This post has been sponsored by Nature’s Bounty. I received product and compensation, but all opinions are my own.

We’ve officially hit hibernation season, so I figured it was good timing to share my list of mind, body, & spirit self care tips to help get you through these brutal winter months. Staying healthy and taking care of yourself is not only about how you treat your body, but also how you nurture your mind & spirit too! Read on for a list of my favorite ways to maintain a positive spirit during hibernation season.

BODY

1. Nature’s Bounty® Hair, Skin and Nails Gummies: these gummies are the perfect basis for your beauty routine. I have used some of their rapid-release softgels before, but I love these delicious strawberry gummies that have biotin, a B-vitamin to help maintain healthy hair.* The supplement also contains Vitamins C & E which are both antioxidants Vitamin E contributes to skin health, and Vitamin C supports the production and formation of collagen* This is my #1 choice for Hair, Skin, & Nails gummies; you can shop them here on Amazon! 

2. Space Heater: Before you read any further, order yourself a space heater if you don’t already have one – it’ll be your new best friend this season.
3. Hot Water with Lemon: I’ve been drinking hot water with lemon first thing in the morning when I wake up. It’s warm and comforting like coffee, but cleanses my system instead of giving me caffeine jitters. I wait until after I’ve had a full breakfast to drink coffee, and use the hot water with lemon as my morning drink. I’ve been drinking it at night before bed too! Water with lemon helps in maintaining the pH balance of the body and is also promotes digestion and increases your metabolism.
4. Eat fruits & vegetables: To keep your iimmune system supported during the winter, get your nutrients and vitamins by eating healthy. Especially ones that are rich in antioxidants which can play a beneficial role in fighting off free-radicals and keep your body functioning at its best. Here’s how I’ve been weaving fruits & veggies into my meals:

• A handful of berries to your oatmeal (I’ve been doing blueberries + strawberries)
• Eat mushrooms, onion, spinach, peppers as sides with any meal you cook.
• Add banana slices to your peanut butter toast

5. Warm bath or shower: I always instantly feel better after a hot bath or shower in the winter. Pro-tip: use relaxing oils and and towels from straight out of the dryer!
6. WATER: challenge yourself to drink the recommended amount of eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
7. SLEEP: get in to bed an hour earlier and read or listen to a podcast to wind down. Nothing makes me feel better than 8 solid hours of sleep.
8. Make a get-well-kit: for if/when you do get sick this winter. Then you won’t have to leave the house when you start to feel crappy and you can stay home and rest up.

MIND

9. Exercise your mind by reading & listening to podcasts(Current Podcast: The Porch)
10. Draw or paint: my brother and one of my best friends recommended adult coloring books for a mindless way to unwind and now I love them. You can find a bunch on amazon.
11. Make your home smell more relaxing:  bath and body works candles do the trick for me!
12. Turn on a Yule Log: – I put this West Elm Yule Log on my TV when I’m working at home and play whatever music I’m in the mood for. Yes I am a 50 yr old in a 27 year old’s body.. whatever.
13. Make a relaxing sleep playlist on Spotify. I love this piano one.

SPIRIT

14. Devotional – a great way to start every morning, my favorites are this one + this one.
15. Southland Church Online – I try to watch at least one of these per week. This message series is from the church I used to attend in college, love it so much!
16. Phone Calls – I always save time on Sundays for check in calls with long distance family/friends
17. Decorate/revamp a cozy space in your home & hibernate!

I’m getting so many questions from you guys about New York City suggestions – what to do & where to stay! So I’m going to start posting as many of these little ‘guides’ as possible to help you plan for your next trip to the city. After being in a long distance relationship between Chicago and NYC for two years and 5 consecutive seasons of New York Fashion Week, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite hotels the city has to offer:

The Nomad Hotel 

Neighborhood: Flatiron / Madison Square Park

https://www.thenomadhotel.com/new-york

Old world charm, funky art, quaint rooms, great restaurant, helpful staff.  

The Roxy Hotel 

https://www.roxyhotelnyc.com/

Neighborhood: Tribeca

Charming, Django in the basement (favorite jazz bar in NYC), great brunch & oyster happy hour, cozy place to work in the lobby, in Tribeca – one of my favorite neighborhoods with so many great food spots. 

Boots | Similar Coat | Jeans 

The Beekman Hotel

https://www.thebeekman.com/

Neighborhood: Financial District (so close to my apartment!)

We have dinner here all the time. The hotel is gorgeous & historic and the restaurants are some of the best in NYC. The iconic nine-story atrium and pyramid skylight is incredible. Located near the Brooklyn Bridge + WTC. 

Nomo Soho Hotel

https://nomosoho.com/

Neighborhood: Soho

Great hotel & pretty views. I’ve stayed here a few times. Great restaurant and scene. Rooms are so unique with the royal blue decor and this is unbeatable. Close to so many good restaurants & shopping. 

The Standard

http://www.standardhotels.com/new-york/properties/high-line

Neighborhood: Meatpacking

Trendy, floor-to-ceiling windows, great views of Manhattan, German beer garden at ground level, the rooftop discothèque Le Bain, the legendary Top of The Standard bar, and an outdoor public plaza. 

Dream Hotel – Downtown 

https://www.dreamhotels.com/downtown/default-en.html

Neighborhood: Chelsea

I stayed here the first 2 times I came to NYC. It’s a great solid option and very centrally located. A lively and beautiful environment within walking distance to Chelsea Market, The High Line and The West Village.

Winter is always the hardest season when it comes to committing to a gym routine. I’m really good at coming up with excuses for why I can’t leave the house lately and comfort food is all I want this time of year. We go on a family trip to Cabo every year right after Christmas, so that’s always a good little gym-motivator for me right in the middle of winter. I made myself (and you guys!) this bullet point list of things that help motivate me to stay fit during the holidays. Anyone else have a winter vacation coming up you want to get in shape for?

I’m wearing a new workout set from the AQUA Athletics collection at Bloomingdales.  Their pieces are all great for both in and out of the gym. The fabrics are stretchy and comfortable and I love the dark colors. I’m wearing the tonal glossy star print set in this post in a size XS! I linked my other favorite pieces from this collection at the end of this post.

10 Fitness Motivation Tips For Your Winter Vacation

• First thing in the morning, put your workout clothes on
• Go to bed early so you can work out early then have your nights free
• Don’t over do it. Start with small weights. I usually do lifts with 10 lb weights
• I use the ‘Saved’ feature on Instagram to save workouts I see on Instagram and then reference that when I’m at the gym
• Sign up for classes at your gym
• Power walk on the treadmill if you’re not in the mood to run. I do this for 3 miles usually
• Be accountable to someone – get a workout buddy
• Hang up motivational quotes or pictures (here on Pinterest)
• Listen to a good playlist (this is John’s I listen to a lot)
• Workout at home if you really don’t feel like leaving the house (I use Obe Fitness workout videos)