Top 5 Valentines Treats For Yourself
If you need an excuse to slow down, here you go:
According to the National Sleep Foundation, the normal range for winter sleep is an extra 1.75 - 2.5 hrs / night.
The Movement Lab says slowing down in winter is a physiological requirement, NOT a mindset issue. Reduced daylight and colder temperatures alter hormone signaling, immune function, and nervous system tone. Lower energy and the need for more rest are adaptive responses, not failures.
In other words—get into hibernation mode—winter is time for rejuvenation, reflection, and recovery.
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, here are some rejuvenating ways to show love to number one & treat YOURSELF!
(We’ll be productive later…in spring).
5) Romantic dinner for one
My version of this is steamed artichokes and spaghetti, a glass of red and Harry and Heels doughnuts with a movie. But I call it romantic so I remember to use a placemat, garnish the pasta, and take a little more care with it all.
(3 great movies I just watched: Train Dreams, Dead of Winter, Sew Torn).
What is your version??
4) Crafty social event
In an attempt to fill my cup and stave off cabin fever, I’ve been trying new things:
I like the Craft Social at The Knit Cafe which is free and fantastic.
And recently I attended a social reading event by Reading Rhythms Toronto and it was so fun—far exceeded my expectations.
Other ideas: host a friend crafternoon; join a Sewing Club or Sip & *Sew*cial.
3) Upgrade your space
If you’re going to hibernate, better make it cozy:
add colour with different pillow cases or art
add calm with a rearrange of a closet or cupboard
cull and purge
deep clean one spot you use often
soft lighting and a blanket never hurts!
2) Pajama day
is a thing I made up to feel less guilty for relaxing because I gave it a name. Stay inside, go slow, and maybe not shower or wear real clothes. You can have breakfast in bed, marathon a bunch of movies (or all of Heated Rivalry), craft while listening to a murder mystery audiobook, have a long bath, take a nap, order take out, read the book you’ve been meaning to read. No pressure, no expectations.
1) Solo date
If you’ve never gone to a movie or eaten at a restaurant alone, now is a good time to try it. I like hitting the Indigo at Bay/Bloor where you can find a big comfy chair and read $40 fashion magazines and $300 design books, then not buy them, and also check out the ‘Female Rage’ section for some fun fiction. Varsity cinema is next door and so is Eataly if you want a little midday wine and snack (after all, this is a date). If you feel weird, sit at the bar.
Some thoughts on making mistakes:
I am a recovering perfectionist and lately I’ve been obsessed with the concept of mistakes as forward movement.
Click to watch video:
“There is no innovation and creativity
without failure. Period.”
“The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.”