🌧️ More Cold Weather Movement Tips

Community Updates

💟 If you're enjoying this newsletter, would you consider nominating me for the 2026 Best of Ravenswood Award? For the "Favorite Wellness Provider" category, please!

⭐ Did you know I'm in a great local book club? Our next meeting is on October 18th, and we're reading Manhunt. There's still time to join – reply to this email or reach out on Instagram for more info.

⭐ A walking tour is a good way to get some movement in with your friends! Check out this October's Walking Chicago schedule and plan your next trip.

⭐ See my friend Molly Z's art on display at Everybody's Coffee in Uptown. It's on display until December.

⭐ The midterm election is coming up! If you're in Chicago, vote by mail here. Better yet, permanently vote my mail by using this form.

One Thing I'm Enjoying...

📚 Reading this week: Bulls Markets, a book about inequality in the basketball industry in Chicago. TIL that when sports teams want to build a new stadium and the old one is just fine, it's not about jobs. It's about money, expansion, and eliminating entire neighborhoods.

📺 Watching this week: Bloodline, a 2015 family drama show set in Florida. Dark secrets and an excellent cast!

🎶 Listening to this week: Victoria Monet's Frequency of Love. It's 90s throwback R&B – very smooth and sexy. She's an amazing songwriter who's written for Ariana Grande, BLACKPINK, and Chloe x Halle.

🎉 Happy Friday, Friends!

Last week, we started talking about how to transition your movement practice to the cold season. There are so many ways to look at movement differently when the weather gets harsher that I had to split this into a couple of different newsletters. After you've brushed up on last week's tips, keep reading to hear the rest of my expert advice. 🤓

Pay attention to how your clothes feel during movement.

Finding the right balance of layers can be tough when it starts cooling down, especially if you're going through peri/menopause. I have more of a temperature sensitivity these days rather than full on hot flashes, but I've noticed I have to stay on top of keeping my body temperature regular more than I used to. I'm managing it by layering creatively or keeping a change of clothes around. Think about how to prolong your movement experience and what you need to feel comfortable. On that note...

Keep some extra stuff on you for comfort

When I go on a walking tour in the cold, I keep a few extra lightweight items on me just to enhance my comfort. Think a pair of gloves and a hat or a small insulated thermos with a hot drink. Having something to help you go a little further or stay out a little longer adds up over time and helps you feel psychologically prepared for tougher weather situations.

Use a sun lamp

A lamp meant to mimic sunlight is a great way to get yourself going on a gray day. I've even thought about getting a second one just for the studio. You can also get small ones that are meant to sit right on your desktop, or you could keep one on your nightstand to help get out of bed.

Maximize your time off

In the cold season, it can be even harder to manage your time and make sure you're getting the right amount of rest and relaxation between obligations. If you struggle with motivation when it's gray, you might be stressed during downtime or let work hours stretch a little longer. The blurrier your boundaries with time, the harder it is to recover after movement, so if you find yourself dealing with harder recoveries, take a look at how well you're protecting your downtime!

With you as we move no matter what,
Dana