, not cute. I see Stephanie at Sapien Skin in South Lake Union and I leave her feeling hydrated and glowy, something we could use when it’s dreary and drab outside.
Taking a Walk
People can be a little dramatic about the weather in Washington and while yes, it can be rainy and cloudy a lot of days, it does not rain all day every day. When there is rain in the forecast, I typically roll my eyes because it’s like a drizzzzzle. If it’s not raining, I have to get outside and get fresh air. Being outside with my kids or taking a walk and listening to a podcast does good for the soul. It’s easy to want to just curl up under a blanket by the fire (which I do AFTER my walk) but I promise getting outside as often as possible is nature’s best medicine when feeling blah.
Spend Time with Friends
The dreary days can bring on the temptation to hibernate and do nothing socially but I find isolating yourself is never a good thing. Sure, there is a time and place to slow down and be alone but I find when I spend time with friends is when I am happiest. Scheduling a coffee date or happy hour with a girlfriend or meeting up for a little shopping is never a bad idea. Alix and I try to meet as often as we can for a green juice and walk around the mall to catch up. This time of year is also a good time to schedule trips as the warm weather days are upon us. I am in a group chat with a lot of different friends and right now the Seattle girls are planning an LA trip and my OC girls are planning a Park City trip. I find these group chats to be good for the soul and we tend to keep them going throughout the year to check in and plan fun outings together that we look forward to in the future.
How do you recharge in these cold months?!
xx, heather
