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Pink Chai Living’s Top Gift Ideas That Are Quick Yet Thoughtful

Lifestyle writer and mom, Raj from Pink Chai Living, shares the secret to quick & easy gifts that will help you keep that feeling of connection with loved ones alive this holiday season.

Photo credit: Pink Chai Living

This year, I’ve been a little slow in finding my holiday groove. Two of my favourite parts of Christmas (after the food) are shopping for Christmas gifts and watching the people I love open those gifts. I really pride myself in picking the perfect gift for everyone on my list. In fact, gifts are my love language. Of course, this year, we can’t just go window shopping and wander until we find the perfect present, and we are not going to be able to see our friends and family open their presents live. When I first made my list, I was really struggling. How would I keep my favourite gifting traditions alive in this very different time?

Then I had a sort of lightbulb moment. What is it that we are missing the most this holiday season? Connections and rituals. We always go out to see the Christmas lights and do some gift shopping with our friends Johnny & Lisa and their girls every year. We can’t do that, but we can relive memories from the last few years through photos! What could be more thoughtful and personal than the gift of photographs past.

Photo credit: Pink Chai Living

I started with the idea of creating a photo book around just our Christmas traditions with our friends. As I started going through my phone though, there were so many great photos and other annual traditions I remembered, so I decided to create matching Express Books for them and us. Using the London Drugs Photolab website, it took me under an hour to create a personalized memory book that even had space to write text notes. The writer in me loved being able to include notes about our holidays, traditions, and history. I’ve never made a photo book before because it felt like it would be too time consuming. The Express Books are so easy to set-up, and are ready in just a few days, making this the perfect gift idea for friends and family. They are a pretty compact size and would be easy to ship as well.

The Express Books start with 20 pages that have a variety of layouts, and you can add more pages if you need. On the other hand, if you are looking for something smaller, or just a little fun gift for someone, try an Instagram Book. You can upload whatever square photos you like – they don’t actually have to be from Insta, and create a mini memory book. I did a couple from my 40th birthday party, and plan to share them with some girlfriends. Other fun ideas would be a year in review for the grandparents, recapping a special trip with someone, or maybe even a book of random funny photos on your phone.

Photo credit: Pink Chai Living

Once I started playing around with personalized gift options, I realized how convenient it is to do all the ordering through the London Drugs Photolab website, and how many types of options they have for gifts that you can get done pretty quickly. I actually ended up ordering a customized calendar for a photographer friend. We are all so ready for 2020 to be over, why not celebrate the New Year with a personalized calendar?!

Photo credit: Pink Chai Living

When I was wrapping up my order, I happened to notice the personalized mugs in the gift giving options. Obviously, the pink caught my eye, but there are lots of other colour selections also. Can you believe this mug was only $15.99, and it can be ready for pick-up in just 24 hours? So if there is someone on your list that you’ve missed, this is the personalized gift for them. Personally, I decided to treat myself to a little gift and got this favourite family photo added to the mug.

Photo credit: Pink Chai Living

As someone who was a novice at designing photo gifts, I have to say, the whole process of using the London Drugs Photolab’s site, creating the photo books, and even the pick-up was seamless (you can choose between in-store pick-up or even curbside pick-up at some locations). There are so many options for layouts, themes and colours for all the gift options, and I found it easy to create gifts that were personalized for different people on my list. It’s also nice to have a quick turnaround time on so many items. I’ll definitely be turning to photo-based gifts a lot more in the future.

If you haven’t already done all your holiday shopping, get on it! There are 3 ways you can order your holiday gifts from the Photolab: online, in-store using the kiosks, or through the London Drugs Photolab App (available for iOS and Android). To get your gifts in-hand the quickest, make sure to select in-store or curbside pick-up at checkout!

This guest post has been sponsored by London Drugs.

Dealing with Stress

Stress is all around us. From annoyances such as sitting in a traffic jam or missing a bus to serious stress-inducers like losing a job or the grave illness of a loved one, we face stressful situations throughout our lives.

