6 Tips for Winter Self-Care

*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label

Winter is coming... in 10 days. Can't you believe it? 

With the change in the calendar, comes the change in cold weather. And that cold winter air can be pretty harsh on our bodies - itchy skin, dry eyes, chapped lips and a stuffy nose are just the start of winter woes. Check out these 6 simple tips and tricks to beat the harsh effects of the coldest months.

6 Tips for Winter Self-Care

1. Don't forget to moisturize.

From skating to snow shoeing and snowy walks, winter is full of fun activities. However, we all know the cold can take a toll on our skin. In the harsh winter months, you should be paying more attention to your skincare routine. Try exfoliating more, limiting hot water and using a moisturizer. DERMAL THERAPY® body lotion is one option to help relieve dry, cracked, and itchy skin. With alpha hydroxy acids, it helps to replace old dry skin to reveal new skin and will help keep your skin smooth during the winter.

2. Stay on top of dry lips

Like your skin, your lips can also take a beating. Exfoliate your lips twice a week to help prevent chapping. You can do this at home with a simple homemade sugar scrub (sugar plus olive oil). Before you go to bed, make sure you apply a thick lip balm to bring back some of the moisture you may have lost during the day. 

3. Fight congestion

A stuffy nose and cold weather go hand-in-hand, and this can really dampen your day. Sleeping with an extra pillow to elevate your head, using a humidifier and taking hot steamy showers can help clear your congestion. You can also try a nasal spray like hydraSense® Medium Stream (100mL), which works by flushing out recessive mucus accumulation, relieving congestion caused by colds, allergies, environmental pollutants or upper respiratory tract infections. hydraSense is made from 100% naturally-sourced seawater and is free of any medications or preservatives. 

4. Stay hydrated

You may be great at staying on top of your water intake during the summer because of the heat, but it is just as important to stay hydrated during the winter. Don’t forget to carry around a water bottle and drink regularly throughout the day.  Don't enjoy drinking water? Add some fruit or (my personal favourite) lemon slices for a bit of flavour. 

5. Combat dry eyes 

Cold winds and dry indoor heating are a recipe for eye discomfort. Make sure to give your eyes breaks during the day by looking away from your electronics or wearing glasses instead of contacts. hydraSense® Advanced for Dry Eyes Long Lasting Relief (10mL) is one option for effective, long-lasting relief for your irritated eyes. It is preservative-free and contains sodium hyaluronate, a clinically proven naturally sourced lubricant.   

6. Get your rest

Less sunlight and the chaos of the holidays can often make you feel tired, so getting a good night’s sleep to restore your energy is especially important during this time of year. Try your best to stick to a consistent sleep schedule. If you have a hard time getting to sleep, try a relaxing night time routine, such as reading a book or gentle stretches. 

With fun outdoor activities and the holidays, the winter is an exciting time of year! Don’t let the harsh weather hold you back from doing what you love. 

What are your best winter care tips? I'd love to hear!

*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label

PIN IT:

Taking a Sick Day

*Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

Being a mom is a full time job. But, unlike a regular 9 to 5, being a mom is a full time job that doesn’t come with sick days. You’ve always got to be on your game, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No calling in sick.

If you’re a mom, you can agree that being sick and having to take care of little ones, is not fun. 

And while it may not always come first, now that the cold weather is here, its time to start taking care of ourselves and being extra vigilant in the fight against those pesky viruses ready to wreck havoc on your health.

But, if you do find yourself losing the battle against sickness, and so badly wanting to “call it in”, make sure you’re armed and ready to face it head on. 

Arm yourself with a well-packed sick day kit, and be sure to include some of the following items,

For Tummy Troubles:

Chamomile Tea - helps ease the pain of an upset stomach. Keep a couple of packets in the cupboard to help reduce unpleasant cramping. 

Heating Pad - an inexpensive and cheerful way to soothe and calm your stomach. They also give you that warm comfy feeling that will make curling up on the couch much more pleasant (especially if you only have a few minutes before someone needs your attention).

For Cold & Flu:

Tissues - a no-brainer. There’s nothing worse than running out of tissues when your nose is leaking like a faucet. Keep your nose happy with a pack of your favourite soft tissues. 

Soup Packets - no on wants to cook when they’re sick and drinking soup is a great way to make sure you’re getting the liquids you need to stay hydrated. Soup is also a favourite amongst toddlers (or, at least mine), so its a win-win when you don’t need to make multiple meals.

