Bites from Andrea: Overwhelmed by THINGS?

It’s the season to be overwhelmed?

As I am typing this, there is snow falling outside the office. Our mild, long-lasting fall is quickly turning into winter. While winter can be beautiful, and full of fantastic outdoor activity possibilities, I am reminded that December is coming quickly. December, with its long night, short days, and BUSYNESS! Between office holiday parties, family get-togethers, school concerts, shopping, planning, and just daily activities, it’s an easy time of year to feel overwhelmed by THINGS.

With that in mind, trying to find ways to simplify our lives is key. Here are a couple of suggestions for how to not get bogged down.

Use your slow cooker!
Not only does this cut time, slow cooking is great for comfort food meals – which many of us crave in winter. This newsletter has a delicious Red Curry Crockpot lentil recipe included – and it’s an easy recipe to double up and freeze for another meal, or pre-portion for quick lunches. Here are three more easy slow cooker meals:

Slow and Easy Beef Stew

Red Lentil, Peanut, and Sweet Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Thighs

Take advantage of the snow for fun activities.
Go tobogganing – even if you don’t have children. Lace up some ice skates, and go for a glide. Layer up and go for a hike or walk along some city pathways. Not only is moving your body great for stress reduction, it’s hard to be stressed when you are flying down a hill on a sled. As the Norwegian quote says: “THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER, ONLY BAD CLOTHES“. Layer up, and make time to get outside!