When we experience stress, our bodies respond by making hormones that speed up our heart rate, make us breathe more rapidly, and release a burst of energy. This is called the stress response or the fight-or-flight response. It prepared our ancient ancestors to protect themselves when their lives were in danger—for example, from an attack by a wild animal they were trying to kill for food. Today we rarely find ourselves in those types of life-and-death situations on a daily basis, but our bodies still react to stress in the same way. A little stress can help us excel in a sporting event or finish an important project on schedule, but too much stress too often or for too long can have negative effects on our health, causing headaches, back pain, upset stomach, or difficulty sleeping. It can also weaken our immune system, making it harder for us to fight off disease.

Managing stress

The first step in controlling stress is to determine what is causing the stress in our lives and looking for ways to reduce it. We’ll never get rid of all of our stresses; some stress is a fact of life, so the next step is to learn healthy ways of managing the stress to reduce its harmful effects.
Some of the things that can help fight the effects of stress include:

• Eating a healthy diet

• Getting regular physical activity

• Doing something you enjoy, such as spending time on a hobby, watching a movie, or listening to calming music

• Keeping a journal and recording what makes you feel stressed and what relaxes you

• Expressing your feelings to someone you trust—a family member, friend, or professional counsellor

• Learning relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques

There is no single relaxation technique that is right for everyone. You may have to try several until you find what works best for you. Here are some common ones:

• Concentrate on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths and turn your mind away from what is causing your stress. Feel the air entering and exiting your body in a controlled manner. This can be particularly helpful for some people, but it may not be appropriate for those with respiratory problems or heart failure.

• Try silently repeating a short phrase or prayer while focusing on your breathing. This may be particularly helpful for people who feel connected to a religion or spiritual path.

• After a few minutes of focusing on your deep breathing, direct your attention to one part of your body and mentally release any tension you feel there. Once you have released the tension from that spot, focus on another part of your body. Continue the exercise until you have released the tension from your whole body.

• Imagine a soothing scene, place, or experience that has personal meaning for you. Relax and enjoy the serenity this vision brings.

• Focus on the moment. Sit comfortably and turn your attention to that very moment in time. Don’t let your thoughts drift to the past or the present. Live in the now, even if only for a little while.

• Try yoga, tai chi, or another of the ancient arts that combine rhythmic breathing with a series of physical positions or flowing movements.

• To get the most benefit from relaxation techniques, combine them with other positive coping methods such as positive thinking, finding things to laugh about, getting enough sleep, and reaching out for support from family and friends.

Gift Guide – Ideas for the Home Cook

The days are getting colder, the nights are getting longer, so it’s time to start planning for the holidays! Struggling to find gifts for your loved ones? We’re here to help with ideas for the home cook in your life. Whether you know an adventurous chef or a young person learning the basics, you can’t go wrong with cuisine elevating gifts. After all, everyone needs to cook!

Hamilton Beach Digital Air Fryer

If you haven’t tried air frying, there is no better time to discover its delicious and convenient benifits. Enjoy your favourite fried foods with out the added oil! Best of all, no preheating is required to make quick, tasty meals. This Hamilton Beach model offers a non stick basket design, so food doesn’t get stuck, and clean up is that little bit easier.

Shop all air fryers here.

Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer

A stand mixer is a staple in every well-equipped kitchen. It boasts the multi-functional ability to make breads, cakes, cookies, sausages, meatloaf and so much more. This Cuisinart model has a 500 watt motor with 12 speeds for precision mixing of all kinds. With accessories such as a chef’s whisk, dough hook, flat paddle included, you will have the perfect mix no matter the recipe. It also features a splash guard to ensure splatter free use, and even a recipe book to get your creativity flowing.

Shop all blenders, mixers and food processors here.

Anova Precision Sous-Vide Cooker Nano with WIFI

If you haven’t tried sous-vide cooking at home, you will wish you didn’t wait so long. The premise is simple, heat water to bring the ingredients to the optimal temperature, ensuring your meals are never overcooked. Amazing for meat, fish and crispy vegetables, this simple tool will elevate your cooking to restaurant quality in no time. Add in a FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer to prep your sous-vide items, and this is a one-two combination that can impress even the most sophisticated of dinner guests.

Shop sous-vide cooking here.

FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer

Preserving freezer meals has never been so simple. The FoodSaver Vacuum sealer, features a built-in roll holder and cutter, which allows you to save counter space while saving your delicious meals from freezer burn! This model makes food preservation so easy, you’ll wonder how you managed without it!

Shop all vacuum sealers and dehydrators here.

Chefman Crepe Maker/Grill

This crepe maker is the perfect breakfast accessory. Its non-stick aluminum construction ensures the perfect sweet or savoury delight every time. In addition, this Chefman is also the ideal tool for making eggs, bacon, and pancakes. Who needs to go for brunch when you can have delicious results in the convenience of your own home?!

Shop all novelty appliances here.

Dash Mini Maker Gift Set

Everyone loves tasty waffles, but making them can be a chore without a dedicated waffle maker. This is the perfect gift set for the breakfast lover in your life – complete with a cookbook including over 80 different recipes for mouth watering waffles. The adorable gingerbread men design is simply a bonus. Dash make many other unique kitchen appliances, be sure to check them out here.

SodaStream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker

Sodastream Fizzi is the ideal drink machine for all spaces. Pour up some fresh sparkling water, custom soft drinks, and a variety of other sparkling beverages. The reusable nature of this device is also a fantastic, green alternative to single use plastics. Save the planet while creating delicious beverages. Win Win.

Shop all Sodastream products here.

We’ve shared some showstopping gift ideas, but don’t forget about the stocking stuffers to complete the home cook’s culinary tool kit: a unique spatula, a mango wood cutting board, or pasta maker, to name a few. Also, check out these eye-catching kitchen gadgets!

No matter the skill level of the food fan you’re shopping for, we are sure to have something they will love. Taking the moment to find that truly unique gift can be the difference between kitchen clutter and kitchen delight!

Shop with confidence and don’t forget you can order online and pick-up in store / curbside pickup / front door pickup

Toy & Game Gift Ideas for Christmas

Christmas is right around the corner! With all the toy options out there, you may be wondering what in the world to get the kids on your list. We’ve compiled some of the hottest toys and games to help make your life easier! From STEM toys that sneak in a bit of educational learning, game room essentials like tabletop air hockey for the competitive kids, and wacky multi-player games that bring on a lot of laughs, these toy options are sure to entertain for hours of fun!

The Upside Down Challenge Game (for ages 8+)

In the Upside Down Challenge Game, players compete to do challenges like giving high-fives, writing their name, and catching a crumpled up ball of paper, all while their vision is flipped upside down, while wearing the upside down goggles. Even the simplest tasks become difficult when the world is flipped upside down! The game contains 1 pair of upside down goggles, 25 challenge cards, 5 create your own challenge cards, instruction sheet, and 1 pad of paper to draw on. You can even play friends on Zoom, provided that each person has their own Upside Down Challenge Game!

Chow Crown (for ages 8+)

Get the family laughing together with the Hasbro Chow Crown Game. The musical electronic crown in this game is fitted with six forks, and once it’s on the player’s head, the participant has to grab as many bits of food as possible without using their hands. Once the music stops and the crown stops spinning, it’s the next person’s turn. This Hasbro Chow Crown game is also an ideal way to introduce unfamiliar healthy foods to kids who are reluctant eaters.

Throw Throw Burrito (for ages 7+)

Throw Throw Burrito is what you get when you cross a card game with dodgeball. Try to collect matching sets of cards faster than your opponents while simultaneously ducking, dodging, and throwing squishy airborne burritos at one another! The cards you collect earn points, but getting hit by flying burritos loses them. Make sure you clear some space at home to play (and put away any breakable ornaments and antiques!)

National Geographic STEM (for ages 4+)

Your kids can become a shark scientist with the National Geographic Shark Tooth Dig Kit STEM Toy! Using the kit, they can identify teeth from the Sand tiger, Otodus, and Crow sharks and learn awesome shark facts with the included learning guide. Plus, they can dig and discover 3 real shark tooth fossils, each from a different shark species. This kit also makes a great homeschool lesson!