Redoxon - a great way to get your vitamin C dose year-round whether you are sic or not. It is especially helpful when a cold throws off your usual diet, which always seems to happen when you’re sick. Just one tablet is equivalent to the vitamin C of 10 oranges**.  Available in great-tasting oranges flavours, Redoxon® also gives your water a fun fizz and flavour in case you’re getting tired of gulping down plain water all day. (**Not meant to replace food.)

hydraSense - clear your nose fast with a hydraSense® saline nasal spray. Just spray, blow and you’re clear. hydrSense is medicine-free, so you can use alongside your other cough and cold medicine. Made from 100% naturally sourced seawater, it is clinically proven to reduce and relieve nasal congestion and nasal cold symptoms. There is also a children’s version, incase they need a little help in the nasal department as well.

For Headaches:

Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever - to help take the sting off your headache.

Essential Oils - while they may not have any scientific claim to healing, a nice peppermint, lavender or rosemary essential oil can help.

Ice Pack - can help to temporarily take the sting off a headache. Wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth before applying for more comfort.

With kids, sickness seems to be a never ending cycle of lovingly sharing germs. Especially if they’re in school. So, once those symptoms subside, be sure to plan ahead for the next round of sickness. Oh, the joys of parenthood.

Here are a few things you can keep on hand to get your back into your regular routine,

Getting Back on Track:

Hot Bath - when your partner gets home, pass of the kids and draw a hot bath to help clear your head and relax. Pour in some bubbles or essential oils, grab a good book and enjoy a nice, long soak. 

Sleep - nothing can truly rejuvenate your system like a full night’s rest (if you’re so lucky). Sleep plays such an important role in your overall health by reducing stress, improving mood and increasing energy. 

One A Day Multivitamins - when you are sick you may feel like you’ve been unable to eat anything, which means you may not be getting the important nutrients your body needs. One A Day® Gummies Plus Immunity Support contain zinc and vitamin C to help maintain immune health in a great-tasting gummy.

Motivational Playlist - a great playlist will lift your spirits and get you motivated to start moving again. And if you have kids that love to dance, a good dance party and a good laugh will make you feel that much better.

And there you have it - almost everything you need t make sure you’re prepared to fight the good fight when it comes to the cold weather crummies. Or in the case of being a mom, the things that can make being sick and chasing after the little ones just a little more bearable. 

REMEMBER, if your symptoms are severe or your find they are getting worse instead of better, or your children fall ill too, talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you and your family!

Do you keep a sick day kit at home? What are some of your sick day must-haves? I’d love to hear!

*Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

PIN IT:

A Tale of the Curious Toddler: Normalizing Breastfeeding

“Why is baby eating mama’s booby?”, my 2 1/2 year old toddler innocently asked, staring at me from across the room as I sat hooked up for what felt like the 479,836th time that day.

She has seen me topless before, it’s called the “toddler no privacy” rule, but it never really dawned on me that breastfeeding would be something totally new. I had considered all of the changes that Morley would experience as we welcomed baby #2 - less attention, baby crying, possible regression, etc. - but breastfeeding was not one of them. As Morley would say, “Silly mama”.

But before I get further into the story, let’s back the train up a bit. For those that didn’t see it plastered all over my social media, we welcomed little sister Berkley on August 14. Settling in as a family of four (and more importantly, as a new big sister) has been well, um, interesting… 

My breastfeeding journey has not been an easy one to this point. When Morley was a baby, I really struggled. I felt that I was inadequate because I couldn’t produce enough milk. I felt shamed by the hospital nurses when I went for a lactation consultation because it just wasn’t taking the way they wanted it to. I went into hiding when it was time to feed, afraid I’d be judged if I did it at a restaurant, at the park or anywhere in public. I lacked confidence in my ability to naturally feed my daughter. Because of that, I didn’t make it past six months before I switched to formula. And while I fully believe that "fed is best", I didn’t want that to happen again. 

Now, with baby #2, I’m going in knowing what to expect. I’m going in with more confidence. I’m going in knowing that it will be hard at first and that it will be painful at first, but that I just need to power through. No one said being a mom was easy - especially being the mom of a toddler AND a newborn.

More confidence for mom, means more exposure for Morley.

And so, back to her innocent observation...

