Baby it's cold outside

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It's freezing in Chicago. And the majority are struggling w/ how to stay motivated w/out sunlight & being able to be outdoors for any length of time.

Are you over this cold front or do you enjoy it? I'd love to hear how you are surviving these frigid temps.

I have always been in the minority because I enjoy it. I know, don't throw a snowball at my head. When I used to be in medical sales, I traveled all over the country. And I was exercising daily as well as hosting evening dinner programs for physicians multiple times per week. My free nights,  I was playing co-ed softball & volleyball in the city. I LOVED it all but, I always looked forward to winter. Winter was a time to hibernate and drastically slow down the pace. It still is.  I would exchange my 7-10 mile daily runs for the sauna at the gym or no exercise at all beyond gentle stretching.

To me, winter = shedding. It's a season to declutter, provide extra nourishment to your body & soul and shed the 'excess'.

With all of that being said, I feel like we all need some survival hacks until this weather breaks:

1). HOME WELLNESS.
Eat as many organic greens & veggies as you can. You need to boost your immune system to starve off the nasty flu going around. Get your Vitamin D in (Go for 10,000 IU a day minimum). I love Garden of Life's Vitamin D best.

Have fun building your 'home wellness apothecary' from going through your supplements & herbals in your cabinets to cleaning out the food in your fridge. Reorganize it all. Trust me, it'll feel SO good when you done.

Spend time cooking & baking at home. Invite friends over for warm tea & whatever it is you baked. 

ENJOY & EMBRACE the slower pace rather than complain about it.

2). READ.
This is the perfect drought (as I refer to it) to read your favorite books. Because come Spring, you will be out that front door catching up on the plethora of Chicago activities.

I am presently reading 'Legacy of a Pack Rat by Ruth Graham Bell'. I received the book for Christmas from my sis. I am loving it. And I just ordered a Proverbs at home bible study that I am really excited about.

Special Note for those w/ Lyme Disease: Reading can be tough for people w/ Lyme (b/c the blood vessels aren't constricting properly in the eyes) so, for those of you suffering, try audio books!

3).  Workout at Home.

You can go to YouTube and find every type of workout from floor Pilates to yoga to weight lifting. You can find workouts that are 5 minutes (Yes, those are a thing) to 1 hour. So, essentially, no excuses. Move your body in the warmth of your own home!

4). Museums
I feel like this is the PERFECT season to explore all of the Chicago museums. Go with some friends and/or your family. If you are driving, they all have indoor heated parking & if you are taking public transit, simply bundle up!

5). Neighborhood Coffee Shops & Brunch Spots

In the city of Chicago, our neighborhoods are our little islands. Head out into your neighborhood to meet friends & neighbors for hot chocolate or brunch.

It is important that you do not isolate in the winter as it's so easy to do. And I think it's when people isolate that they fall into the doldrums or SAD (seasonal affective disorder).

My favorite place in Wicker Park/Bucktown to meet friends is Milk & Honey on Division. The food is delish, it's a neighborhood staple & the blazing cozy fireplace warms up the small space quickly! I also love meeting my friends w/ little ones at Stans Donuts because it's lively, colorful and well, they have the best donuts in the city.

I hope these 5 tips helped! Bundle up Chicago!!!