If your child is not into sharks, there is also the Break Open 2 Geodes STEM Kit. Geodes are naturally forming volcanic rocks that contain amazing crystal formations inside. The kit includes geodes that can be cracked open to discover beautiful minerals. Kids love these treasure-filled rocks, as it encourages an appreciation of nature and geology in your child with this extraordinary science kit. Plus, they can learn all about geodes and minerals with the full-color educational learning guide included.

Find our full selection of STEM and STEAM toys here.

Electronic Arcade Basketball (for ages 6+)

Race against the shot clock with Ambassador Electronic Arcade Basketball. Two baskets let you challenge friends to one-on-one competitions, and the electronic scoreboard keeps track of your points. The spring-powered basketball launcher makes it easy to take multiple shots in seconds. A loud buzzer lets you know when each round is over so you can bask in each victory. This Ambassador Electronic Basketball Arcade Game boasts a compact size for convenient tabletop placement. The game also features a large LED scoreboard display with countdown timer and buzzer, spring-loaded shooters, automatic point counter and cool sound effects!

Ambassador Tabletop Air Hockey and Football (for ages 6+)

Bring the fun of the arcade home with Ambassador Tabletop Air Hockey. The compact size fits neatly on a dining room table or coffee table, and the simple setup snaps into place for effortless assembly. Scoreboards on both sides let you keep track of goals throughout each match. This Ambassador wood tabletop air hockey game uses AA batteries to power the airflow, so there’s no need for power cords or a nearby wall outlet.

There is also Ambassador Tabletop Football. Traditional hand grips let you control the action for perfect goals, and the manual scoreboard makes it easy to declare a victor. A snap-together design makes assembly a quick, simple task. Colourful players and a bright green field add extra fun to each match. Both of these games make excellent addition to your family room, game room or basement!

Hauck Speedster Go Cart (for ages 4-8)

The Speedster Pedal Go Cart is the ultimate gift for the energetic kid on your list, as it encourages physical activity, builds strength, endurance and co-ordination. Along with the durable features and sporty design, the Hauck Speedster Pedal Go Cart gives an authentic driving experience and lets the driver control the pedal speed. The Speedster’s quick response and sharp handling will excite young racers. Features include sporty graphics on the front fairing, an adjustable bucket seat, four spoke rims with 10″ EVA wheels, a 3-point steering wheel, double touch Handbrake and a steel tube powder coated frame.

Craftsman Deluxe Game House (for ages 6+)

Have a board game lover in the family? They will love the Merchant Ambassador Craftsman Deluxe Game House! The convertible design lets you test your skills at chess, checkers, backgammon, mancala and six other iconic board games. Dice, ball markers and other playing pieces provide everything you need to set up each game, and the mahogany wood finish gives this set traditional beauty. Packaged with instructions, this Merchant Ambassador Craftsman Deluxe Game House makes it easy to master each board.

MD Sports Table Tennis & Air Hockey Table

For the older kids and teens on your Christmas list, the MD Sports Table Tennis is an awesome choice. It is an official tournament size table, measuring at 9 x 5ft, has durable 15mm thick playfield for consistent ball bounce, a sturdy 35mm diameter arch style legs with stability panel and lockable casters, and 35mm oversized apron with protective corner caps for additional support. Plus, it conveniently folds for single play mode and compact storage.

You also can’t go wrong with the MD Sports Air Hockey Table. This table contains a sleek overhead scoreboard with arcade sound effects, a reinforced frame construction for improved durability and stability, 120V AC Motor for strong and consistent air flow and has adjustable leg levelers for perfectly balanced play surface. It also includes two pushers and two pucks.

Squishmallows (great for all ages!)

Squishmallows are the softest, cutest, cuddliest plush around! They have a super soft, marshmallow-like texture and make great couch companions, and bedtime buddies. With a variety of characters, youngsters (and even adults!) can collect them, as each Squishmallow has its own unique name and storyline to add to the fun.

We hope this guide of toys and games was helpful in in giving you ideas for a holiday gift for the kids (or kids-at-heart-) on your list! Be sure to also check out our Christmas Toy Event, on until Dec 24, 2020.

Don’t forget you can order online and pick-up in store, or choose curbside or front door pickup at select locations.

Memorable Family Gift Ideas Curated by Puns and Little Ones

Creative and punny mom of two, Jen from Puns and Little Ones, is here to share some of her favourite photo gift ideas for this year.

