I believe that we can learn many things from nature. From the self-sufficiency of trees to the uniqueness of a snowflake, we only have to look outside our windows to find inspiration. And just like the strong, wise black bear, I too curl into a ball and hibernate for the winter.
Seriously! Who wants to spend the winter outdoors when you can rest peacefully ensconced in a cave or hollow tree… or a semi in the suburbs. (Er, same thing, I’m sure.)
I fully admit to being a winter hermit. While it was common for me to shy away from the cold during my working days, being at home has only intensified my dislike for the three S’s: snow, slush and sleet. In fact, if I hear the words “minus” and “degrees” in the same sentence, chances are I’m shacking up for the day.
The truth is, the entire season depresses me. Clinically, I’m sure. You’ve heard of “February blahs”? I have them from November to March. I find myself eating more, caring about my appearance less, avoiding social interaction and most of all, spending too much time in my pjs. Really, if someone studied my habits for any length of time, they’d likely have me on some kind of watch. But it’s not that I’m unstable – I just hate, hate, hate being cold.
Two unwilling casualties of my reclusive behaviour are Ryder and Reid, of course. As little boys, they adore the outdoors! And it doesn’t matter how long it takes to pull on their winter gear; they’ll do anything for a chance to walk through the snow, sit on the white stuff, and catch snowflakes with their tongues. Unfortunately for them, this winter has been less than cooperative – I’ve only been able to take them out for a good snow day a handful of times. Other times, I’ve made excuses – it’s too windy, it’s too dreary, it’s too cold. Translation: it’s not summer.
Ryder's introduction to snow, December 2009
Now other than robbing them from experiencing all the Canadian seasons, I’m also robbing them of sunshine – and Vitamin D. Until I had children, I paid little attention to the “sunshine vitamin” and certainly have never considered my own body’s reaction to a deficiency. But lately, I’m beginning to wonder if my own winter blues are in part due to a lack of exposure, and with good reason: “Maintaining Vitamin D levels helps prevent numerous ailments such as osteoporosis, depression, cardiovascular disease and can help to reduce the risk of certain cancers (by almost 60 percent)”. (Source)
From Deborah Lowther of IronKids:
“Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because our bodies naturally synthesize it when our skin is exposed to sunlight. Recent studies have shown even with the Vitamin D in our diets and exposure to direct sunlight, the majority of the population is Vitamin D deficient.”
Yikes. I wonder if my little guys have been in direct sunlight for more than 5 minutes at a time this winter. Shamefully, I think the answer is no.
And so I’ve made it my mission to conquer my distaste for winter and GET OUTDOORS. (As Vitamin D producing rays cannot penetrate glass, clothing or sunscreen, I can’t really count the drive to the mall. Darn.) Additionally, my boys receive an IronKids Vitamin D Gummy EVERY DAY; each great tasting gummy contains 400 IU’s of Vitamin D, which is the minimum daily intake as recommended by Health Canada and the American Academy of Pediatrics. I’m proud to say that I’m not just a brand ambassador – I’m also a brand enthusiast. From their Gummies Multi-Vitamins for Active Kids to Gummies Calcium for Growing Kids, we LOVE the products.
So tell me, do you experience winter blues? On average, how much time do you spend outdoors during the colder months?
I am an IronKids Brand Ambassador – with pride. I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this brand.
The opinions on this blog are my own.
It’s interesting that you say that vitamin D cannot penetrate through suncreen, because I’ve been taking the kids outside during the winter to get their vitamin D, but also lathering all exposed skin with sunscreen spf 30. Off to go pick up some Iron Kids gummies! Thanks for the post.
I know – it was news to me too! But it makes sense nonetheless – by blocking the bad stuff, surely we’re blocking some of the good stuff too :(
We’re inside all winter. And yes, we experience the blues. Dreaming of our next vacation, 2 weeks to Florida!
Have an amazing trip! #jealous
My boys have been very healthy since the fall, and Cam & I summed it up to be the IronKids Omegas gummies they’ve been taking since October, and I think sending them outdoors to play each weekend has helped too. I prefer to stay snuggly in my warm house, but they’ll happily play for hours in the backyard while I prepare meals. Maybe I should jump on the outside bandwagon and spend time in the winter sun too!
… or just take adult strength Adults Essentials Vitamin D! (shameless plug) I think it’s amazing that the kids have been in such great health!
We spend a lot of time outdoors during winter in parks. Sliding, tubing, ski…name it and we’ve done it! We used to be indoors a lot but soon changed our thinking and said “what the heck, let’s enjoy this winter wonderland!” . Try it and it is a lot of fun. Your feet will never feel cold as long as you are moving and active. That’s why kids playing in the snow never complain that they are cold.Atleast mine doesn”t! If you are warmly dressed, you are all set to enjoy the winter!
You have inspired me! And it makes complete sense – I’m usually just standing around freezing while the kids are playing; looks like I’ll have to get busy too!
Still waiting for the snow to stick for more than an hour so I can take both boys out ;(((
I know :( Winter just won’t cooperate…
I am with you! If it were up to me, poor Max would never make it outside. Thank goodness for pre-school where he plays outside twice a day. :P Thanks for reminding me, I need to stock up on my IronKids
Preach sister! We’ll send the kids out and enjoy a nice, warm coffee inside :)
Our kids have been taking Iron Kids Multivitamins since I saw them on a different blog. Really happy that my favourite blogger (you!!) are endorsing them too. Like Shauna’s kids mine have been noticeably healthier since starting on them. I give my LOs D-Drops but as soon as the bottle is done I am switching over to gummies.
Amazing! Thanks for the feedback – and yes, I’m a proud supporter of the vitamins!
My husband and I honeymooned in Canada a few years back and I remember reading an article in the paper about Vitamin D and cancer–apparently (as far as my memory serves but please, I am not a doctor so don’t anyone do anything without consulting yours first!) Vitamin D helps reduce the rates of cancer, every kind. It was a really amazing article and the first thing I did when I got home was check my multivitamin to see how much D was in it.
Where did you honeymoon? And yes, there are so many awesome benefits to Vitamin D!
This winter`s been mild enough that it hasn`t been so bad …. but most winters? I just bundle up and stay indoors outside of trips to/from work and necessary errands. I’m not very cold-tolerant. :(
We are the same person, Sheryl!
The Ironkids Vitamin D Gummies are really great for kids. My grandkids take them faithfully and love them. They are a lot more healthier and active now and they also enjoy playing outdoors in the snow.
So happy to hear that you’ve noticed a perceptible difference in the health of your grandchildren. And yes, kids love the gummies!
This has nothing to do with winter but when I linked to the gummy vitamin site I noticed that they also make an omega 3 vitamin for kids which I think is incredibly important, so kudos.
Indeed they do! They’re shaped like little fish, too :) Incredibly important to start children on Omega 3 early, it really helps with brain development.
Ah, I hear you. I’ve always thought I have some level of SAD (I’m sure we all do). However, the trick (in my opinion) is to enjoy each season instead of waiting for one to end. I don’t like being too cold or too hot, so there aren’t many days that make me happy :) But, choosing a fun winter activity or two helps the season go by faster. In fact, if you’re really having fun, you’ll be sad when the ‘dreaded’ season is over. My family and I have been skiing for 20 years now, and it’s something we really look forward to. Of course, there’s always the option of just escaping to a warm destination as well :D
I love, love, love that you wrote: “the trick (in my opinion) is to enjoy each season instead of waiting for one to end.” You’re so right! I either need to embrace winter or move to Florida ;) Thanks for chiming in hun!