Finding something new to love

I don’t know about you all but this winter has felt like a true northwoods winter (and it’s just now the start of February). Being inside with subzero temperatures has honestly led to our family watching a couple more Disney movies than usual. One of the first movies that both my boys sat down to watch all the way through together was Finding Nemo. There’s something about the mysterious ocean with all the bright colors and tropical fish that can hold just about anyone’s attention. And there’s something soothing about the ocean waves and the way fish swim and anemone moves that helps your nervous system go ahhhhh (and relax). This has led me to my newest endeavor, a salt water fish tank. I’m currently still in the research phase alongside Marshall learning about how a saltwater fish tank is considered an ecosystem. Marshall started with a small terrarium at Christmastime, and he’s learning that these closed systems when they’re well balanced can continue to thrive all on their own. A saltwater fish tank is much the same. There’s balanced water, fish, cleaner fish, plants, rocks, corals and they all thrive and work together in a closed container. The past couple weeks I’ve also learned that there’s a lot that goes into a successful saltwater fish tank. I’m welcoming all the knowledge and excitement because honestly before this I was feeling the effects of all the snow removal, cold subzero temperatures, and was feeling a little bored with the monotony. 

If you too are feeling the winter this year– I have a couple suggestions. First do a quick check in with your own body’s ecosystem. Make sure to be eating a wide variety of foods including fiber, tons of veggies, lots of protein, and fruits. Try to find some fresh options even though this time of year, produce can be a little hit or miss. Eat fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi to introduce good bacteria into your digestive system. Limit your intake of sugary or highly processed food to keep inflammation low. Keep getting good restful sleep, around 7-9 hours nightly. I’ve personally started listening to a nightly sleep meditation for the past week. I’ve found that I’ve had less negative racing thoughts before bed as I’m focused on mindfully relaxing. And I have been feeling better rested in the morning. Continue finding ways to exercise (even though it’s been cold outside). Try yoga, body weight exercises, or check out the swimming pool and sauna at the Gateway Lodge in Land O’ Lakes. Try to focus on staying hydrated. Drink plenty of water, turn on your humidifier, and moisturize your skin. This time of year, the air tends to be so dry! Lastly, try to get some sun. On these crazy cold days, that’s when the sun tends to come out. These are the days you should open all your blinds, find the sunniest spot in your house and sit there and soak it all in. Read a book, sit quietly, or do some gentle stretches. Incorporating some of these suggestions daily is going to help your ecosystem thrive! 

Onward to my new hobby research. If you have a successful saltwater ecosystem at home, please send me an email with your biggest tips for a beginner. ([email protected])  I welcome any insight and help. And if you’re currently in your own winter slump, I hope that you also find a new hobby to love!  Hopefully I’ll be able to share some pictures with you all once I get this saltwater tank up and running. Wish me luck.