The ideology of feminism and the propulsion of female empowerment has, in the last couple years, exploded. Stand silent in the middle of a crowded subway car; walk down a busy street; sit at a sunny patio with more than just bees buzzing around. Listen. Or, as some people might call it, eavesdrop (insert bashful emoji). You might notice how the conversation has shifted. Yes you might also overhear the daily mundane, yet in between those updates and observations are stories with a new type of hero — the empowered female.

As with many things, empowerment starts with awareness, knowledge and conversation. The explosion of modern feminism has lit up so many shared and singular issues, inspiring another statement I’ve come to believe wholeheartedly: Empowerment (female, male or un-gendered) is empathy. As much as we don’t want to admit it sometimes, because it can seem counterintuitive, we need to empower others as much as we need to empower ourselves. It’s how we truly become understood, building a cohesive society that respects and cares for each other.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting my old high school stomping grounds, the Scarborough Town Centre, to check out a pop up celebrating just this. Created by female-driven agencies Kastor & Pollux and August in Bloom, GRL PWR features 15 toronto brands curated specifically for their celebration of this very topic. It was incredible to walk in and immediately be surrounded by both an incredible selection of must-have products as well a like-minded people shopping with a purpose. To be exposed to brands that effortlessly embody this movement is inspiring and motivating — especially since many of them are small, local and still growing.

It was hard to know where to begin, but eventually I was able to hone in on some stand-out pieces. Here are my top ten finds from the GRL PWR pop-up:

1. Ephermal Magazine

2. Orange cantiliever from Make Moves Vintage

3. Gel pens from Paper Plus Cloth

4. Gender Freedom Club merch from NEW FRDM

5. Guschlbauer puffs

6. Love Yo Self tee from Peace Collective

7. Common Goods Studio ceramics

8. Snaffle & Mane’s plant collection

9. Bath salts from Cardea Auset

10. Greenhouse Juice

It’s been 8 months since I wrote my Endy vs. Casper review. 8 months of solid sleeps, necessary naps and a lot of lounging. As a freelancer, I spend a lot of time in bed — more than I even realized once officially partnered with Endy shortly after reviewing its mattress. From sleeping, to watching shows and even writing (case in point…right now!), it’s become my favourite place to relax in my home. This is a key feeling to have when it comes to any bedroom or mattress. Although I do caution being able to do too many things in bed outside of sleeping. As a health advocate, it would be remiss of me not to.

That said, sometimes I live on an island and that island is named Endy.

Over the last few months, I’ve been receiving a lot of questions about my honest opinion about the switch from one bed-in-a-box to another and nothing much has changed. The mattress itself has long surpassed its 100 day night trial, yet I don’t feel the least concerned. The firmness has not changed significantly (or at all). As a very light sleeper, I still sleep soundly — and if I don’t it’s probably because I ate too much chocolate before bed. As for temperature, even in the extreme heat waves we’ve been experiencing this summer, I’ve managed to get a good night’s sleep.

As a freelancer, I spend a lot of time in bed.

When it comes to a large purchase like a mattress — a purchase that can affect your everyday health in huge ways, you want something consistent, comfortable and, of course, quality. Nearly a year in and I haven’t thought of trading in my Endy once. When I had my Casper, that was a recurring thought because, for me, the firmness wasn’t right and I would wake up with a sore back almost every night. In fact, I don’t think about my mattress at all, it’s that perfect for me.

But as I mentioned in my earlier review, one size doesn’t fit all. So what works for me may not work for you. Thankfully, Endy not only has a 100 night trial to ease any doubts you may have, the brand also has showrooms so you can test it out before even committing to that. And now there are both pillows and sheets to ensure the whole package is perfect. Finally, it’s hard to beat a mattress as great at Endy’s for its price. You can get an even better deal with my personal promo code: MEGHAN50. Now that my partnership is coming to a close, it won’t last much longer. Thanks for following along these last few months!

Last month I joined Myodetox Performance‘s 30 day challenge: Completing 30 classes in 30 days. I set my own personal goal of 20 classes because I was still doing other workouts, mainly getting back into running and also dropping in at the new Big Hit location. It was a blessing in disguise that I was being realistic because May ended up being a challenging month for other reasons, which meant my schedule was all over the place. Or that I just couldn’t get out of bed.

