Self-Care: Creating a Daily Routine to Help Power Through the Colder Months!
This post is sponsored by CVS & ALL opinions are my own!
When seasons change, so can our moods. I love everything about fall: the leaves, cozy sweaters, and don’t even get me started on pumpkin spice. Even though fall brings me a ton of joy, I do feel a bit more down when the nights get dark faster, the weather is a bit colder, and my joints get slightly achier. It’s essential to pay attention to your self-care routine beyond the scented candles and bubble baths during the transitional period of seasons. Self-care is getting outside to enjoy the sunshine, fueling our bodies with nutrients, washing our hands to protect ourselves from the flu season, and practicing a good morning and night routine.
I have been teaming up with CVS Pharmacy for the past few months to help bring awareness to self-care. I love that CVS aligns with my beliefs and understands that self-care is a vital part of proactive health care, and they are working hard to add new and exciting things to make self-care easier for 5 million+ Americans who shop in THEIR stores daily. And since I’m one of those daily shoppers, I appreciate everything they are doing to make my goal of living my healthiest lifestyle more accessible than ever.
Today, I want to talk about how I plan to make the seasonal transition go a bit smoother. It’s easy to get distracted with all the fun fall activities, but that also makes it easier to put our health on the backburner. I’m a firm believer in having a good routine, and I think it’s what helps me get through the colder months successfully.
I am a huge advocate for a good routine. I function better when I know what to expect, and my life seems to stay more organized that way. My body appreciates a good routine as well; it runs better when it’s nourished, well-rested, and active. When my schedule is out of whack, things don’t fall into place as smoothly, so I try my best to stick to a realistic routine. Routines don’t have to be scheduled by the minute, or super strict, find what works for you!
My favorite part of my routine is in the morning. It changes slightly depending on projects planned for the day, but each morning starts pretty much the same.
The first thing I do is wake up around 5:30 am, make the bed, start the coffee, take all of my vitamins, walk the dogs a mile, and then come back and have a cup of coffee. This is my favorite part of the day because I get to have my coffee, cuddle with my dogs, and start working. My brain is most functional in the morning, and that’s why I always wake up as early as possible. By the time evening rolls around, I’m eager to start my night routine and dive into bed.
I always keep my vitamins out by my coffee, so I don’t forget to take them, and I usually have a protein bar or something to coat my stomach with my coffee. Since I wake up so early, I don’t have a big breakfast until 10 am, and I like to have something to snack on with coffee.
CVS is where I pick up all of my vitamins and healthier indulgences for the day. CVS has a wide variety of vitamins and supplements, and I love that they created the Tested to Be Trusted program, which requires third-party testing of ALL vitamins and supplements sold in-store and online to confirm the accuracy of the dietary ingredients listed on the supplement facts panel and to confirm products are free from certain additives and ingredients. It gives me total peace of mind that I can trust what I’m buying and putting in my body. To me, treating your body with only the best supplements and vitamins is self-care!
CVS Pharmacy is the most convenient destination to find a wide variety of innovative self-care and proactive wellness solutions. Some of my favorites are Sundown Naturals Calcium, CVS Health Vitamin C (which are sometimes even BOGO!), CVS Health Women’s Daily Multivitamin, CVS Health Hair, Skin, & Nails Biotin gummies, and CVS Health Melatonin Gummies to help with the restless nights. CVS carries a large variety of healthier snacks, and I love checking out their selection because it’s always changing! I recently found these IQ Bars in their snack aisle, and it’s the only place I’ve seen them, so I had to try them out. Whenever I test out a new product, it’s usually because CVS carried it in their stores. And if you’re looking to step up your coffee game, try adding Bulletproof Brain Octane to your morning cup! CVS carries the single packs for on-the-go, and the larger bottles to keep next to your coffee machine.
Treating my body with something nutritious in the afternoon is something I strive to do every day. This is a significant priority on my self-care list. My joints always feel achier during the colder months, and I try to stay on top of preventing it with supplements recommended by my CVS pharmacist. I do my best to nourish my body to strengthen my immune system during flu season.
I will usually treat my body with a healthy smoothie if it’s hot out or I’ll make a collagen Matcha latte during the colder months.
CVS has a lot of healthy products to step up your smoothie game. You’ll be able to find Tone It Up Plant-Based Protein Powder, Navitas Organics products, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, and they also have nutrition shakes you can take with you on the go. I highly recommend the vanilla Vega Protein Nutrition Shake.
My smoothies have one frozen banana, one cup of water, one scoop of Amazing Grass Green Superfood Energy, and Bee & You Bee Pollen Whole Granules on top! I had an acai bowl while I was in Hawaii, and I loved that they added the bee pollen on top for extra crunch and nutrition.
My afternoons are when I hit a slump, so it’s important to take some time to reset, and then go back into whatever I was doing with more energy. You never want to get to the point of feeling worn out. We all have different forms of self-care, but at the end of the day, it’s all about how self-care can make our life a little better. Sometimes life gets busy, and it’s hard to take time to care for yourself, but CVS Pharmacy is going above and beyond to make it easier and more convenient than ever! They have launched more than 300 unique and exciting products this year focused on physical, mental, emotional, and social health!
I make sure to do something active every single day. This doesn’t mean I have to go to the gym, run a ton of miles, or get covered in sweat. This just means I give myself time to go for a long walk with the dogs, play tennis, lay on the floor and stretch, or attend a Pilates class. I need to move my body during the winter to keep my joints in motion and to help me build up those endorphins to carry me through the darker nights and colder temps. My mind always feels clearer after getting out for a little movement.