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m all about the holiday season. Come Nov. 1, I switch from pumpkins to Christmas trees – I’m a sucker for a theme. My favourite thing to do is come up with fun photo ideas featuring my two little boys, Aiden and Carter. I’ve turned them into snowman cookies, created Christmas scenes, dressed them up as reindeer – the list goes on.

With all the effort I put into holiday photos, you would think I would be on top of gifts early as well. Wrong – usually that part just sneaks up on me somehow. But not this year! I wanted to beat the rush, skip crowded malls and leave plenty of time for packages to arrive. For our extended family, we decided to order personalized keepsakes from the London Drugs Photolab. They create truly unique and thoughtful gifts that I knew my family members would love.

With social distancing, it’s been tough to go without seeing our extended family who live in other provinces. We were hoping to visit my in-laws in Nova Scotia at Christmas, but that isn’t looking likely. So even though we can’t be there in person, we wanted to make our gifts special. For a few years, I’ve created photobooks and canvases as presents for family members – whenever I’m stuck for ideas, I try to come up with something personal to give them.

I used the Photolab a few months ago to make a custom face mask for Aiden to wear when he went to school, so I knew the quality of their personalized gifts would be good. Side note – I love the cute Christmas masks, like Rudolf the Reindeer or their Christmas sweater pattern. I think I might end up buying some matching ones for a Christmas photo. These would be a great gift too, but you would need to give it early so they could be worn the whole holiday season!

We did a family photoshoot in the fall, so I knew exactly which photos I wanted to use for our holiday presents. The Photolab website is so easy to use – you can choose any photo and text, and within a matter of minutes you can customize the product that you want.

Personalized Puzzles

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

This was my favourite gift that we ordered – a 114-piece heart puzzle with a matching tin for storage. I wanted it to be something the kids could do with their grandparents, as well as for them to display in their home – that’s why we chose the one with the matching tin. I’m going to create an Instagram photo with this one, incorporating the Instagram double-tap heart – keep your eye out for it soon over on @PunsAndLittleOnes!

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

This turned out so cute and I feel like it will be a great keepsake. My boys loved putting together a puzzle with their own faces on it – when Carter saw it coming together, he yelled, “It’s me and Aiden!” I can’t wait until they can actually put together the puzzle with their grandparents in person.

Did you know that there has been a major resurgence in popularity of puzzles this year, with everyone spending more time at home? It’s the perfect cold winter day activity. The Photolab also has 1,000 piece puzzles available for true puzzle lovers – and we are very tempted to order again and get the customized playing cards, which are great stocking stuffers too.

Photo coffee mugs

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

Can you ever have too many coffee mugs? I don’t think so. The London Drugs Photolab has many different styles available, as well as a wide variety of holiday and winter themes. These can all be personalized with photos and text. With our mug, I went for an 11 oz designer mug with a single photo on it. I love the two-tone style, with blue on the inside.

These can be ready for pickup in up to 24 hours. They’re also dishwasher and microwave-safe. And at a price point of $15.99 per designer mug, these are super affordable and a thoughtful gift for just about anyone on your list.

Custom water bottles

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

We ordered a sports water bottle for Aiden to take to school – he’s so excited to show it off to his friends. The Photolab even has stainless steel tumblers, beer steins, and latte and espresso mugs that you can add your own photo to. I think we might order a few more of these water bottles for everyone in the house – that way, Carter can have his own too.

Other creative gift ideas

These were just a few of the customized photo gifts you can order from the London Drugs Photolab. Here are a few others that might be perfect for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list:

Photo calendars. They have a small one perfect for your desktop, or a year-at-a-glance style calendar for a wall in your home or office.
Personalized Christmas tree ornaments. They have so many to choose from, like beautiful wood ornaments, crystal, metal and ball ornaments. They can be customized with a photo, message or date.
Cozy photo blankets. You can either customize these with one photo or a collage, and they come in cozy textures like Sherpa and fleece. These days, I’m always wrapped up in a blanket, even during the day while I’m working from home at my desk. I know I would love a gift like this!
Personalized key chains. This creative gift idea would make a great stocking stuffer, and your loved ones can carry around photos of the family anywhere.

