beat cabin fever!

I don't know about you, but I get cabin fever pretty quickly. And this winter is definitely giving us it's share of "snow days," keeping us cooped up inside. The first one is fun. Making cookies, drinking hot chocolate and snuggling under a blanket feels all warm and cozy. By the third snow day though it's a whole different story. You're pulling your hair out, fighting with your spouse because you're both working from home, and the dog is pooping in the bathroom because you just don't feel like going outside. Not quite so cozy.

There is hope for surviving what looks like a long and dreary winter ahead. Here are some tips for beating those winter blues.

1. Get Out - Bundle up and take a walk. Even if it's bitter cold, let the sun hit your skin for even ten minutes and you will feel better.
2. Get Moving - Do yoga, join a spin class, jump and down in your living room! Avoid the tendency to lay around and move your body instead.
3. Eat Well - Avoid the temptation to bake cookies and eat them all and opt to make a salad instead. Continuing to eat well through the winter months will make you feel healthier and more motivated to get out and get moving!
4. Don't Isolate - We all tend to hibernate when the days are shorter and colder. Instead, make plans with friends and plan your parties indoors where there is light and temperature control! You can also accomplish 1-3 with friends!

Stay warm, and remember every season comes to an end. In a few short months we will all be complaining about the heat.

sticking to your resolution

Happy New Year!

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? If so, do you ever stick to them? If you're like most people, your answer to that question is no. Here are some tips for making simple resolutions that you're more likely to keep and can potentially make a big difference in your daily life.

1. Keep it simple! You don't have to resolve to completely change who you are, just change one small habit. Instead of committing to a gym membership for a year, commit to taking the dog for a long walk at least a few times a week. Or, just park further away from door every time you go somewhere. Small changes can reap big rewards.
2. No repeats. Don't torture yourself by making a resolution that you've failed to keep in the past. Making an attainable goal that you actually follow through on might be just the motivation you need to reach that "unreachable" goal you've set in the past.
3. Don't give up. Don't bail on your plan just because you stumble. If your resolution is to save more money and you don't do it one week, just jump right back into it the next week. Good habits take time. Give yourself a break when you trip up.
4. Be accountable. Tell someone your goal and ask them to check in with you on your commitment on a regular basis. Just having someone to motivate you might be the little boost you need to stay on track.
5. Reward yourself! Give yourself a treat when you're successful at sticking to your plan. If your resolution is eat less sugar, let yourself indulge once a week when you've successfully passed on the sweets. But be careful not to slip back into the habit.

Good luck sticking to your resolution!