That said, I still pushed myself harder than I had in a long time when it came to fitness. I’ve been struggling to get back to the best version of myself health-wise for a while now and in the process, the body positivity movement has been resonating with me more and more. Yet not necessarily in the same way it does for others. Health and fitness has (and continues to be) a very important part of my life. Although I’m proud of who I am, what my body is capable of, what it looks like (on any given day) and how I carry myself, the fact that I can’t run a consistent 5 min/km anymore or that turning down the option to drink indulgently in the middle of the week is hard, well, gets to me.

There was definitely a point in my life when I worked out and ate healthy to be skinny. I can’t deny that. But in my late 20s and early 30s when I was getting ready to settle down, a lot of my choices became future-driven. What do I mean by that? Well, the easiest example is having children. I was mentally and physically preparing myself for what naturally seemed like the immediate next step after marriage. I wanted to make sure I had as easy a pregnancy as possible and that I bounced back as quickly as I could. It was one of the first times I started thinking of fitness as a strategy opposed to a quick fix — which it never is.

Of course, I never got pregnant — but that’s another story all together.

And then a couple years ago I stumbled upon this video and had the most basic AHA! moment of my life. (Yes, I dedicated my title to the video).  I suggest you take 3 minutes to watch it. Mike Vacanti says everything I would write so much more convincingly.

And this is where my issue with body positivity arises. But I need to preface this first: I believe body positivity is loving your body as it is by treating it right. That means, some of us are big-boned, some of us have thunder thighs (proud member of this club), some of us are stick skinny, some of us are round on top and square on the bottom. Some of us have thyroid issues. Some of us metabolize too quickly. Body positivity is being proud of what we were born with, but I don’t think it should imply neglecting another important thing we were given: our health.

That’s also not to undermine the whole balance movement either. Have that glass of wine, eat that slice of chocolate cake — but in moderation. Fitness in moderation too! Be understanding of setbacks — both external and internal. Yet when we focus on the extremes — on the one hand, as Mike says, fitness can be viewed as “abs, sex and vanity,” and on the other hand body positivity can be viewed as doing whatever we want because we should love ourself regardless, we lose sight of what really matters and why it matters.

I believe body positivity is loving your body as it is by treating it right.

I recently read a great article on what self care really means, and it’s in the same vein as Mike Vacanti’s video. Society has glamorized self love and self care to a point that many are overindulging the sweeter side of life NOW, which can lead to many problems LATER.  This quote sums it up nicely, “[Self care] is often doing the ugliest thing you have to like sweat through another workout or tell a toxic friend you don’t want to see them anymore or get a second job so you can have a savings account or figure out a way to accept yourself so that you’re not constantly exhausted from trying to be everything, all the time and then needing to take deliberate, mandated breaks from living to do basic things like drop some oil into a bath and read Marie Claire and turn your phone off for the day.”

And now back to fitness. I feel like I’ve lost sight of why I used to be healthy to begin with — not for a svelte frame, but for a healthy life. I work out a lot, but I’m a) not consistent and b) not eating right. For me, it’s hard to get to a place I’m happy with when I’m just focusing on superficial goals. But when I’m strategically focused on future Meghan, it becomes a breeze. Sometimes that means building towards a goal like a race or, as mentioned earlier, pregnancy (which is not in my cards for while, just to get that straight). Sometimes that means thinking even further into the future and picturing how I want to be in my old age.

I think body positivity is extremely important. But it only makes a real difference if it’s thought of in a truly healthy way. And that’s where fitness and nutrition come in. As well as a healthy mind-frame. So when I’m showing yet another mirror selfie at the gym, it’s me already accepting my chubby cheeks, my thick thighs, my tear-drop boobs…while also being proud of the work I’m putting in to hopefully ensure a long life filled with fun adventures — because I can. It’s also being grateful for the healthy body I do have, and not taking it for granted.