How to quickly & easily order your holiday gifts

Although we ordered online, there are three ways you can order holiday gifts from the Photolab:

Online
In-store, using the in-store kiosks
Using the London Drugs Photolab app, available for iOS and Android

When ordering, you’ll have the option to either have your order delivered conveniently to your door, or easily pick up your order in-store at your closest London Drugs. Many of their stores also have the option of curbside pick-up. If you select delivery or are planning to mail packages, remember to place your order soon!

This guest post has been sponsored by London Drugs.

3 Tips for Working Out at Home

Sometimes, trying to workout out at home is hard, especially when you’re surrounded by comfortable couches, your cozy bed, and a TV tempting you with all your favourite shows. But with many people not feeling safe to head to the gym, or unable to go due to local health restrictions, your home can be a great alternative to get fit. We’ve compiled some tips to help you get motivated and transform your home into your personal fitness space.

1.) Designate A Space
Don’t let the size of your available space fool you! You’d be surprised at how good of a workout you can achieve, even with the smallest of spaces. Your bedroom, your living room, or even a hallway can be enough for a good old sweat session. If you are wanting to use another room to exercise in, move furniture around to make space. The key is making sure that you have a designated spot for all of your fitness equipment. This can be under the couch, or even in a corner of the room. You can even get yourself some storage crates, a decorative trunk, or furniture that doubles as storage your for weights, resistance bands, foam rollers, yoga mat, kettle bells, or other fitness accessories you may have. This is a great way to ensure your fitness gear is easily accessible for you, any time you want to work out. If your place is just too small for storing any fitness equipment, it’s time to get creative. Soup cans make great substitutes for dumbells, a laundry detergent jug can be used as a kettle bell, and you can use a sturdy chair, coffee table or even the edge of your couch to do dips.

TIP: If you can, plan your workout space near a window, so that you can open it for fresh air if you get too hot or the room starts to feel stuffy. You can also consider using an air purifier.

2.) Plan Ahead
After you’ve created a designated space for you to workout in, plan your workout schedule ahead of time. This can be marking it on your calendar, setting reminders in your phone, or even getting a white board for your kitchen and plotting it out on there. Whether you’re starting off with 2 days a week or want to work out 5 days a week, having a calendar to plan ahead will help you stay consistent, have goals to work towards, and make fitness a priority. It can also help you keep track of what kinds of workouts your are doing and when to switch it up. Plus, nothing is more satisfying than crossing off your completed workout in your calendar!

TIP: If possible, work out first thing in the morning, so that it is over and done with, before your other daily responsibilities get in the way. If finding a solid time slot is tricky, you can always break it up into smaller chunks. Two 15-minute workouts or even three 10-minute workouts can be just as effective as one 30-minute exercise routine!

3.) Get into the Zone
Get pumped and in the mood by creating a playlist of all your favourite songs to listen to as you workout. Portable bluetooth speakers are a great piece of equipment to use, as they can be taken anywhere. Changing into workout clothes is also a way to help you get into the fitness mindset. As well, remove all potential distractions. Turn off your TV, put your phone on silent, and let people living with you know you are about to begin your exercise routine – or better yet, ask them to work out with you! You can even FaceTime or Zoom with friends and family for a virtual workout session. Sometimes, having a friend or family member to do it together with can be the push you need to get started.

TIP: If none of these things help you to get into the zone, turn on your TV and use the commercials to squeeze in a workout. Try doing as many dumbbell reps, squats, burpees, etc. as you can until the commercial break ends. Then try to beat your record at the next one.

We hope you’ve found these tips helpful. If you find that you enjoy working out at home, and want to look at incorporating it long-term into your lifestyle, you can also look at investing in exercise equipment like an exercise bike. If you enjoy the outdoors, read this blog on taking your workout outside in chillier weather. Not going to the gym doesn’t mean you have to stop your fitness routine. With some motivation, planning, and a little creativity, you can ensure you never miss a workout!