“This is how baby eats,” I try to explain. With my biology background, I could spew facts at her for days, but realize my audience and that I need to keep it simple. “She can’t eat big girl food like you and I, she drinks mom’s milk. Just like you did when you were her size.” “I want to see the milk come out,” she asks. Why the hell not, I think.

Breastfeeding is such a normal and very natural process. I want her to be involved as much as possible. From grabbing me the nursing pillow, to handing me my glass of water, hell, to even seeing “the milk come out”. I refuse to shy away from what breastfeeding really is. I want her to be comfortable when she sees me feeding, and more importantly nurturing, her little sister. 

I want our family to be able to have an open dialogue when it comes to the body. I want Morley to be able to ask me questions about feeding baby in hopes that when she gets older, she will be able to come to me with questions about her own body. (And thanks to Ontario’s government reinstating the 1998 sex ed curriculum in schools - yes 1998, aka what her dad and I learned when we were in elementary school 20 years ago - the majority of teaching is going to come down to us anyways.)

We may only be two weeks into this journey as a family of four, but Morley is quickly learning what breastfeeding means and that it is natural. She has learned that when Berkley cries, she is hungry. And that when Berkley is “eating mama’s booby”, mama is actually giving little sister her breakfast, lunch or dinner, just in a different way than her and I would eat.

She has also begun to take notice out in public. She'll casually point out when she notices a mom feeding her baby before getting distracted and moving on. And, she's also learned that it's not just humans that feed their babies this way. Other animals do it too. On our recent end of summer trip to the CNE, we paid a visit to the Farm Building. It’s Morley’s favourite, she loves seeing the animals. She also loves seeing the baby animals. This visit, she happened to see the baby piglets feeding from their mom. And thanks to our talks about mommy feeding baby, she knew exactly what was going on and wasn’t shy to say it. That's my girl.

So, she gets it. Or, she is at least starting to get why mommy is always sitting in the chair with baby latched to her boob.

Now if only she’d understand why I can’t do five other things at the same time…

How did you explain breastfeeding to your children? Did you take a more conservation approach, or were you completely transparent? I’d love to hear your stories!

Practicing Safe Skin as Self-Care

*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about "self-care" - the things we can do to promote, maintain and manage our own health. As our lives get busier and busier, prioritizing self-care becomes increasingly important.

Many of us think of self-care as practicing yoga, a day at the spa or even spending quality time with friends. While these are great ways to relax, there is much more to it than that.

The concept of self-care is about empowering individuals, families and communities to practice healthier habits, prevent diseases and cope with illness or disability to achieve optimum health. Taking better care of ourselves by utilizing the products available to us not only helps Canadians lead healthier lives, it also alleviates strain on our healthcare system. Making a commitment to practice self-care has so many benefits.

That’s why Bayer, a global health products leader, is working to educate consumers on how Better Self-care for a Better Life can make a difference in quality life, while improving healthcare sustainability. 

How do you practice self-care? 

One of the ways I practice self-care is by getting outdoors. Whether it be a trip to the park with my daughter, a weekend-long family camping trip, or even a cup of coffee or tea out on our terrace, being outdoors is my happy place and always helps clear my mind, leaving me feeling refreshed and ready to tackle what lies ahead.

In the past decade, I have begun to put a large focus on my skin. I am what you could call a “moley kid”. I’ve always had moles, but they were something that I never really paid any attention to in the past. But, as my skin continues to change so do the number, size and shape of my many moles and freckles.

A few years back, I paid a visit to a dermatologist and was asked if I had ever had a full body scan - a look at every single mole and freckle on my body. Three appointments and eleven mole removals later, I wondered why I had never done it before. I always kept an eye on certain moles - a funky one of my back, a raised one on my chest - but it was a small one on my ankle that I honestly didn’t even know existed that raised the red flag. 

While everything worked out in my favour and it was just a scare, it was scary enough to cause me to start paying better attention to my skin. Besides routinely inspecting the moles on my body, a part of my self-care now includes the sunscreen I use. Especially with the outdoors being my happy place,  sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen is now a priority whenever I leave the house. And not just in the summer. Even in the winter, I make sure to use a facial moisturizer with SPF. 