Photos by Ruby Photo Studio

According to Statistics Canada, nearly 50% of people who don’t volunteer have never donated their time “because no one had asked them to, which suggests they might sign up to volunteer if they were approached the right way.” Time might be the biggest barrier to volunteering — read: not enough — but if people were more aware of aligned opportunities to help out, perhaps that wouldn’t be an issue to begin with. There are countless of organizations creating incredible philanthropic programs that appeal to different interests, Lane 6 being one of them.

Created by Canadian Running and supported by Nike, it’s a unique one-on-one  mentorship program for at-risk Toronto youth, aged 7-18. Earlier this year, both organizations put out an open call for potential mentors. It attracted over 40 individuals to the initial training session hosted by Nike’s premier youth coaching training partner, Up2Us Sports, a non-profit organization that uses sports and trained coaches to improve communities and inspire youth to achieve their potential.

It was one of the most inspirational and educational evenings I’ve ever been a part of. In a short couple of hours, we honed our interpersonal and empathic skills in order to learn how to encourage our mentees as effectively and attentively as possible. At the end of the day (and mentorship), we want to ensure the children know they matter and we care.

Already three weeks (for me, one shift) in and it’s amazing to see the impact Lane 6 has had on not only the kids, but the mentors as well.  With a passion for running, supporting youth and philanthropic causes, all the volunteers are just as grateful to be at the Central Tech track Saturday mornings as the kids are.

And what does a typical morning look like? Well, it starts with a mentor meeting that familiarizes everyone with the objective of that day — be it speed, distance or whatever other running goal Canadian Running has set. From there, we wait for the kids to arrive, creating a cheer tunnel to give them an enthusiastic greeting.

Once our leaders Joel Vosburg, Britt Scott and Nike Running Coach Brittany Moran remind the kids what they will be focusing on, the mentors and their mentees pair off to get them changed into their new running shoes. Right after that, they log their own goals into their personal Lane 6 journals before rejoining the group for a proper warmup.

And then it’s on! The first shift I was able to attend, we focused mainly on distance — although my little man Jalen was all about speed. He managed to not only log in the meters, he also did so in record time — giving me a run for my money. He also re-ignited my love of interval training. That was one of the things that stuck out the most to me afterwards, how much he inspired me.

What I also loved witnessing, however, were the moments other mentors and mentees had in between the running portions (or even during). The casual conversations, the high fives and the overall companionship all came together to create a very supportive and motivational atmosphere. During our training, we were told to really pay attention to our kids during the down times. These were the crucial moments that could define their experience and shape them. The moments when they didn’t have anything to concentrate on. The moments when they could feel left out or discouraged or even just plain bored.

Before we knew it, the session was done. There were snacks and water to be had, and a journal log to be finished. We were trained to make sure that at the end of every morning, we make our mentees feel accomplished and excited for the next Saturday. It’s hard not to. Even on my first cold and rainy shift, we were all in high spirits. So with a final cool down and cheer, we said our “see you soons.”

Although it’s only a short 8-week program, I can’t wait to recap the pilot program. I honestly already see the strong connection with community Lane 6 is creating. Canadian Running and Nike put out a call to actin and so many rallied. It will be interesting to see how it grows.

One thing everyone needs to know about me is that I adore my sleep. It’s one of the most important relationships in my life. I’ve spent years nurturing it and while there are so many different factors that play into a perfect slumber, a proper bed tops the list for me. I might not a pea-crazy princess, but as an extrememly light sleeper, physical comfort is key.

So when I first heard about the bed-in-a-box phenomenon, I was skeptical. It felt too gimmicky to be good, let alone great. Yet when I got the opportunity to test-sleep Casper, I jumped on the opportunity. Not only was I moving into a new bed-less apartment at the time, I was also extremely intrigued by the whole process. That was nearly two years ago. Although I stand by my original positive review of this mattress, I’ve come to realize a few glaring issues. Especially since recently switching to Endy, the Canadian competitor that has stolen my heart.

…one size doesn’t fit all.

First of all, one size doesn’t fit all. That statement doesn’t just address the title of my Casper article, it also refers to Endy. Everyone is a unique sleeper with their own habits and needs. What I realized over the last year and a bit is that Casper wasn’t the mattress for me. Towards the end of my time using it, I was experiencing a lot of back pain and uneasy sleeps for reasons I believed were everything but the mattress itself.

