It’s time to beat the winter blues! It might just be me, but the winter blues usually hit me hardest during the holidays and continue through the following 2-3 months. I tend to retreat during the colder, darker days, but I know I have a supportive group of family and friends behind me when I experience this.
Because I struggle with this every year, I wanted to share what I’ve learned and share some tips that help me get through the winter blues (or winter funk). Keep reading!
This article does not constitute medical advice. Please see your medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Also, this post includes affiliate links, and I will receive compensation (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase! Click here to read my affiliate disclosure.
What are the winter blues, anyway?
The winter blues have a lot of different names: Seasonal depression, winter funk, seasonal affective disorder, and many more. It’s the time of the year that falls after the holidays when you might feel slightly down due to the winter.
The winter blues are authentic, and they can affect just about anyone. Some might feel a little sad and cranky. In contrast, others do get full-blown depression, and that sucks! Light therapy is known to help, especially if you live in a part of the world that doesn’t see much sunlight during the winter. Still, seeking emotional support is one of my biggest go-to’s when I feel like my mental health is spiraling down.
Emotional Support To Beat The Winter Blues
If you’re currently suffering from seasonal depression, you’re not alone! Whatever way you label it, feeling down during the winter happens to many people worldwide.
One tactic that has helped me beat the winter blues is checking in on my friends to see how they’re doing. Spending time with those I love during the winter (even when sometimes it’s hard even to get dressed!) has been a game-changer. By doing so, I get emotional support to help me through the winter, and I can also give it to those I love!
P.S. Try to also keep an eye out for your friends with underlying mental health conditions. They might need you the most!
Try something new
Get together with a friend, grab a pen, and write down ideas for activities you’ve always wanted to do together. Make a list of things to do before the winter ends and work on it.
Consider going ice skating, hitting up a concert, or joining a class together. Whatever it is, get out of your comfort zone and step out of the house. Not only will this make winter a little easier, but it will also strengthen your relationship!
Get your body moving
It’s so hard to work out during the cold months, but it’s also one of the most important things to do to keep your physical and mental health in check.
If you struggle to get exercise, get together with a friend, and do it together! Whether it’s becoming gym buddies or joining a Zumba class together, exercising will get your body to release happy hormones and power you up to beat the winter blues.
Just hang out
Sometimes, the best thing to do with friends is to hang out with nothing special planned. Call up a friend and let them know you’re coming over, and don’t take no for an answer. Bring some popcorn, a bottle of wine, and a movie, and spend quality time with them. Seriously, you never know if your friend might require emotional support but cannot ask for it, so make it a mission to give it to them!
Having a circle of friends is one of the most valuable assets, even more so during winter. So go on, call a friend, and beat the winter blues together!
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. Unfortunately, for many people, the holiday season is also a time for drinking alcohol. If you want an alcohol-free holiday season this year, this post will give you tips and tricks for having a great time without drinking.
We’ll also provide information on how to deal with situations where alcohol is present. So whether you’re abstaining from alcohol or just trying to drink less this year, read on for helpful tips and advice.
This blog post does not constitute medical advice. Please see your medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
This post includes affiliate links, and I will receive compensation for any purchases made through my link at no cost to you. Read my disclaimer here.
Tips To Enjoy a Booze-Free Holiday
Have a plan
The first step to having a sober holiday season is to have a plan. If you know you’ll be in situations where alcohol is present, decide ahead of time how you’ll handle them. Will you avoid drinking altogether, or will you allow yourself to have one drink? What will you say if someone offers you a drink? Having a plan will help you stay on track and make better choices when faced with temptation.
Know the risky scenarios
Certain situations are more likely to lead to drinking, especially during holidays. If you know what these are, you can be better prepared to avoid them or healthily deal with them. For example, holiday parties are often full of alcohol, so it may be best to avoid them altogether. Bring a non-alcoholic drink with you if you attend a party (trust me, it’s okay), and don’t be afraid to say no if someone offers you a drink.
