If you are currently in the midwest, you are probably experiencing what feels like the arctic tundra. Chilling winds and jaw dropping temps. It was -22 degrees yesterday and -1 degree (F) in Chicago right now. If you are like me you are probably staying indoors, “hibernating”. However, this is also the perfect opportunity to catch up on some tasks you’ve been meaning to get accomplished or fun indoor things you’ve been meaning to do.
Here are the five things I am hoping to accomplish this week!
Prep for Taxes :: Okay, I never said this was going to be all fun and games. I am a procrastinator by nature, it is my kryptonite. However, I am making attempts to stay ahead and I couldn’t think of a better time to prep for tax season. I also have a few hours left to file all the 1099s for contractors I worked with last year, the deadline is today! Not exactly staying ahead, but it’s getting done.
More so, it is a great time to dig through those receipts and get your spreadsheets in order to file your taxes.
Write :: Is there an email you’ve been meaning to write, a well thought out text you’ve been putting off, an assignment or paper that is coming up? Have you been meaning to take up journaling again? Are you a poet or a novelist and looking for inspiration? This is the most opportune time for you to do this. I have been slacking in this area. I am working on being a better and more consistent blogger, which means writing more quality content you guys would enjoy. If this post goes live on Jan 31, 2019, consider this task officially in progress.
Self Care :: Here’s a little confession, for years, it would take me months to schedule a Dr’s appt. It still does. The irony of this situation is that I worked at a hospital for all of those years and I am a nurse. If I can fail so badly in this area, don’t be too hard on yourself you often neglect these visits. This is the best time to find a new Primary care doctor if you need one. We should all have one. Schedule that yearly exam with your gynecologists, dentists, psychologists, address that pain you’ve been ignoring. Please do not depend on goggle and self-diagnose. Make the call.
Afterwards, indulge. Take a nap, use that face mask collection that has been piling up and going unused. If the spa is close by and you can brave the cold, safely do it.
Movies/ Shows / Books :: I have been binge watching Friends and absolutely loving it. Make some hot cocoa or tea, curl up on the couch and enjoy your favorite shows or that movie you’ve been meaning to watch. If TV isn’t your speed, read that book you’ve been meaning to finish. I am currently reading/ listening to Michelle Obama’s Becoming and I highly recommend.
Plan a Vacation :: Lots of Americans leave their vacation time unused. I used to be one of them and lack of planning was one of the reasons why. I am using this time to plan to trip later this year. Scour the web for amazing travel deals on websites such as Kayak explore and travel pirates. Get inspiration on some of the travel I have done in the past here or via instagram! If you can’t afford to spend too much on a vacation, think about a staycation. If you live in Chicago, the Langham is one of my faves.
Organize your home :: Have you heard about Marie Kondo? She is a book author of “The life-changing magic of tidying up…”and the genius behind the art of tidying up your home while avoiding the rebound untidiness that tends to happen. I have been taking her tips and it is really helping but I need to fully commit to test out the effectiveness. If you have been meaning to clean out a closet or your entire apartment/ home, I couldn’t think of a better time. There is going to be a lot of catching up at work when the weather improves, so this is a great time to catch up on the house chores.
However you decide to spend your time during this period. Remember to talk to your loved ones. Stay warm, get lots of cuddles and stay safe.
Happy Winter Vortex!