Then Endy came into my life and I realized it most definitely was the main reason — if not the sole. I’ve sectioned my comparison into four different categories, all of which pertain specifically to my personal checklist when it comes to mattress shopping. Of course, there are more thorough reviews out there that you can read, yet I think this covers the basics.

via Mattress Review

FIRMNESS

The first thing I’m pretty sure we all notice when testing a mattress is the support. For me, firmer is better. So what I noticed right away about both Casper and Endy is how soft they were compared to my more traditional spring mattress. Yet both of their construction provided enough support so I didn’t write them off immediately.

My initial few months sleeping on a Casper was a dream. But it slowly turned into a nightmare and I couldn’t understand why until I was informed that its four foam levels were susceptible to summer heat. I’m not one to use my air conditioning to the max, so the heat of the summer affected the firmness by making it softer.

…Endy delivers better…

Endy, on the other hand, has three different foam layers, the most notable being the top gel layer, that takes this into account. It maintains the same firmness throughout the year in all climates. Considering it’s a Canadian brand that has to battle both frigid winters and humid summers, that is only natural.

HEAT

I’m basically a heat pack when I sleep, but I also love snuggling under the blanket. So I need a surface that stays cool all night long — or else. Although Casper is touted for preventing heat retention, I feel that Endy delivers better on this point with its gel infusion designed to dissipate heat. Granted, I’m currently testing it out in the midst of a brutal winter. I might have to revise this point in the summer. Yet even in the winter, I was uncomfortably hot on my Casper mattress.

OVERALL COMFORT

I’m finally having a solid night’s sleep again. The mattress combined with Endy’s customizable pillows (such a simple yet impactful concept) and well-designed sheets (never forget which corner goes where again!) has created my own personal cloud nine. Although I could use a mattress that’s slightly firmer, my comfort isn’t compromised by this desire in the least — a true testament to the carefully constructed “one size fits all”.

It will be interesting to see how my relationship continues with this mattress, yet I’ve now slept on it for a solid two months without any complaints.

PRICE

Last but not least, what makes this a winner is the fact that it’s priced so damn competitively. Cheaper than the Casper with free shipping, a 10 year warranty and a 100 night’s trial period, you can’t go wrong. Not to mention (again), that it’s a Canadian brand made IN CANADA. Although I read some reviews saying the bed-in-a-box is basically a glorified futon made for college graduates because of this price, I whole-heartedly disagree.

I’ve found my match.

Endy has produced a top-of-the-line mattress that lives online, thus cutting out a lot of the inflation from more traditional storefront companies. Yet if you’re in Toronto, you can book an appointment at its showroom to test it out in person — eliminating any doubts right away.

ENDY VS. CASPER

To sum up, FOR ME, the Endy takes top prize. But I once again have to stress that every person has different sleeping needs. For others, Casper might be the way to go while some might want a traditional mattress. In the end, mattress shopping kind of a like speed-dating. But thankfully I’ve found my match.

Photos by Eric Black

Christmas is just a few short days away and if you’re anything like me, that means you haven’t started your gift shopping yet. Although I’ve decided to go a slightly different way this year, I still have my go-to spots when it comes to picking up that perfect present. Sportchek is one of them. It helps that a ton of my friends are into the healthy life, yet that shouldn’t stop anyone from exploring this recommendation. 

From sneakers and coats to headphones and cameras, there’s something practical and special for everyone on your nice list. Here are my top picks for this holiday. Since I’ve been all over the map this year, it’s only fitting that my highlights also range in categories.

SPORTSWEAR

1. Nike Women’s Summit Fleece Crop: I love the classic look of this fleece crop top, which makes it perfect for home, workouts or even on a snowboarding trip. Simple, stylish and warm, you really can’t go wrong with this pick. Yes, I’m wearing it above. Christmas came early for me :).

2. Nike Women’s LunarEpic Low Flyknit 2s: The running shoe of the year may have been the Nike VaporMax‘s, but my go-to has always been the LunarEpics. I love the cushioning and the look. Not to mention that it’s available in a glacial blue colorway that embodies the holidays beautifully.

