The title of this blog post makes me think of that catchy song that Julie Andrews performed in the Sound of Music ☺. While I like “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,” these aren’t the items that pop into my head as my “favorites” this time of year. I don’t know about you, but the gloomy weather really gets to me, which is why I use several “go-tos” to feel better and revive my energy. I hope you’ll find these recommendations helpful.
The first item I use daily this time of year is the SunTouch Plus Light Therapy Lamp. This time of year, we lack the sun exposure we may normally get when it’s bright and sunny all day long. The Mayo Clinic agrees light therapy can be used to help fight Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Light therapy is thought to boost brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep. When used correctly (first thing in the morning for 10 – 30 minutes), light therapy will help regulate your circadian rhythm, which is the sleep/wake cycle. This gives us more energy during our wake time hours.
My second daily go-to is Liquid Vitamin D known as the “sunshine vitamin.” Typically, our bodies produce vitamin D naturally in response to sunlight. During the darker winter months when we tend to hibernate indoors, we may need to boost our vitamin D levels. Vitamin D can be found in foods like salmon, tuna, egg yolk, some dairy products and mushrooms. It helps our bodies regulate the absorption of calcium, which supports healthy bones and teeth and plays an important role in regulating mood. Check with your doctor on an appropriate vitamin D supplement.
My third go-to product is Beautycounter Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream. Beautycounter prohibits the use of over 1,500 harmful or questionable ingredients when creating their products. I use several products by Beautycounter, and thanks to their stringent ingredient protocols, I don’t have to think twice about harmful effects! The Tetrapeptide Supreme Cream is the PM face cream, but this time of year, I use it in the AM as well. It’s thick, but not greasy! It keeps my skin smooth and hydrated all winter long.
My fourth go-to product is Organo King Coffee with reishi mushrooms. Although it might not sound like an instant coffee combined with reishi mushrooms would be very tasty, it actually has a great flavor. And no worries if you aren’t a mushroom fan—there is no mushroom flavor. Reishi mushrooms are wonderful for boosting your immune system and have been shown to contain anti-cancer properties.
Finally, I recently discovered a new favorite cookbook: Cook Once Eat All Week by Cassy Joy Garcia. This book provides 26 weeks of gluten-free, affordable meal preparations. Garcia provides shopping lists, simple ingredients, step-by-step “How to Prep for the Week” ideas and simple swaps for dairy-free and gluten-free meals. This book has saved me money on my weekly shopping trips! Check it out on Amazon!
*As with all suggestions, please check with your personal doctor before trying these products.
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