Don't get mad--get busy.

I'm the type of person who pays attention to my body signals.  In early September, while at my yearly physical, I noticed a pattern that was developing--every single day between 2-6pm, I was feeling drowsy and lethargic.  I couldn't figure out why my eyelids were heavy and my body felt weak, on a daily basis.  It was only after I had some blood tests done, that I learned my thyroid reading was low.  That certainly explained a lot.  While I exercised 5 days a week, I thought perhaps I was working out too hard, or not getting adequate rest, or not eating enough protein.  But, two weeks into taking thyroid medication, I noticed a definitive shift in my energy levels. 

Before I knew what was wrong with me, I was frustrated to the point of tears.  My work, albeit my saving grace, was the only part of my routine that I could muster up the energy for.  At one point, I was routinely heading into bed just after 7pm.  My sleep patterns were interrupted, but I can honestly say that I was getting at least 9 hours of rest, nightly.  That was more than enough snooze time, for my body and mind to feel alert.

I found myself getting angry for being tired all the time.  I couldn't plan for leisure activities or social evenings out with friends or weekend meetings with family members, because I didn't know if I'd be alert or awake enough to attend anything.  As the weeks progressed, I decided to change my thinking, which helped me to change my overall outlook.

In my career, I have been the 'go-to' girl for all things related to fitness and nutrition.  Funny, how I can dish out advice and occasionally, I find that I'm not following through with my own words of wisdom.  If I'm going to talk the talk, then I'd better walk the walk.  So here are some simple tips for you, to feel your best and increase your energy, especially during the upcoming winter season.

1/ The snow should never deter you from enjoying the great outdoors.  That's why you should bundle up, grab a thermos of soup or hot chocolate and get active.  Take a walk, grab a friend and relish in the joy of being alive.  Build a snowman, go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating.  Endless possibilities.

2/ It's rather important to beef up on your B vitamins, Vitamin D, C, E, Omega 3's and lean proteins.  Fish, lean cuts of meat, legumes, green vegetables, fibrous fruits, whole grains--all contribute to a healthy immune system, and will keep your energy levels up. 

3/ Get at least 6 hours of sleep.  Some people need more, some need less.  Coffee is not the answer to staying alert, though some people would argue that it's the jolt they need that works wonders.  Make sure to hydrate with ample amounts of water, as skin tends to be much drier in the winter.  Juicing is a good idea, too. 

4/ My favourite thing to play on winter weekends?  Board games.  Scrabble is the game I play the most.  It wakes up your brain, makes you strategize, and if you play with at least 4 people, it's a blast.  Get some friends together on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, prepare some snacks and beverages and choose an entertaining activity.

5/ There's something so incredible about a fireplace, and if you have access to one, definitely use it.  Staring at the fire has such a calming effect, don't you find?  It's something that I remember so fondly from childhood, and I was so mesmerised by it.  Focus on the flames, breathe deeply, let you brain wander. 

6/ Don't fall into a routine this winter:  work, eat, rest, repeat.  Shake things up and force yourself to try new things.  Pick up a 'NOW' magazine (all my Toronto readers), and check out a new show, museum, concert venue, restaurant, or an out of town event.  We are so lucky to have endless amounts of entertainment in our city.  If the words, 'I'm bored' should leave your lips, it's time to shake, rattle and roll. 

Most importantly, keep warm, stay vibrant and smile.