My family’s go-to sunscreen this summer has been Coppertone® WaterBABIES® Whipped Sunscreen (SPF 50). Yes, even mom and dad use it - specifically for the broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and the fact that it is paraben- and PABA-free. The unique whipped formula spreads easily and absorbs quickly, helping leave skin soft and smooth, and it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes!

I’m slowly starting to incorporate more self-care into my routine and the routine of my family, but as it can be just that, a change in routine, it takes time. Baby steps are key to get where you want to live a healthier, happier life. I can’t be the best for my growing family, if I’m not at my best for my self. 

International Self-Care Day is a worldwide campaign encouraging responsible self-care. We use this day as a reminder that the benefits of self-care are life long and can be felt 24 hours a day, 7 days a wee.

In support of International Self-Care Day on July 24th, I challenge you to share your self-care practices with me! To help get you started, Bayer has created a self-care calendar with one tip for each day of the month. Starting July 23, will also be running a Buy 3 for $10 promotion through Amazon.ca on most of their brands! 

Together, we can make self-care a priority for all Canadians!

*GIVEAWAY* 

Over on To & Fro’s Instagram, I will also be giving away ten (10) $15 Amazon gift cards so that you can purchase your favourite self-care products! 

To enter, all you have to do is share how you practice self-care on THIS photo. Tag your self-care practicing pals in the photo comments for more entries.

Giveaway Rules:

• Giveaway will run July 18 to July 25 at 11:159pm.
• Ten (10) winners will be selected at random and contacted via Instagram messenger.
• Winners will have 24 hours to respond with a valid email address.
• Gift card code will be sent via email.
• Open to Canadian residents only, excluding Quebec. 
• This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram.

So, how do you practice self-care? I’d love to hear!

*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label

Hiking While Pregnant: Tips for Mastering the Trail & What to Pack

Hiking while pregnant can mean different things to different people, and it can also depend on many different factors. 

How far along are you? Are you second trimester and have all the energy in the world, or about to burst and afraid your feet will swell to the size of balloons? Are you leisurely hiking a park trail, or challenging yourself to an uphill climb?

Regardless of how adventurous you are or how far along you are, pregnancy shouldn’t stop you from exploring the outdoors and getting a good workout. Not to mention, getting outdoors is a great way to clear your mind and any anxieties that may be lingering as baby’s due date approaches. 

There are, however, some things to think about before lacing up your shoes. Here are a few things to consider, including recommendations for what to carry in your daypack. 

Cardio exercise is one of the most important ways to stay healthy during pregnancy. For the most part, hiking while pregnant is safe. But every woman is different and every pregnancy is different too. First things is to check with your health care provider before you think about heading out on any adventures. If you're a long-time hiker, hiking is probably safe. But, if you have had a complicated pregnancy or have never hiked before, it might not be your best choice. 

Once you do get the go-ahead, plan the trail accordingly. Keep in mind that even terrain is best. Be sure to always wear appropriate footwear - good traction and support are key. Wearing the right shoes is vital to staying on your feet and preventing back pain. Until you know how your pregnant body handles the hike, start with an easy trail and go from there. 

If you are heading out of town for your hike, take note of the closest healthcare facility to where you’re going. You should prepare yourself for any possible emergencies - it’s good to have a plan in place for how you’re going to get there fast in an emergency. Be sure to hike with a buddy and where there is cell phone service. You never know.  

Don’t carry too much weight. Carrying an extra 20, 30, or 40 pounds of baby weight already can throw off your centre of gravity, putting you at an increased risk of falls. Stick to even, clearly defined trails and only bring enough supplies for the day, packed in a small daypack. Being comfortable is key. 

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! While pregnant, you’re going to get overheated and dehydrated faster, so you need to drink about twice as much water on a normal day. When you go hiking, you’ll need to up that even more. Staying hydrated will help replenish all the water you lose when you sweat. It will also prevent muscle cramps. Remember, drink only bottled or filtered water. Do not get adventurous and drink from a steam or river you come across as it may make you sick.

Protect your skin. Regardless of the season, your skin is susceptible to the sun’s UV rays. This is especially true during pregnancy, when pregnancy hormones can make your skin sensitive to the sun. Follow shaded trails when possible and always apply a sunscreen with a minimum 30 SPF prior to your hike. 

Keeping your blood sugar up while you’re hiking is crucial too. As soon as you realize you’re getting hungry, have a snack. It can be trail mix or a protein bar. Anything small, healthy, and easy to eat will do.