Find a support system
It can be helpful to have friends or family members understand that you are going to have an alcohol-free holiday or overall just trying to drink less. Having somebody to lean on for support can make it easier to stay on track. If you don’t have anyone in your life who is in the same boat, plenty of online support groups can offer advice and encouragement.
Find an alternative activity
If you’re used to drinking alcohol at holiday parties, finding an alternative activity to do instead can be helpful. This way, you won’t be tempted to drink and can still enjoy yourself. Consider playing games, dancing, or chatting with friends instead of drinking. If you’re attending a holiday dinner party, offer to help the host prepare or serve food, and let them know that you’re going alcohol-free this holiday season.
Bring your own drinks
If you’re worried about being tempted to drink alcohol at a holiday party, bring your own non-alcoholic drinks. This way, you’ll have something to sip on throughout the night and won’t be as likely to indulge in alcoholic beverages. Plus, your fellow partygoers will appreciate having a designated driver! Here are some great booze-free cocktails if you’re looking for ideas on where to start.
Have fun without alcohol
Just because alcohol is often present during the holidays doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time without it. There are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself without drinking. So whether you’re abstaining from alcohol or just trying to drink less, don’t let it ruin your holiday fun. With a little planning and preparation, you can still have a great time without booze. Cheers!
If you’re looking for a luxurious sleep experience that helps you naturally protect your hair, reduce acne and skin irritation, and avoid creases and wrinkles, the Silk & Silver pillow by Juvea is for you.
Through a collaboration with Juvea, I was lucky enough to try out this wonderful King Size Silk and Silver Pillow for the past month. They gave me this pillow for free in exchange for an honest review.
This post was made possible through a partnership with JUVEA. It includes items that I received for free in exchange for promotion and a review. All thoughts and views are my own. This post also includes affiliate links. I will receive compensation for any purchases made through my link. Read my disclaimer here.
Who is Juvea?
Talalay Global (Juvea’s parent company) was founded in 1975 and has “a mission of bringing superior manufacturing processes and materials to the bedding industry.” The business and its manufacturing headquarters are based in Shelton, Connecticut.
Juvea is deeply committed to “making your morning better by creating 100% natural latex products and focuses on providing high-quality natural latex pillows and mattress toppers for you to achieve quality rest and relaxation every night.”
Quality sleep starts from the environment in your bedroom, and a supportive pillow is a must. You need to find the correct height, softness, and level of support that you need. This pillow has all three. The Silk and Silver pillow is natural and eco-friendly, with effortless airflow.
The Silk and Silver by Juvea pillows are also great if you’re looking for a comfortable, cooling, and breathable option for your bed. Over the past month, I’ve used Silk and Silver as a body pillow during the day and a regular pillow at night.
These pillows are made with a unique combination of natural elements like Mulberry Silk, Natural Silver, and Talalay Latex. With the health and beauty benefits that this pillow has, it’s definitely a game changer.
When I took the pillow out of the box (which is somewhat small), it poofed out and is so big. But, I had to let it sit for at least 2-3 hours before the slight latex odor was gone. The silk pillowcase is so dreamy, too! I put that right on after I let it air out for a bit.
Closeup of the pillow before and with the pillowcase on it.
Health & Beauty Benefits
Silk and Silver is the Juvea pillow that provides a luxurious sleep experience and health and beauty benefits. This pillow not only protects your hair but also helps to reduce acne and skin irritation. It also acts as a natural immune system booster and has a built-in resistance to dust mites, mold, and other allergens.
I will say that I’m obsessed with the pillowcase. As someone who’s never actually used a silk pillowcase before, I really do love how it feels. It’s not scratchy like regular cotton and feels super high-end.
The pillow is very good for side, back, and stomach sleepers. It allows for the support of a regular pillow but also conforms to your body while still gaining its shape.