6 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

As the days get shorter and autumn moves toward winter, many people notice that they have less energy and their mood is less positive. The changes may be as subtle as not wanting to get out of bed in the morning or a yearning to return to the fun days of summer. For others, it goes beyond being a little down and may include feeling depressed most of the time and losing interest in activities they normally enjoy. These people may be suffering from a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The symptoms—whether mild or severe—are likely to be due to a sensitivity to the lack of sunlight during the shorter winter days, which disrupts the body’s internal clock and affects hormone levels that, in turn, affect mood and the desire to sleep more.

Fighting back

You can fight back against this natural shift by taking some steps to combat your body’s response to the lack of sunlight. Here are a few suggestions that can help:

1. Get as much sunlight as you can
Spend more time outdoors. Bundle up and go out for a walk or participate in winter sports. It can be difficult to get enough natural sunlight during the winter and, unfortunately, regular indoor lighting doesn’t replace natural sunlight. If you can’t get outdoors for some reason, there are lights called light therapy boxes or SAD lights that have special fluorescent tubes that reproduce the sun’s beneficial rays. Doctors often recommend using one of these light boxes for 30 minutes a day to boost mood.

2. Be physically active

Exercise releases endorphins—the body’s feel-good chemicals—that help lift mood. Exercise also relieves stress, increases energy, and can improve both physical and mental wellbeing. Something as simple as a daily walk—or a visit to the gym or participating in indoor sports if the weather isn’t cooperating—can have a significant impact on mood. Being physically active also helps fight winter weight gain that can have a negative effect on mood.

3. Eat well
Healthy eating benefits both physical and mental health. Be sure to include fruits and vegetables in your daily eating plan. Some foods, such as chocolate, have been shown to relieve anxiety and improve mood temporarily, but that comes with a caution: while candy, cookies, and similar high-carbohydrate foods may make you feel better while you’re eating them, they can make you feel worse later when your blood sugar drops. If you want to treat yourself, try a small piece of dark chocolate and a cup of calming herbal tea.

4. Get cozy

Finding comfort in simple things such as dressing in warm pajamas and curling up in a blanket on a soft couch and watching a favourite TV show, reading a book, or just talking with friends and family can make you feel content and grateful.

5. Don’t forget to have fun
Wintertime doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. You may not be spending time at the beach or in the pool, but many communities have winter festivals that can be lots of fun. You can participate in outdoor sports or even indoor sports at local community centres. You can also look for a good book to read, check out the new movie releases, play board games, or binge-watch a favourite TV show with like-minded friends.

6. Consider volunteering
Sometimes helping others can make you feel better about yourself. If you can’t get out to a local organization to donate your time, try cleaning out your closets and donating things you no longer need.

When you’re so SAD

If your winter blues start to affect all aspects of your life, you may be suffering from SAD. This is more than just a passing low mood; it is a medical condition and should be treated. The first step is to recognize the symptoms of SAD.

Common symptoms are:
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty taking initiative
• Feeling less social than usual and isolating yourself from family and friends
• Depressed mood most of the day
• Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
• Struggling to stay focused
• Constant fatigue and lethargy

Serious cases may cause feelings of hopelessness about the future and sometimes suicidal thoughts. If you experience these symptoms of depression, even if they are mild, it is important to talk with your primary healthcare provider. If the lifestyle tips listed above don’t help resolve your blues, prescription antidepressants may provide the help you need. The bottom line is: don’t suffer; help yourself and get help from others when you need it.

Photo credit: Pink Chai Living

Photo credit: Pink Chai Living

Photo credit: Pink Chai Living

Photo credit: Pink Chai Living

Photo credit: Pink Chai Living

Managing stress

Relaxation techniques

The Upside Down Challenge Game (for ages 8+)

Chow Crown (for ages 8+)

Throw Throw Burrito (for ages 7+)

National Geographic STEM (for ages 4+)

Electronic Arcade Basketball (for ages 6+)

Ambassador Tabletop Air Hockey and Football (for ages 6+)

Hauck Speedster Go Cart (for ages 4-8)

Craftsman Deluxe Game House (for ages 6+)

MD Sports Table Tennis & Air Hockey Table

Squishmallows (great for all ages!)

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

Photo credit: @punsandlittleones

Other creative gift ideas

How to quickly & easily order your holiday gifts

Fighting back

When you’re so SAD

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