It's cold outside and the days are short. Here's how I keep my spirits bright, stay positive and remain productive while inside during the winter months. 

Embrace Winter with These 10 Mood-Boosting Tips for a Cozy Retreat:

1. Flaxseeds: Everyone aims to eat healthier, but let's get practical. Begin by making specific, measurable changes rather than vague promises. I add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds to my morning yogurt for a nutrient boost. I highly recommend these amazing little seeds. Here are just some of their benefits. I buy Bob's Red Mill Golden Flaxseed Meal. 

• Flaxseeds are rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids. They are one of the richest plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that supports heart health by reducing inflammation and potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.
• Flaxseeds are also high in fiber and are packed with lignans, which are antioxidants. These compounds have been linked to reduced cancer risks, particularly breast cancer, by acting as phytoestrogens which can influence hormone balance.
• To maximize these benefits, flaxseeds are best consumed ground since whole seeds might pass through the digestive system undigested. 

2. Always be Learning: Opt for educational podcasts instead of Netflix. Whatever your interest—be it nutrition, skill enhancement, or any other topic—there's a podcast tailored just for you.

3. Read More: Dive into books for relaxation and knowledge. If you like historical fiction, I highly recommend The Women by Kristin Hannah.  

4. Play Games: Engage your mind with card games or backgammon. I love these Backgammon Sets by Mark and Graham. Playing games can engage and stimulate your brain in several beneficial ways: 

• Memory Improvement: Games like bridge, poker, or even simple memory match games require you to remember cards that have been played or are still in play. This practice can enhance both short-term and long-term memory.
• Card games often involve strategic thinking, where you must anticipate opponents' moves, calculate probabilities, and make decisions based on incomplete information. This sharpens cognitive functions like problem-solving, planning, and logical reasoning.
• Mental Agility: The fast-paced nature of many card games forces quick thinking and adaptability, enhancing mental flexibility. This can be particularly beneficial in keeping the brain active and potentially slowing cognitive decline associated with aging.

5. Green Tea: Enjoy some green tea while taking time for yourself. We received this Electric Glass Tea Kettle this year and love it! Here are just some of the benefits of green tea:

• Antioxidants: Green tea is rich in antioxidants like catechins, which help fight oxidative stress and reduce cellular damage.
• Heart Health: It can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, supporting cardiovascular health.
• Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in green tea might reduce the risk of certain cancers.
• Longevity: Some epidemiological studies link green tea consumption with a longer lifespan, possibly due to its broad health benefits.

6. Indoor Hobbies: Start with painting, knitting, or needlepoint. Did you know that needlepoint can sharpen fine motor skills. Here's how:

• Precision: Needlepoint requires threading needles, manipulating small beads or threads, and making precise stitches, all of which demand a high level of hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Control: The act of stitching involves controlling the tension and direction of the thread, which fine-tunes muscle control in the fingers and hands.
• Repetition: Like many crafts, needlepoint involves repetitive motions that can strengthen and refine the small muscles in the hands and fingers, enhancing fine motor skills over time.

7. Yoga: Invest in a good yoga mat for some indoor exercise. This one is our best seller. 

8. Journal: Reflect and unwind by keeping a journal. I purchased this little journal and I keep it on my bedside table. Journaling offers a multitude of benefits that can impact various aspects of your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being:

• Stress Reduction: Writing down your thoughts and worries can act as a form of stress relief, helping to clear your mind and reduce anxiety.
• Emotional Intelligence: Journaling helps you to better understand your emotions by providing a space to explore and express feelings, which can lead to improved emotional awareness and regulation.
• Improved Mental Health: It's been shown to help in managing symptoms of depression and anxiety. The act of writing can serve as a therapeutic tool to process complex emotions or traumatic events.

9. Keep it Clean: Use air purifiers to maintain a fresh, clean environment. After researching, we settled on this Levoit which we love. 

10. Spruce Up Your Space: Revitalize your home office or reading nook with the newest designs in our acrylic trays, original artwork, and eye-catching prints.

Recent Testimonial about my paintings, 

"So, if you're looking for art that feels like a burst of sunshine or a splash of the sea, Laura Trevey's your gal. Her work isn't just seen; it's felt, like a warm breeze on a summer day or the joy of finding an extra fry in your fast-food bag. Remember, in the grand tapestry of human creativity, Laura's adding some seriously bright threads."