The verdict…
With the amazing technology that goes into making this product, I’m not surprised by the price point. The pillow is a bit on the expensive side ($199). I probably wouldn’t buy one based on my current salary (real talk), but I might purchase another in the future.
It’s definitely a great pillow to have in your home; if you have the money, buy one. The Silk and Silver Pillow by Juvea is great for your body and your health.
This post was made possible through a partnership with JUVEA. It includes items that I received for free in exchange for promotion and a review. All thoughts and views are my own. This post also includes affiliate links. I will receive compensation for any purchases made through my link. Read my disclaimer here.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’d know I’m a huge advocate for getting a great night’s sleep. That includes everything from bedding to pillows and more. I’ve also gone through so many pillows over the years that it’s become frustrating, especially when my favorite one gets discontinued or I can’t find it anymore. This is why I am thrilled to bring you another collaboration, this time, it’s with ECOSA.
This post was made possible through a partnership with ECOSA. It includes items that I received for free in exchange for promotion and a review. All thoughts and views are my own. This post also includes affiliate links. I will receive compensation for any purchases made through my link. Read my disclaimer here.
Who is ECOSA?
Their website states, “At Ecosa, we value sleep – and we know you do too. We’ve been designing luxury sleep solutions since 2015, using intelligent ergonomic designs that work for your body. From our one-for-all memory foam pillow to our premium silk pillowcase, simple but beautiful sleep experiences are what we do best. We’re committed to using only the highest quality materials that are good for you and good for the environment. From Australia to the world, we’re transforming the lives of millions by saving them from bad sleep.”
ECOSA is also making a difference in the lives of others through a partnership with the Salvation Army and making sustainable choices for its product materials. They pride themselves on using Tencel ™ and Oeko-Tex 100 Certified materials, which means they produce pillows in environmentally responsible manufacturing processes. Also, if an Ecosa pillow is returned, it’s donated to families in need through the Salvation Army.
The ECOSA Pillow
Through this collaboration, I received two comfortable, ergonomic pillows with two height-adjustable pads in each box. Each box included a compression and travel bag so you can easily travel with it. It didn’t seem possible to fit in the travel bag, but it did.
Each pillow is guaranteed to be everyone’s perfect fit, and they also infuse activated charcoal into the memory foam to promote odor control and antibacterial protection.
I’ve used similar ergonomic pillows in the past, but they don’t even come close to the quality and softness of the ECOSA Pillow. I was blown away at how soft the outer fabric was, how comfortable it was to lay on, and the ability to adjust the size was perfect. I didn’t even need a pillowcase when I was sleeping on it.
This pillow was easily used on my couch while watching football games, a backrest against my headboard when I worked from bed, and a pillow to sleep on. It’s one of my favorite pillows now, and you can’t change my mind. I have it right behind me as I’m writing this post. These ECOSA pillows are worth every penny and can be used in many areas of your home.
Why The ECOSA Pillow Worked For Me
Living with neck problems due to shoulder tension and many years of playing sports, I need a pillow with support. Ergonomic pillows help because they allow me to lie on my side without contorting my neck or spine. This pillow is fantastic for that. Since it’s adjustable, I could ensure it’s the right size for me and adjust depending on if I wanted more or less support.
The other pillows I’ve used in the past didn’t have the option of being adjustable, so what you saw was what you got. And I am pleased with these pillows, which have dramatically reduced my neck pain over the past couple of weeks.
These products are well worth the money you would pay (they range from $85 to $100 each, depending on how many you buy) and will last a long time. They offer a 100-night trial and will issue a full refund if it’s not working for you. ECOSA also ships every item for free (USA-wide) and accepts free returns within 100 days. Save $15 on select pillows when you buy 2 or more!
ECOSA In The Press…
Ecosa was also Voted Best Contoured Memory-Foam Pillow 2020/21 by The New York Times, Wirecutter. They stated, “Height-adjustable and curved to provide targeted neck support, the Ecosa was the best-contoured pillow we tested. It’s pricier than others we recommend, but it’s the favorite of our back- and side-sleepers who struggle with pain.” The Ecosa Pillow has over 11783 five-star reviews! Click here to see why customers are raving!