3. Nike Women’s Aeroloft 3-in-1 Parka: If you’re looking to splurge a little bit, this is definitely the way to go. There may be no 3-in-1 winter jacket that’s more stylish than this one. In addition to its versatility, it’s also quite practical in the sense that it provides great coverage that will shield people from the worst winter has to offer.

ELECTRONICS

1. Apple Watch: High on my list is always the Apple Watch. Although some consider it a luxury wearable tech, I consider it a must-have for active individuals. Not only is it a great accessory that helps keep you off your phone, it has great health features that track your daily routine. And if you’re as on-the-go as I am, it ensures you stay on top of everything easier.

2. Beats Solo Wireless Headphones: Who needs earmuffs if you have a pair of arguably the most covetable headphones on the market. Sleek with powerful audio capabilities, this is a music-loving staple that even stays put while on the run — literally.

3. GoPro Action Camera: Whether capturing insane adventures or everyday life, a GoPro camera is a great gift. Now available in a slew of different models, it’s easy to choose one based on who you’re purchasing it for. If memories are priceless, than surely the equipment used to capture them are as well.

MISCELLANEOUS

1. Gaiam Beginners Yoga Kit: A gift that keeps on giving. This simple yoga kit is perfect for someone who has been wanting to get into the practice…or someone who has been complaining about how tight they’re body has been lately. It not only comes with a mat, strap and block, but also an instructional DVD to help guide them properly.

2. Spalding NBA Slam Jam Hoop: I might be biased since I grew up with a basketball-obsessed dad, but I believe every home is better with a hoop. It immediately turns it into a fun place and anything that takes anyone away from screens for even a minute is beneficial.

3. Skates: In line with the basketball hoop taking people away from their screens, a pair of ice skates is a great winter gift to encourage people to get out of the house to enjoy a seasonal activity. Sportchek offers a wide range of skates perfect for all levels.

Don’t let this list stop you from exploring other options at Sportchek. It’s a one-stop-shop for just about anything needed for a fun and thoughtful gift (or two).

]]> https://meghanyoung.ca/2017/12/18/sportchek-holiday-gift-guide/feed/ 0 https://meghanyoung.ca/2017/12/13/how-to-remember-to-take-your-vitamins/ https://meghanyoung.ca/2017/12/13/how-to-remember-to-take-your-vitamins/#comments Wed, 13 Dec 2017 12:00:30 +0000 https://meghanyoung.ca/?p=2327

My title sounds impressively authoritative, doesn’t it? Like I’m actually on top of my vitamin game? Well, I’m not. Even as I write this, I have to question whether or not I remembered to take them this morning. The answer? Yes! Why? Because I asked for help. As I got older, I began to understand the need for supplementing a healthy (ish) diet with vitamins, but I kept forgetting to take them (to this day, probiotics I have to refrigerate are a waste of my money). And then I posed this dilemma to my following and came away with some very common sense solutions that made me then question other things about myself.

But that’s besides the point.

If you’re like me and want to improve your health with supplements but keep forgetting to take them, here are three easy ways to remind yourself!

1. SET AN ALARM: Since we’re essentially attached to our smartphones these days, might as well take advantage of that fact by instilling healthy habits. A simple trick to remember your vitamins is to simply set a daily reminder and before you know it, the habit will form!

2. PUT THEM IN VISIBLE PLACES: An alarm only goes so far. You snooze it, it goes away and before you know it, you’ve left the house and you’ve once again neglected to take your vitamins. So why not put them in a place you can’t ignore: On your bedside table, the kitchen counter or, as one of my followers shared, in your car! This way you’ll see them and take them.

3. OPT FOR THE DELICIOUS KIND: There are all sorts of vitamins out on the market these days from low grade to high grade, drug store to health store, pills to capsules…and lastly gummies. Yes gummy vitamins have been around for some time, but they were usually synonymous with children. Vitafusion has created an impressive line of delicious gummy vitamins for adults. Gluten-free with flavors, they’re easy to take. Too easy, in fact. I’m currently taking Vitafusion Women’s Multivitamin, Power C Adult Gummy Vitamins and Vitamin D3 Adult Gummy Vitamins. They arm me with the nutrients I need to make sure I’m staying on top of my health game.

