Winter Bucket List - Wellness Update

On Dec 21, I posted a Seasonal Link Up for Winter - and today, I share my first update. I wanted these seasonal goals to focus on season-specific wellness - particularly to thrive in what can often be filled with 'winter blues'.Winter has certainly hit Chicago - with below zero wind chills and about 6 inches of snow on the ground.

Step into some fresh air - no matter how cold it is outside

• So far, so good! Even in below zero weather I've stepped into fresh air every day for at least a few minutes.

Go for a walk/ride every day the sun shines, even if very short

• Yep! I've piled on the clothes and enjoyed the sunshine. A bonus was that I spoke at a conference in Florida so enjoyed 80 degrees and a dip in the pool. Hadn't been swimming in 10 years.
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Don't rush into my work day - rise at least an hour before my first client call

• I first enjoyed two weeks vacation for the holidays. On work days, I've managed to rise at least 30 minutes before calls start every day - and on some days an hour before. Progress...

Listen to music while doing kitchen chores

• Yep! Alexa makes this simple because I just pick a station, a genre, or a favorite musician. I've not taken time to create all kinds of lists or hook to my playlists, etc. so I get to hear whatever Alexa picks for me.

Spend 20 minutes-a-day on a jigsaw puzzle

My husband surprised me with a Light Lamp (for Seasonal Affective Disorder) for Christmas. They recommend 20-minutes every morning. I've setup the light over the jigsaw puzzle, with a foot massager beneath. Alexa accompanies me with meditation music.

Read fiction 3-4 times a week

• Not quite. More like 1-2 times a week. I'm in the middle of one big client project and trying to complete my business book, so fiction has taken a back seat. I finished one novel though.

Enjoy a daily cup of tea - away from all electronics

• Most days, not every day.

Bake weekly - tapping into one of my first loves

• Bought all the ingredients to bake but told myself, "As soon as I finish writing my book." Since I haven't finished the book, baking has not yet begun.

Self-care has become a priority this winter - and its made a huge difference!I only felt myself going down the rabbit hole of negative thought on two days -- when I was pushing myself too hard to meet my arbitrary book deadline. When I relaxed and gave myself space and time to act quickly but not in a hurry in my writing -- and I got outside for a walk, my mood shifted.On one of my walks, I saw this great reminder:And heard the beautiful melody of the birds singing in the trees: