Health and Happiness Club

It's December (my favorite month) and winter is finally here! You're probably thinking, "This girl is nuts; winter is snowy, freezing and gray."  You are correct, winter is all of those things.  However the dismal weather and short days should not keep us from finding new hobbies, outdoor adventures or inventive creations.

I'll admit during the winter months it can be difficult to stay motivated.  Curling up with a warm blanket reading, watching television or being on the computer is nice ... until you discover many hours later that an entire day has passed and you haven't moved or accomplished anything. You wind up feeling lazy, tired and grumpy. Why not break the hermit habits of hibernation and try something new and positive this winter?

Go sledding: Think back and remember your childhood sledding excursions. You do, don't you? Pulling your little sled to the top of the hill, getting a running start and racing through the snow barely suppressing fits of laughter and joy! Or during college, riding a cafeteria tray down the biggest hill on campus, racing your friends to see who's fastest! It didn't matter that the weather was cold and the snow was wet, what mattered was that it was FUN. One downhill trip and I guarantee you'll want to stay outside for hours.  It also happens to be a great calorie-burner!

Invent your own hot chocolate recipe: Many people have never known the exquisite bliss that is REAL hot chocolate. I'm not talking about Swiss Miss.  I'm talking about pure white milk, blended with aromatic chocolate into a creamy wholesome mixture of delicious goodness. Amazing, I know. Investigate online or in your cookbooks for the best recipe and put your own spin on it! Add a cinnamon stick, a peppermint or perhaps some grated orange peel. The possibilities are endless and the results are well worth the effort. Perfect for romantic evenings or fireside chats with friends.

Take up knitting: Knitting isn't just for grannies anymore, folks. There are so many fascinating things one can create! Let's start simply, though. Since the cold can be bothersome, try knitting yourself a hat, scarf and mitten set. Find a book on knitting at the library and visit your local yarn store for some quality yarn - they may also have staff that can give you lessons. Choose a gorgeous color yarn, something inspiring and a warm texture so your fashions are super snuggly. Then, knit! It is a challenge, but so much fun to learn. Many people consider the activity a stress-reliever. Even if you only finish one piece out of the set, you've accomplished something lovely and can show it off to your friends and family. 

Avoiding the winter blues is easier than you think, the trick is to stay active and engaged, and most importantly to HAVE FUN doing it. 

What activities do you suggest?