01/24/2026
I’m not typically bothered by winter, I enjoy the magic of all seasons. Lately, though, with several white knuckled drives in a short period of time, I’ve been feeling it. Here in Southern Ontario, with what seems like months of cloud cover, I recognize that mostly I’ve been missing the sun.
When I reflect on which people just survive winter, and which ones thrive, there are some distinct differences that stand out.
People that THRIVE in winter:
❄️ Have hobbies, both indoor & outdoor
❄️ Go outside
❄️ Eat nourishing, cooked whole foods (not sugar, or too much bread & chips)
❄️ Get enough sleep, especially before midnight
❄️ Keep moving > bonus points for having muscle
❄️ Stay connected
❄️ Travel somewhere warm
❄️ Optimize Vitamin D - by building up through the summer, supporting magnesium, maintaining with melatonin production, or supplementing through the winter
❄️ Are thoughtful about light exposure
❄️ Use a sauna or have a wood burning fireplace
❄️ Practice gratitude
So, after some disappointment over cancelled weekend plans (due to travel conditions), I practiced yoga, bundled up and went snowshoeing (with loaner shoes from my friend), and planned some warm meals for the week. I’ll also make brownies, which might help me convince my husband to start the sauna - haha. And yes, now I feel better.
I strongly believe that your life is your medicine.
What are you up to this weekend?
Let’s thrive this winter.
Oh and book some acupuncture for all the shoveling!
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Info not advice