This post was made possible through a partnership with ECOSA. It includes items that I received for free in exchange for promotion and a review. All thoughts and views are my own. This post also includes affiliate links. I will receive compensation for any purchases made through my link. Read my disclaimer here.
Of course, I’ll need to add this disclaimer, but gemstones are not supposed to replace actual medical care. Please contact your medical professional for any medical treatment or support.
This post was made possible through a partnership with VitaJuwel. It includes items that I received for free in exchange for promotion and a review. All thoughts and views are my own. This post also includes affiliate links. I will receive compensation for any purchases made through my link. Read my disclaimer here.
Who is VitaJuwel?
VitaJuwel’s mission is something that I felt drawn to before agreeing to a collaboration. Its mission is “To raise global consciousness of the value in drinking healthy, living water daily. In everyone. All around the world.”
They have two teams in Germany and California to help reach more customers worldwide! Currently, they ship to more than 60 countries in the world. To learn more about them, click here.
VIA Happiness
According to the VitaJuwel Website, this ViA is a luxurious glass bottle with a hand-made pod full of special gems, including jade (nephrite), carnelian, orange calcite, and clear quartz. The combination of these stones is great for optimism, eloquence, and good luck.
I am always looking for the irony in things, and receiving this water bottle came at the perfect time with everything going on in my life. That’s a story for a different day, though. Just know, it came to me for a reason – Universe, I see you.
The price point is a little more expensive at $128, but if you typically purchase a bunch of crystals and know how expensive they could get, this isn’t that bad when you account for the bottle’s construction. It’s made of some really good materials and contributes to great causes.
I loved the VIA Loop I received with the bottle to protect the stainless steel top and bottom from scratches and bumps. It’s made of silicone and made from soft neoprene. I feel safer bringing the bottle wherever I go because I have it on my ViA Happiness bottle.
VitaJuwel Crystal Straw Aventurine
VitaJuwel’s website states that their plastic-free, extra sturdy glass straw gives you positive gemstone vibes. The Aventurine stone stands for abundance, luck & prosperity. It is the perfect crystal for the heart chakra.
Again, coming through with the PERFECT crystals for me right now. It’s like VitaJuwel was in my head when they intuitively chose these items for me to review.
This beautiful glass straw came in a bamboo carry case with a plastic-free cleaning brush and a small bag with the fairly-sourced aventurine stone. The packing is my favorite, and it keeps everything safe! Also, One Tree Planted will plant a tree for every Crystal Straw sold. One Tree Planted is a nonprofit dedicated to global reforestation and awareness about the importance of trees.
The only quirk with this stone was that it was too wide to put in through the top hole, so I had to turn the bottle upside down to fit the stone inside the glass bottle on the straw. It was a beautiful stone and one of my favorites, so I’m not worried about having to do this each time.
ViA Ice Mold
The ViA Ice Mold only fits on the straw because it has a hole in the middle, and it froze water in the freezer in a short amount of time. But I couldn’t fit it inside the round water bottle because it’s a square [it’s truly the only negative], but I’m going to use the straw and this ice mold together in other drinks!
Go to their website and share what’s on your wish list in the comments below! I’d love to hear which products are your favorites.
If you want to check out my other articles about crystals, click here.
This post was made possible through a partnership with VitaJuwel. It includes items that I received for free in exchange for promotion and a review. All thoughts and views are my own. This post also includes affiliate links. I will receive compensation for any purchases made through my link. Read my disclaimer here.
I am a 30-something lifestyle blogger who loves sweatpants, shopping, and self-care.
I created this blog to find my voice, share my knowledge, and help other women find the balance that they’ve been looking for and craving all their life.
Throughout this blog, you will find some affiliate links. If you click on one of those links, I will receive compensation (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase.
