3 Tips To A Happier Winter Season
This colder season tends to make us humans expend a lot more energy in the pursuit of staying warm. In the midwest, where I’ve spent a big chunk of my life, it is a time of grey and often wind, ice, sleet, and snow. As humans, we clench our muscles and tend to stay indoors and inactive to hide from the elements more than usual. Incorporating these 3 easy steps into my daily routine has had such a beautiful impact on my life, I want to share it with you!
The secret lies in reconnecting to my body and the earth in a literal way.
1. Move Your Body
Increase blood circulation at least once a day. It can be as little as increasing your speed as you scale the steps to your home or office, or doing 5 push ups while your child is using the toilet and insists you supervise the event. I believe all of it and any of it counts as long as it is intentional.
2. Drink The Wild Air (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Breathe fresh air every morning even if you don’t typically have to leave the home or if you WFH. Slow down to notice the weather, your body, and your mind. Often my kids beat me there and begin reporting on our outdoor street animals. This is my favorite morning ritual.
3. Dress For The Weather
This should be obvious but I am always surprised by the people that are unable to enjoy parts of their life because they simply won’t wear boots to keep their feet warm, or a scarf to keep their face warm during their DAILY outdoor commutes. In fact, while doing No. 2 and breathing fresh air in the morning, take note of the things you will need to prepare yourself for your outdoor experience. It is easier to have different and varied thoughts when you aren’t rushing and putting your body in survival mode while walking out to your car.
For me, this looks like waking up to Derya’s daily, “dud mornin, mommy,” and Reyla lovingly kicking me telling me “çiş geldi,” (aka potty time). I wrap up in my wool robe, while the kids take turns using the toilet and I move my body (doing a few push ups with Atlas on my back). Then we head to our sun room where I open the window to drink the wild air. We prepare for our outdoor commute to pre-school by dressing appropriately for the weather and head off to the next part of our day (our pre-school feeds the kids breakfast FTW).
With the winter solstice coming next week (whaaat?!), it is important to take care of ourselves. As parents, it is our most important job to be as healthy, happy, and well-rested as possible to be our best selves for our job to raise these beautiful young humans. I’ve said it before, but I have to say it again: I am so proud to show my kids what it is like to love my partner, my career, and my life. I wish all of those things for you too especially now during the grey months ahead.
From my cozy home office to yours,
xx Allie
Photos: Steph Sheldon
About Together Textiles:
Minimal, sustainable, and versatile, Together Textiles designs robes and towels traditionally hand-spun on looms one at a time in Turkey using the same techniques passed down four generations. Purchasing from Together Textiles means you are supporting an ancient craft, along with a budding family of five who loves connecting with the local community. Follow the family business journey on Instagram @togethertextiles.