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.