Debrief with Debb: Back to Reality (and -15!)

Dear Diary,

I’m officially back in Canada.  My car said -8°C this morning.  The radio said “feels like -15.”  Feels like … book me a flight back to Mexico.  Jus sayin’.  Not to be dramatic (but also very dramatic), has this been the longest winter ever?  Because every conversation I’ve had lately says: YES. YES IT HAS.

Winter Blues Are Real

Vitamin D is a real thing.  Seasonal depression? Also very real.  On gloomy days, I feel it.  I know you do too.  Low energy. Low vibe. A little “what is life” mood.  I don’t mind the occasional dark, cozy, introspective day.  But all the time?  No.  Shitty City.  It actually reminds me of when I lived in Scotland for 4 months (teaching yoga, obviously).  It rained. Every. Single. Day.  I’m not exaggerating.  

One day a student said:  “Lovely day today, eh Deb?”

I was like: “Yeah! The sun came out for 12 minutes!” (in my mind of course)

But they meant it. They felt it.  That’s the real deal.  When it feels good outside, you feel good inside.  Shocking? No.  Accurate? 100%.

Mexico Deb vs Canada Deb

In Mexico:

• Sleep by 8pm (true story)

• Wake up at 6am with the sun

• Biggest decision: beach, pool, walk, beer … in what order?

In Canada:

• Alarm clock

• Emails/To do lists

• “Do I really have to wear boots, a scarf and hat just to leave the house?”

Yes Deb, yes you do. Time to put on your Canadian Portuguese big girl pants.

But also … I came back with a new appreciation for what I do love here. Family. Friends.

Teaching yoga and Pilates.  Seeing familiar faces.  Students turning into friends.  Friends into family. 

That full-circle moment.  It hits a little harder after you’ve been away.

Agenda Deb Has Entered the Room

Soooo … funny story. Rui (my husband, for my first time readers) told me today that I’m “a little bit bossy.” Excuse me? I was telling him, “not to be bossy pants, but I think it’s better if you don’t run your finger against the razor blade that way. This way (my way) is better so you don’t cut your finger. Sorry, am I being bossy?"  His exact words, “don’t be sorry my love, I like that you’re a little bit bossy.” Is he a little bit cute or what? Then I started having flashbacks. Typical cancer behaviour. Can’t let it go, analytical, emotional. Cry me a river.

It went something like this. Picture it. A few weeks ago. Saturday morning. 

We’re In bed, just waking up: Me ...

“Not to be Agenda Deb BUT… what if we go to Hot Yoga at 9:30am, then maybe breakfast at Debb’s Place (a great breakfast place in Barrie, coincidental name obviously), then Costco run, then home, clean a bit, then maybe watch a movie or see if there are any murder shows on Nexflix? Then we can think about snacks and dinner later?  Sofa Saturday?” Oh my god.

Agenda Deb = Bossy Deb?!

I had a full internal spiral for …. about 30 minutes.  Then I said to him,

“So when you said, I’m “a little bit bossy,” you mean I’m a good leader, right?”

Him: “Yes, exactly my love!”  Exhale Deb.

4 Micro Choices That Can Change Your Life!

I’ve been back on my Mel Robbins train (my unofficial Life Coach).

This week she talked about 4 small daily choices that make a BIG difference:

1. Don’t grab your phone first thing in the morning. Your dopamine is highest in the morning. 

Don’t kill the vibe immediately with emails and the latest news (aka chaos).

2. Catch yourself to coach yourself (Yes, that’s my line)!

Essentially, your mindset especially in the morning matters! Catch yourself.

If your first thought is: “Ugh, I’m tired. I don’t want to do this. I want to go back to bed.”

Same. That’s human.  That’s normal.  That’s expected.  That’s science.  Because when you first wake up, you’re not really awake.  You’re in that in between zone of sleep and wake life.  Kill me now right?

And if you don’t catch it, your whole day follows that energy.

Shift it. Even slightly.  Maybe listen to affirmations while you stretch.  It’ll change your mindset. 

Debb tip.  I listen to a short affirmations audio/video (18 minutes) on Youtube called “Lucky Girl Syndrome Affirmations,” while I stretch, make my morning coffee (heaven in a cup), write out 5 things I’m grateful for in my daily journal (usually morning coffee is on the list, clean water and a bed to sleep in) and after that little reset, I’m re-centered and I don’t feel like a crazy monster hating the world (anymore).    

3. Fuel vs fumes. Are you eating or just surviving on coffee and vibes?

Being "hangry" is real (again science, messes with your brain) and it affects EVERYTHING.  Your mood, your thinking, yourself.  Starving yourself with food means starving your brain.  Yes, I know that intermittent fasting is a thing and if that works for you, cool.  You’re likely used to it.  Our body is so adaptable.  But if your stomach is growling, you're all over the place, busy, chaotic and annoyed at everything, eat something.  Healthy. Fruit, nuts, yogurt (protein, carb and fat combo). Brain and body fuel. Not a muffin and sugary latte. Unless you want to slap someone.

4. No scrolling before bed. At least 30 minutes before lights out/dreamland.

Blue light = messed up sleep = tired, cranky human.

Am I perfect at this? Definitely not.

Last night I went on my phone to buy deodorant on Amazon.  No need for Sweaty Debbie odour ... and somehow ended up mentally redecorating my entire wardrobe and bedroom furniture.  Classic.

Back on Track (Gently)

This week:

• 3 strength training classes at F45 (one more to go on Sunday)

• 2 hot yoga classes

• 1 walk (I know, I know, I haven’t jogged yet, but I will!

• tracked my food intake on my fitness pal app (hit my macros) more on that soon!

• taught 7 hot classes (yoga & Pilates)

It feels good to be back. And also … I’m trying to bring a little “vacation Deb” into real life. Less pressure. Less “do everything at once.” More breathing room.

Because sometimes, that massive to-do list is not productivity. It’s pressure.

Being away reminded me of something big:

Having something to look forward to matters (a lot!)

A trip. A goal. A plan. Even a Saturday morning coffee date.

Because without it, life can feel a little … meh.

So yes. Thinking about the next trip.

A delayed honeymoon maybe. West Coast vibes.

Nature. Mountains. Magic.

Stay tuned.

Real Talk

Winter is hard. Hormones are real. Phones are addictive.

And apparently … I’m a little bossy.

And also:

• I’m moving my body

• I’m aware of my habits

• I’m learning (still… always)

• And I have things to look forward to

And that is enough!

Your mini challenge this week:

Pick one small thing to look forward to. Plan it. Book it. Commit to it. Big or small. It doesn’t matter.

Joy doesn’t just happen. YOU create it.

Then please tell me about it!

Not to be bossy pants.

Yogadebb

Building strength, mindset, and real-life consistency, one breath at a time :)