It's b-a-a-a-ck! Winter. It's cold. We're pulling out the heavy winter coats, scarves, mittens and boots. The snow shovel is perched in a convenient spot- ready and waiting. It's so chilly out there, I have to put on a jacket to drag my garbage pails out to the curb at night.
I hate that!
Everyone is complaining about the cold. Cursing the snow, the ice, the
inconvenience of it all. What's the topic of conversation with our friends, our neighbors, the person in line at the grocery store?
Winter and how much we hate it!
I happen to love all the seasons. Yes,
even winter, but sometimes I fall into the trap of constantly griping about the cold. It seems wrong
not to. If I don't have something bad to say about the snow or bitter cold, people think I'm crazy!
Truth is-- there are so many wonderful things to totally
love about this season. We can literally talk ourselves into hating
anything if we only see the negative aspects.
Are you tired of hearing yourself ( and everyone else) grumble and whine about winter?
Here Are Ten Things To Totally Love About It:
Snow!
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| Winter in Central Park |
I can't think of anything more beautiful than snow. I love that peaceful hush after a freshly fallen snow. It's as if God tossed a fluffy white blanket over my world. Everything looks so pure and clean. It only lasts for a little while so get out there and enjoy it while it's fresh. Take a walk down the street or through the woods. Listen. Look. Breathe in. Breath out. What a glorious experience!
Snow Shoveling!
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| Don't curse it! WORK it! |
No, I haven't lost my mind. Snow shoveling is
EXERCISE! A 125-lb. person burns 180 calories shoveling snow by hand for a half-hour, according to Harvard Health Publications. A person who weighs 155 lbs. burns 223 calories during a half-hour snow-shoveling session. Someone who is 185 lbs. burns 266 calories per half-hour of snow shoveling. The rise in heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen uptake during snow shoveling are comparable to using a treadmill for the same amount of time. Shovel some snow and you can skip the gym for the day!
Snow Fun!
Skiing, ice skating, sled riding, snow boarding, snow ball fights, snowmen, snow forts, snow angels! Need I say more? Be a kid again! Get outside and play! Great for your body, mind, and spirit! And, there's that exercise thing again. You'll get a great work out with out feeling like you're working out!
Fire!
Honestly, what can possibly be more inviting than a roaring fire? If you have a fireplace, a wood burning stove, or even one of those faux electric fireplaces, start it up! Sit beside it and savor the warmth it provides. Enjoy the sights, the sounds and the scents. Sit beside the fire and read a book, meditate or take a nap. Gather the family together to play games or watch movies.
Boots!
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| Faux fur, faux leather boots |
Warm, toasty, comfy boots. Now is the time to wear them. Dressing for winter is so easy, especially for ladies. A big sweater, leggings, a great pair of boots and you are good to go! And because your toes will be in hiding for the next few months, you don't have to get those pedicures as often. Think of the money you'll save!
Hats!
My dad always says, "Keep your head covered and you'll never get sick!" I don't know if that's true but I do know the majority of our body heat escapes from the tops of our heads! So wear a hat. It's usually considered poor etiquette for a man to leave his hat on indoors (at least remove it at the dinner table) but the rules are different for girls. Tuck your hair up under a great hat and you'll look fantastic and fashionable, even at the fanciest restaurant. The perfect solution to a bad hair day!
Comfort Food!
Homemade soup, chili, and baked casseroles. Winter dishes are easy. Put them on the stove or in the oven and forget them for awhile. Double your recipes and freeze them for another day. Talk about convenience. Our bodies automatically crave comfort foods in the chilly weather. Here's a tip: add warming herbs and spices like garlic, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to your dishes. They help speed up your metabolism to burn calories and fat!
A Good Dose of Resveratrol!
I happen to love red wine but I never drink it in the hot weather because it makes me even hotter. A glass of chilled Chardonnay is nice on a summer evening but in the winter, I want something warming and a nice full-bodied red wine is so nice. I know there's been a bit controversy recently about red wine.
Possible Falsified Research On Health Benefits of Red Wine.
I still believe red wine
does have some health benefits, namely
Resveratrol. You can get it in pill form, but where's the fun in that? There's something so magical about wine: the opening, the pouring, swirling it around in the glass, smelling, savouring, sharing it with friends. The whole ritual can be healing and you just can't get that from a pill. Sitting beside a roaring fire sharing a glass of grape juice just isn't the same. Sorry. Moderation is key and as long as you can drink responsibly, it's perfectly okay to enjoy an occasional glass of red wine. If you don't like wine or wish to avoid it, don't despair. Dark chocolate contains resveratrol, as well, so make yourself a mug of homemade hot cocoa.
Soaking in the Tub!
Who wants to sit in a hot bath in the summer? I don't. As soon as the cooler weather arrives, I set aside time to soak in a soothing bath at least once a week. It's healing and relaxing. It's my time to decompress. I pour a glass of wine, light candles, put on soothing music and indulge. Even better, a romantic bath for two.....
And speaking of romance, here's what I love most about winter.........
Snuggling!
In the hot weather, we tend to push people away but when it turns cold, we crave body heat. Snuggling makes us feel warm, safe and secure all the way down to our toes. Snuggle up with your mate, your kids, your pet. Wrap your arms around your lover and who knows? It just might lead to other great things, like sex. I can't think of anything more healing, warming, or totally wonderful than that.
And this is my Daily Cyn........