You may have already come to this conclusion on your own, but the best way to remember to take your vitamins is to practice all three of these tips. The best one being, of course, the last one.

Share your #VitafusionBalance stories with a chance to win a $25 retailer gift card to try Vitafusion products yourself.

This post is sponsored by Bayer. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

The holiday season is arguably the hardest one to keep your health on track. There are so many more commitments, it’s only natural that workout and sleep routines would suffer. And they’re usually packed with fun extracurriculars like eating all of the junk food and drinking all of the cocktails. If happiness is found in the balance, you can’t hate yourself for indulging…but you can make sure you create a plan to help keep you focused as much as possible.

There are tons of ways to keep yourself on track from making lists to being picky with indulgences and exercising the word “no,” but here are my top five ways to ensure you don’t fall completely off the wagon and have to start from scratch in the new year.

My Healthy Holiday Action Plan Goals:

1. TRY A WINTER-FRIENDLY WORKOUT: Why not beat the winter exercise slump with a new workout tailored to the colder temperatures?  If you’re someone who typically gets active outside, try an indoor activity like aqua aerobics, indoor rock climbing or an indoor group exercise class. Maybe even challenge yourself to find one new workout a month.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if a cold temporarily puts a wrench in your workout goals. Just make sure you get back on track once you’re rested and recuperated. If lingering nasal congestion is an obstacle, try a nasal saline-spray to clear your sinuses.  hydraSense Daily Nasal Care products are100% naturally-sourced seawater that is clinically proven to reduce and relieve your nasal cold symptoms.  hydraSense Daily Nasal Care products can be used alongside your other oral cough and cold medications.

2. RELY ON WORKOUT FRIENDS: It’s harder to miss out on a workout when you have someone or two to hold you accountable. Plus scheduling workout with besties can even count as a holiday get together — especially if you do something after. 

3. FOCUS ON FRUIT: Ok, this one should be on everyone’s list this winter! Farmers’ markets and apple picking orchards may be closed, but that’s no excuse to cut back on those vitamin-packed fruits. Every season offers a unique diet of fruits, maybe do some research and find out what’s in season to entice you to eat healthy.

Frozen fruits are also an easy-option if you struggle to keep fresh in the house, but make sure to check for added sugars. While it’s easy to track your own fruit intake, it can be harder with kids. Not sure if your little ones are finishing their apples and getting their vitamins? Try supplementing with FLINTSTONES multivitamins. You’ll love that they’re the #1 brand choice of paediatricians. They’ll love that they come in delicious gummies!

4. DRINK MORE WATER: You know water is important, but it can be harder to remember in the winter when you’re not feeling hot and sweaty. There are many great apps out there these days to help you log your water intake. If you’re looking for something with a fun twist, try Plant Nanny. When you drink water, you help an adorable plant friend grow!

Don’t let this one drop when you’re not feeling well. Getting enough liquids is especially important when you’re sick. Try adding a vitamin-C tablet to  your water. Redoxon Tablets give you ten oranges worth of Vitamin C*, which should motivate anyone to drink up!

* Redoxon is not meant to replace food.

5. SCHEDULE YOUR SLEEP: Bedtimes aren’t just for kids. The best way to get your sleep back on schedule is to pick a consistent time to hit the pillow. Write it down so you can track how often you’re making it to bed on-time. If you’re consistently going to bed too late, think critically about what’s making you miss the mark.

One of the major bedtime derailers is your cellphone, so limit screen time one hour before sleep. 

How will you challenge yourself and your family to take on healthy goals this winter?

This post is sponsored by Bayer. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

This post is sponsored by Bayer. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

If there’s anything I’ve learned about life, it’s that the saying “there are always two sides to a coin” couldn’t ring truer. In this specific case, I’m referring to the two sides of the holiday coin: cheers…and stress. For as much joy as the season brings, there’s just as much anxiety. It can be brought on by simple things like all of the parties to attend, the gifts to buy and the family members to see. It can also be brought on by bigger issues like financial burdens, seasonal affective disorders and relationship conflicts.

