This snow. People. It’s killing me. Ok, I’ll stop being so dramatic, but it’s seriously cramping my style. I don’t mean to be one of those people that blame their energy/happiness levels on the weather but there’s no denying that when everything around you is covered in layers of crusty snow it’s a lot tougher to get up and get shit done. On top of that I’ve been from working home, alone for the better part of 3 weeks. Kids, I’m lonely.
But enough of the bitching, that’s not the point of this post. Instead I want to talk about making your own (metaphorical) sunshine – oh and share some of the food that’s making me and my body happy.
After having a bit of a melt down last night about being cold and lonely I woke up this morning with a resolve to make my own sunshine, weather be damned. Here are a couple of my strategies for operation #makeyourownsunshine:
Breakfast
Savoring my morning smoothie and coconut coffee
This has been my favorite meal/time of the day and I’ll continue to savor it and focus on letting those good vibes guide me through the day.
Painting my nails
Simple and effective. Commence the smiles.
Having regular dance party intervals
Dancing periodically has been making me happier all day. The goofier looking the better.
Lunch
Tuna salad atop a salad with sweet potato, cucumbers, red pepper, avocado, almonds and paleo/vegan pesto (recipe)
Seeking human contact
This is obvious, but not as easy as a newbie to the city. Luckily my best friend/sister is a walk away and my new roommate is fantastic (hi Karen if you are reading) Skype counts for this one, too.
Drinking ish-tons of water
Water makes my body happy and plenty of bathroom breaks means I’m moving around more often. Oh, and a little Kombucha because this is happy in a bottle <3
Getting. To. The. Gym.
Lately it hasn’t been a motivation issue, seriously I’ve been craving sweat and endorphins, but literally a logistics issue. Driving and especially parking has been so difficult with the mountains of snow everywhere. But if I have to bundle up and walk I’ll do it, hey I’ll be plenty warmed up by the time I get there.
Luckily yesterday I got my sister to workout with me! Humans and gym time? Double win!
Dinner
Can’t get enough of this combo: kale, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and pesto (told you I put this on everything)
Follow along with the fun on Instagram
Looking for more Whole 30 meal ideas? Check out this post, this post, this post or this post.
Your Turn:
- What do you do to stay positive/sunshine-y during the rough winter?
- What’s your favorite time of day?
As always, thank you so much to Jenn of Peas & Crayons for hosting WIAW every week.
When I lived up north I would get so depressed during this time. But I think I got used to it…? Or that’s what I tell myself. I feel very lucky to live in Florida during this time of year! Breakfast is my favorite time of the day! I’m always sad when it’s over haha
I totally have that too – post breakfast depression (pbd) lol
Florida sounds amazing right now! A lot of my friends live in LA and their snapchats are killin’ me right now.
I love your positive outlook! Keep shining. It’s contagious xo
Thanks Jessie! Fake it till ya make it right?
YES to savoring breakfast! I purposely wake up early so I can take my time eating/drinking coffee.
Rushed breakfast is almost as bad as no breakfast! Love slowly sipping coffee <3
Girl I FEEL you…I am in the same boat right now, minus the snow, but it has been gross, rainy, dreary, and cold here in Houston! I’ve been a little lonely too and it sucks and sometimes it is hard to get out of that funk. Can we fast forward to Summer and I’ll meet you on Nantucket for a nice glass of wine? 🙂
Omg wine on the beach while watching a Nantucket sunset? That’s all I need right now. All I can say is this summer is going to feel extra amazing. Definitely earning it.
Cue the regular dance parties – never fails! 🙂
Haha that just made me think of the dancing lobsters from the Amanda show 🙂
Amanda, please. Miss that show! Every time I walk into the bathroom at my office I always think of “the girls’ room” skit..ha!
Message me if you want Boston ideas! I would literally go to bars aloneeee because everyone is so awesome and friendly.
Totally going to message you! Been looking for some good bars/music venues.
Oh I always struggle with Winter blues, especially when it’s the absolute coldest outside and the sky is always grey. I enjoyed your tips and I actually needed them today because I have been feeling down all day due mostly to the weather. Another g hat never fails to cheer me up is coloring in a coloring book. Childish? Yes. But I still love it.
Oh my gosh! I love that idea <3 As someone who prides herself on having an extensive pen/marker collection coloring is such a fun way to cheer up.
LOVE the idea of making your own sunshine! I’m lucky in that I live in California right next to the ocean, so I don’t really get any snow here (read: zero haha) and I live in a big house with 11 other girls so it keeps me from being lonely. I’ve definitely felt a drain on my energy levels and overall happiness, though, when it’s gloomy outside. Also, smoked salmon is my jaaaaam as well <3.
I find it funny too, you don’t always notice the drain until you’re back in the sunshine and suddenly you feel wonderful! Thanks so much for stopping by Christine, your blog is so lovely
Don’t get me started on the weather. Getting up and out earlier to scrape ice off my car isn’t exactly my idea of fun.
The gym has been my lifesaver/sunshine/happiness-booster of choice lately, too. Being on my own in a new city is tough.