A brighter mid-February.

If there was ever a time to slowly slump on into the winter doldrums, that time is mid-February. Sure, Valentine’s Day can perhaps distract us for a short while from the ho-hum-ness of the reality that winter has been sitting in our midst for quite awhile now, but it isn’t long lasting, and certainly the sugar that often comes hand in hand with that holiday does nothing for our mood (or our health). I do believe that my outlook has been a bit rosier this winter than years past. Am I more resilient? Am I making better choices? What is going on here?

You’d think after clicking read more, therein would lie the answer but no. I can’t say I have it. I’m doing a lot of things more intentionally than I’ve done them in the past. Meditation, exercise, essential oils, better sleep, using my time more wisely, deeper breaths, perspective. That last one really is everything, isn’t it? I am absolutely loving the more recent focus on mindfulness, the mind-body connection, and all that comes with it. It really does beg the question, are we the placebo? (Speaking of, has anyone read this book?) In any case, here are a few easy things I’m doing that make me feel better in the midst of these winter days.

sweater: c/o Sezane

01. a positive podcast: this podcast about stepping (way) out of your comfort zone was so good. my two big takeaways– his mother’s strength in the midst of real difficulty (wow), and this quote: pain is mandatory but suffering is optional. really think about that. it is so true. please leave your favorite podcasts below!

02. meditation: i am going to do a whole post on this, i think. would that be helpful? a sort of meditation 101 from someone who is very much a beginner herself and who has wanted — for years — to get more into it? i share more on this journey in @itsahuntlifewellness. it’s been so good and something i truly look forward to.

03. listening to good music: music, for me, is so incredibly connected to my own emotions. it can set the tone in a big way for my day, and be a source of calm in the background. this playlist has been really soothing for all. i like to have it on in the morning as the boys get ready for school, and i diffuse calming, grounding oils at the same time. small practices like this make a big difference, i think. i want this home to be a sacred space, and this helps.

04. looking forward to something: this can be something big or small, but i think, while living in the present moment and having that present moment be enough is a really beautiful thing, looking forward to a trip or a girls’ night is such a beautiful thing. i’m looking forward to a camping trip this spring (that i haven’t planned yet…).

05. being open: remaining open to the unexpected, to new types of people, to new ways of thinking. remembering that confirmation bias is a very real thing (and why are we designed for it?! i think it’s a flaw in the human system!). i always hope to be something of a student, being taught by others and myself as i go. it’s one of the greatest things in life.

hope one or two of these might ease your winter doldrums. thanks for being here, friends.