Whatever the case may be, our physical and mental health can take a toll during this festive time. Yet there are easy solutions to these common woes. Here are five:

When stress puts a damper on your holiday spirit

In a 2006 US-based survey, 61 per cent of respondents reported feeling often or sometimes stressed during the holidays. Whether it’s from hosting events, money worries or family conflicts, there’s a lot on our plates this time of year.

SOLUTION: Create a holiday to-do list and think about which items are the most important to you. Be realistic about what you and your family can handle and consider letting go of the lower priority items. Eating right, sleeping, exercise, and doing things you enjoy can all help you to de-stress this season.

Eating Santa’s milk and cookies (and then some)

It’s easy to get caught up in all the festive feasts, drinks and snacks. From parties to dinners and even a few casual get togethers with friends, it’s a time of celebration. Yet overeating and drinking can take a toll on our moods and our bodies.

SOLUTION: It can be as easy as saying no to certain functions and/or foods. If that’s tough, then pick and choose what you decide to treat yourself with. The holidays often come with limited edition desserts or seasonal home-cooked meals. Fill yourself with those items rather than the multitude of other options you can get any time of the year.

When your nose is as itchy as a sweater from Grandma

This season is full of unexpected allergens that can have you sniffling. Fall leaves, grandma’s cats and even mold from Christmas trees or pulling out dusty ornaments can trigger an allergic reaction.

SOLUTION: This year, make sure you have an allergy solution on hand. Consider Claritin as an option – it relieves your symptoms from dust, pets and mold.

Busy bodies

Although we’re often on the move a lot during the holidays — gift shopping, dancing at parties and more — we often neglect to regular workouts. It’s hard to juggle everything during this season and the jubilant mood tends to negate any desires to do any sort of work.

SOLUTION: Schedule fun holiday dates at the gym, a favorite class or perhaps something different that will get the sweat flowing without it feeling like a unwanted commitment. There are tons of options these days to make exercise feel more fun and social.

When shopping is a pain in the neck (and back!)

Holiday shopping isn’t just hard on your wallet, it can be hard on your body too. All that walking can feel like a marathon. Lugging heavy bags and packages can strain your back and joints and leave your feet sore. Don’t be surprised if you wake up the day after a long shopping trip feeling like you’ve had an epic workout session.

SOLUTION: The holidays are too busy to let pain hold you back. Frequent mall walkers know the secret to comfortable toes is Dr. Scholl’s Back Pain Relief Orthotics cushion and absorb shock to help evenly distribute your body weight. If it’s your back that’s bothering you, try ASPIRIN to help you get right back into action. ASPIRIN is a great multipurpose product to keep around for those pesky holiday headaches, joint pain and even fever from cold and flu.

How do you prepare for holiday season health woes?

This post is sponsored by Bayer. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.

For those who tuned in on Saturday morning for my local long run, here’s the map of the route. I’m currently training for my second half marathon and know how many people love to travel to Toronto around this time — perhaps to participate in the Scotiabank Marathon themselves. So in addition to the five scenic routes I already created for Tourism Toronto, I decided to create a longer bonus route for those in training mode.

Starting at the historical site of Fort York, I ran through to Strachan and then up to Trinity Bellwoods. There happened to be a fun arts market, but any weekend is a good weekend to take a detour and stroll through. From there I continued west along Queen Street, hitting must-visit pockets like Parkdale. Queen West ends at Roncesvalles, which is also a fun strip. But instead of going north there, I decided to enjoy a little nature and run through High Park.

Once I hit Bloor Street, I turned back east to make a pit stop at Hodo Kwaja, the best spot for some Korean walnut cakes in K-Town. It was just a short distance to Bathurst, which I headed down to browse through Kensington Market quickly before stopping at Toronto’s first shipping container market, Market 707, on Dundas for a quick refreshment. Before I knew it, I was back on Bathurst heading south to Fort York, finishing a solid 16km run.

It’s so great being able to explore Toronto on foot. And if you decide to run, you get to see even more! Long runs are meant to be taken nice and slow, which is ideal when checking out a new city this way.