No matter how far along you are, your bathroom trips are probably frequent. Pay the toilet a visit when you see one, even if you don’t have to go. Pack some TP in your daypack just in case nature calls at an inopportune location. Don’t forget the hand sanitizer and maybe even some baby wipes. 

Stay comfortable. Pregnancy can be uncomfortable enough as it is. Wear loose fitting clothes that will wick away sweat, comfortable shoes and a large sun hat to cover your face, ears and neck. Tucking a small package of baby wipes in your daypack is also handy to help wipe the sweat from your face (and other unwanted places). 

Finally, know your limits. Be aware of over exertion - symptoms include uterine contractions, excessive perspiration and increased shortness of breath. Remember that regardless of the activity, you shouldn’t push yourself while you’re pregnant. Your body is busy growing another human - it needs energy, rest, and relaxation as much as exercise. You know your body best. Listen to your body and what it is telling you, including when you need to slow down and when you need to ‘call it a hike’. 

It’s easy to let people judge what you decide to do during your pregnancy. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something because you’re pregnant. Including hiking. Remember to always talk to your health care provider. But, once you do get the green light, get out there and enjoy making memories hiking while pregnant! 

Photos taken on a recent day hike through Toronto's Rouge National Urban Park.

Do you have any tips for hiking while pregnant? I’d love to hear!

Pin It:

The Stress of Moving

*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

In exactly one month, we get the keys to our brand new condo. Our very first home. And while excitement is at an all time high, so is the stress.

Since moving in together in 2010, Steve and I have bounced between eight different houses and apartments. At first, it was just a part of the hockey life. When the hockey season in Alaska was finished, we would find our own place for the summer, only to move back into team housing at the start of fall. 

When we moved back to Toronto in 2013, we knew we wanted to set some roots and buy a home. But, the factor of cost came into play. We were very fortunate to be able to spend time living with family as we saved to make what could be the biggest purchase of our lives. And now, almost five years since moving back, stress aside, that once messy construction site below is about to turn our dream into a reality.

Whether one moves frequently or almost never, moving is an intensely emotional experience. It can be filled with new beginnings, symbolism, disappointments, fear and anxiety. Simply put, it can be very stressful. 

April is National Stress Awareness Month, and to mark the occasion, I’m sharing the common signs of stress you may have never even knew existed.

It can affect your hair growth.

Many factors can impact healthy hair, including stress. If your hair could use some support, a nutritional supplement like Priorin® can help improve hair growth. It has been shown to provide fuller, thicker and stronger hair in as early as 12 weeks by stimulating hair growth and re-growth. 

It can cause bathroom trouble.

Both constipation and diarrhea are common signifiers of stress, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. Drinking lots of water and eating high finer foods are good first steps. If you’re experiencing occasional constipation, a mild laxative can help get your body back to its normal rhythm. RestoraLAX® is a gluten- and sugar-free osmotic laxative that works with water to help soften stools and increase the frequency of bowel movements. It easily dissolves in eight ounces of water, fruit juice or any other beverage, with no taste or grit. (Visit their website for a trail offer.)

It can make you breakout.

Skin conditions like acne, itchy skin or rashes can be related to an inflammatory response caused by stress. Your skin is an immediate stress perceiver, which basically means it’s on the front lines of your battle with stress. Take time to pamper and care for your skin when you’re going through a tough period. Try a DIY face mask for some low-cost luxurious pampering you can do at home.

It can cause a body imbalance.

Many women are prone to yeast infections when they’re experiencing stress or major life changes. Around 75% of women will experience it at least once in their lives. Luckily, treatment is readily available. Some treatments, like CanesOral Combi-Pak® are single-dose oral treatments that can be taken anytime and anywhere. 

It can literally make you sick.

If you often get colds and flus, your stress levels may be to blame. Your brain and immune system are in constant communication, which means that a psychological change can cause physical symptoms. Diet is an important factor in bolstering your immune system, so take extra care to get the vitamins and nutrients you need.

Whether you are moving, switching jobs or something in between, the bottom line is that stress is a normal part of life. But, given the effect that stress can have on your body and overall health, making an effort to reduce the stress wherever possible is definitely worth your effort and time. Talk to your doctor about ways that you can manage your stress, like a change in diet, increased exercise and relaxation techniques.

Stay tuned for the big reveal of our new home in the coming weeks!