Everyone deserves a good self-care routine no matter what it entails. CVS is also encouraging customers to treat themselves well by practicing self-care and proactive wellness regularly. They understand that self-care means different things to different people, but it’s an integral part of everyday health for EVERYONE, regardless of age, gender, or income. Self-Care doesn’t have to be expensive or an over the top event. It can be as simple as remembering to pack a healthy snack for your afternoon meeting in order to fuel your body properly.
During the colder months, I make sure to bring hand sanitizer with me everywhere. I never want to get the flu! I usually keep the small to-go bottle with me in my purse as well as the hand sanitizer wipes with me in my gym bag or my car. I love wiping down carts, steering wheels, and other frequently touched items. I’m more of a germ-snob in the winter.
If getting in a workout at the gym is your self-care go-to, CVS Pharmacy has a ton of products to help you out! Not only are the CVS Health Extreme Sport bandages useful for fitness blisters, but they are also good if you’re breaking in any new boots this fall! Thank me later 😊 And if you ever get those achy joints like me, CVS Health Kinesiology Tape may become your best friend.
My night routine always changes depending on the season, or how tired I am. During the summer, it’s a simple night routine, but in the winter, I put a lot of effort into keeping my night-routine more extensive because my body needs it more. For me to keep my early morning routine, that means I need to be in bed early, so I give myself an hour before bed to help put myself into a relaxed state. Whenever my nighttime self-care routine comes in full force, I always fall asleep within minutes. There are so many products at CVS that can help you create the perfect routine that’s enjoyable to stick to.
If I’m ever restless, I usually take a super warm bath or shower with CVS Health Lavender Epsom Salt Tablets. The hot baths relax my body and help it go into sleep mode. I find that Epsom baths help me sleep better through the night, and I’ll usually fall asleep within minutes after hitting the pillow. I often read a book and drink some tea while winding down in the bath. The Be Well Get Relaxed Tea helps warm-up and relax my body during the colder months. I love keeping my CVS Health Melatonin gummies in my bathroom just in case I need a little extra help falling asleep.
I’ve talked about my essential oil diffuser before, but just in case you’re new here, let me tell you all about it. I have a large one, but also this smaller travel-sized one from Radiance and I LOVE it. This is one of the best investments! It’s the perfect size to take with you on your travels to ensure the best sleep while you’re away from home. The Radiance essential oils are perfect for lifting your mood, improving stress levels, or helping you fall asleep. The changing lights on this diffuser are my favorite part. Sometimes just watching the color change helps my mind slow down, and it puts me to sleep faster.
Another one of my favorite products you can find at CVS is the Calm Sleep Mist. If you don’t want to use a diffuser, this does the trick as well. You can spray your pillow and get all the essential oil effects. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Calm app to help relax and fall asleep, if you already use it, adding in the essential oil can help take you to the next level.
No matter what lifestyle you live, try to add in a big more self-care time this fall! It’s important to put ourselves first now and then. ♥️
Questions for you!
- How does your self-care routine change during the colder months?
- What is one thing you do for yourself every day?
- What is your favorite product from CVS Pharmacy?
Hayley says
I love a nice hot bath during the colder months with some wine! 🙂 I’ll have to add those epsom salts to my list now!! CVS has such great things – one of my favorites has to be their sweet and salty trail mix…the mini cookies in there are too good!
Taralynn McNitt says
I love the baths during the winter! ♥️ Best way to warm up.
yes….we used to take that trail mix to the beach all the time!
Katie says
I agree that a good routine is so important, especially during the colder months. The way my self care routine changes during fall is that I tend to stay home and cozy up with a good coffee and a book/movie on the weekends. It’s “me” time away from the hustle of the outside world. The one thing that I do for myself everyday is try to take a walk, even if it’s just for 15-30 minutes, movement is very important. My favorite product from CVS is their vitamins. I like the chewable vitamins in particular as I hate taking pills. I do love the whole self care movement, so this was a great reminder to keep it up, especially duringthe colder months!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Katie!
That sounds like the perfect way to spend the colder months.
I love that you take the time to walk. That’s the same with me everyday. It’s one of the best movements for the body.
♥️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out, Taralynn! 🙂 I just tend to stay home more during the colder months, haha. I absolutely hate the cold – and that’s really saying something because it doesn’t even get that cold in Hong Kong! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Taralynn McNitt says
I get it! The colder weather sometimes is a lot to take on! ♥️
Ashley says
Love learning about your morning and evening routines!! I want to give those Melatonin gummies a try soon, sometimes I have a difficult time getting to sleep. I try to give myself time each morning to drink my coffee and wake up, without rushing into work. It really helps my mind start off in the right place.
https://www.makelifemarvelous.com/
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi, Ashley!
That morning time to yourself is so important! It’s definitely worth waking up early and going to bed early! xo
Yvonne says
First time leaving a comment. I love your YouTube and Blog! I’m currently on my own wellness journey over all. The darker days and colder weather get me down unless i keep active. Thank you for all your advise and sweetness!!!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Awww, thanks, Yvonne!!! Love that you’re staying on top of it! xo
Kim says
I’ve heard that not all essential oils are safe to diffuse if you have cats or dogs. Do you know anything about which ones are safe to use around pets? I have a dog so it makes me nervous!
Taralynn McNitt says
I would chat with your vet 😃
Angela Sharbono says
I really enjoyed this post! Getting my body moving is vital to my well-being during the winter months as well. Sometimes I am better at being consistent than others 🙂 I am working on that self-discipline!
Taralynn McNitt says
♥️ great job!
Kim says
Do you know anything about ucing essential oils around pets? I’ve heard some blends aren’t safe for cats or dogs but I’m not sure. I have a dog so it makes me nervous! If you do, definitely let me know, I’m curious!!
Taralynn McNitt says
I think there are some that can be harmful when ingested, but I’m not an expert! I’d definitely do more research or talk to you vet.