Wellness Resources & The Change of Seasons...

I am writing this on August 23rd, 2020. The official kick-off to autumn (the equinox) is September 22nd, about one month away. If you live in New England, you may want to 'get ready.' Yes, the beauty of fall's changing leave's color is a wonderful sight! However, soon after that, you will awake to the aromas of cool, crisp air, letting us know, winter is on the wind, arriving soon. I have found that preparing myself for the long, often frigid winter ahead makes it more bearable. Here in Maine, it seems like our relentless winter season takes up half of the year- 6 months of snow, cold, winds, and did I say loads of snow? Below are some ways, or ideas if you will, to help make the winter not just more tolerable, but perhaps enjoyable. You can cultivate certain areas of your life in the depths of winter, taking time to focus on relationships, hobbies, health, and your heart's center/faith/spiritual walk.

I equip myself with self-care items, from moisturizers (skin can get so dry and chapped in the cold months), vitamin D (since we are depleted from the sun's beautiful warmth), and exercise equipment (that I can use in the privacy of my own home), keeping myself motivated throughout the holidays! I am leady going through the list in my head of what I need to thrive in the winter. Example: Though I love to snowshoe, I also enjoy sitting in the warmth of our home by the woodstove, engaging in my favorite hobbies of writing and reading. Perhaps you do too? So, I'll include some books in my resource list too... Let's get prepped for winter's presence, and try to find the beauty in this season. Let's meander through these few areas of wellness that we can take extra care and joy in, with the following resources:

SKINCARE

• DermaE Moisturizing Cream Vitamin E (mega protection in the cold months) https://amzn.to/2YtCErz

• DermaE Eczema Cream (if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis, try this) https://amzn.to/2Ej5FiV

• DermaE Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum https://amzn.to/2FPSuqa

• Derma@ Hydrating Gentle Cleanser https://amzn.to/2YpxSeU

• Collagen Gold Eye Masks https://amzn.to/3gpwIWN

• Hydra Gel Eye Masks with retinol https://amzn.to/3lagW5z

SUPPLEMENTS (Vitamin D is essential during the winter in New England)

• Vitamin D3 Supplement, NOW, 5000 IUS https://amzn.to/31lDdWa

• Garden of Life RAW Vitamin D3 + antioxidants https://amzn.to/34uDND5

• Garden of Life, Mood Support, Probiotics https://amzn.to/2Qj92bX

• Gaia Herbs, Positive Mood supplement + St. John's https://amzn.to/3hnQpzD

• Natural Vitality Calm (in powder or gummies) https://amzn.to/2CXkYxa

EXERCISE

• Thick Yoga Mat, Amazon https://amzn.to/3aNOsd8

• Stealth Core Trainer, Interactive (for plank/core work), Red https://amzn.to/3gnpVNl

• Stealth Core Trainer, Interactive (for plank/core work), Yellow https://amzn.to/32jRKRK

• Balance Ball with resistance Band https://amzn.to/2Qh3iiO

• Free Wights (various sizes) https://amzn.to/31k8aKC

• Radical Recovery Progam, PDF- Instant Download https://www.etsy.com/listing/842900345/radical-recovery-instant-download

• Yoga Inspirations, workout sheets, Instant Downloads https://www.etsy.com/listing/589082047/yoga-warrior-childs-pose-downward-dog

HEALTHY READS (& COOKBOOKS)

• The Blue Zones Kitchen (100 recipes for long life) https://amzn.to/2Emwv9V

• 30 Minute Mediterranean Diet Recipes https://amzn.to/2CQMHiQ

• Whole Beauty Book, by Shiva Rose https://amzn.to/3hnRAz3

• Essential Oils: Ancient Medicine, by Dr. Josh Axe https://amzn.to/3goIQam

• Roots & Remedies E-Book, https://www.etsy.com/listing/597225688/roots-remedies-ebook-instant-download

• The Humble Life Journal, by Cara Iris Miller https://www.amazon.com/Humble-Life-Journal-Reflections-Stewardship-ebook/dp/B07642DBH7

OTHER INSPIRATION

• Zen Clock (awake with peaceful sounds & color) https://amzn.to/2YmGd2T

• Essential Oil Kit https://amzn.to/3jbFSYR

• 100 Glitter Gel Pen Sets (for fun! For journaling! For writing letters!) https://amzn.to/2QkGjn3

• Printable Stationary https://www.etsy.com/shop/SydneyLeeStationery

• 1 Gallon Inspiration Quotes Water Bottle https://amzn.to/31ne3Xf

Do you have any ideas of how to stay healthy & inspired amidst the changing of the seasons? Please share in the comments! I'd love to learn from YOU! :-)

Be Well,

Cara Iris