Do you ever feel like stress is taking over your life? Tell me some of the ways you cope. I’d love to hear!

*This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

Beating the Dreaded Winter Blahs

This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

If you're starting to feel like nothing but cup after cup after cup of strong coffee will help get you through the day this winter, you're not alone. Seasonal effective disorder, winter blues, winter blahs - whatever you choose to call them, they are just that, blah. Despite the days getting longer, the darkness and bone chilling temperatures can really take a toll on your energy, your mood and your health.

You’d think that as Canadians, we would love what winter brings. That by now, we would have made peace with the darkness, the snow, the cold, the layers, the sickness, and all the other joys that come along with the season. But lately, especially with how cold it has been outside, it just seems like there’s no end in sight. 

I will admit, on the rough winter days, the only place I want to be is under my comfy duvet. But, since I still have a full time job and a small child to look after, my hiding out is not always an option. 

Whether it be staying under the covers all weekend or embracing the snow head on, everyone has their own way of shaking off the dreadful winter blahs. Here are 10 tried and true methods for helping beat the winter blues.

Take up a new hobby. Keeping your mind active with a new interest seems to ward off symptoms of the winter blahs. It will keep you focused and give you something to look forward to, keeping your mind off what's going on outside the window.

Cross items off your to do list. Don’t want to go outside? No problem. Staying indoors is the perfect opportunity to cross items off your indoor to do list - to clean out your pantry and your closet, do some painting and even rearrange your furniture. 

Turn on the tunes. Listen to upbeat music that makes you happy. Better yet, grab your family and have a dance party to mix in a little exercise! Who cares who is watching, have some fun. 

Brighten up your scenery. Spring may not be blooming outside, but there's no reason why you can't bring the spring to you with a bouquet of fresh flowers. 

Make your environment brighter. Sometimes, simply adding a vase of fresh flowers may not do the trick.  When you body is craving more sunlight, sitting next to an artificial light for a little light therapy may help. Opening blinds and curtains can also help provide an extra dose of sunshine.

Keep the cold symptoms at bay. This time of year, colds seem to linger. Maybe its the weather, or maybe daycare is to thank. Regardless of the culprit, there’s nothing worse than walking around with a stuffed or runny nose. 

At my house, we use hydraSense Daily Nasal Care to alleviate nasal cold symptoms. hydraSense Daily Nasal Care is 100% naturally-sourced seawater that is clinically proven to reduce and relieve nasal congestion and nasal cold symptoms.

Stay healthy. Staying healthy is important to staying happy. It is hard to stay energized and be at our best when our body just isn't feeling it. 

It can be a challenge to get the vitamins my body needs on a daily basis, so I fill the gaps with a daily multivitamin such as One-A-Day® Gummies. This vitamin supplement helps to maintain immune function, metabolize carbs, fats and protein, form red blood cells and develop and maintain bones and teeth.

While Morley may be a bit too young, my favourite vitamins when I was a kid were FLINTSTONES® Active Kids Gummies. If it were acceptable to still take them today, I probably would. I look forward to sharing these memories with her in the future.

Recreate a recipe.  If a sunny vacation isn’t on the agenda, or in the budget, rely on memories from the past. Recreate a recipe from a recent vacation, such mojitos from Cuba or carne asada from Mexico, to instantly transport you back to warmer times. 

Get outside. While the temperatures may be a little too chilly for your liking, a blast of cold air against your face may be just what you need to help reenergize you. Or, if you’re feeling a bit adventorous, what about trying that winter sport you’ve always been taking about? Now’s the perfect time.

Embrace it. One of the ways to embrace winter is by getting cozy. Take a lesson from other cultures, those that experience an even longer, even darker and even colder season. 

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is the Danish word used to acknowledge a special feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming or special. It literally only requires a conscious appreciation, a certain slowness, and the ability to not just be present – but recognize and enjoy the present. Use winter as a time to slow down and enjoy being at home, reflecting, and spending quality time with friends and loved ones.

By making minor changes to your routine, your diet and your overall mindset, you are arming your body with the tools it needs to embrace, rather than resist, winter and enjoy all that this time of year has to offer.

What are some of the things you do to beat the winter blahs? I'd love to hear your tips and tricks!

This post is sponsored by Bayer®. To make sure Bayer® products are right for you, always read and follow the label.