The clocks have gone back. The days are getting shorter. And there is a definite chill in the air.
And even the biggest fans of this time of year might find that they need a little bit of extra TLC to keep their spirits up on gloomy days.
It doesn’t have to take much effort though, here are 15 easy self-care ideas to see you through the winter months.
1. Get out in the sun
One of the reasons we experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is that we don’t get enough natural light in the winter.
So make getting out in the sunlight a priority whenever the weather plays ball. On the days that it’s just really dark and gloomy, try using a light therapy lamp at home instead.
2. Give dry body brushing a try
Once or twice a week grab a dry body brush and sweep it over your body, in long strokes towards your heart.
Doing this can improve your circulation and blood flow, and leave you feeling re-energised.
3. Use your favourite body cream or moisturiser
Treat yourself to a cream that feels really lovely to use, with a smell that you can’t get enough of and use it after every bath or shower, or before you climb into bed at night.
4. Take a walk in nature
Wrap up warm and spend some time out in nature. Notice how the cold, crisp air feels on your cheeks, and how the leaves sound as they crunch under your feet.
This kind of mindfulness activity helps you feel present and grounded, while you also get all the other benefits of being outdoors.
5. Enjoy a relaxing bath
If you normally rush through the shower each day, make a point of slowing things down now and then.
Pick a time when you can really relax and run yourself a hot bath. Use your favourite bath bomb or bubble bath. Do whatever you can to make sure you won’t be disturbed. Take a cup of your favourite tea or a glass of wine in with you. And just relax.
6. Move your body
It can be hard to motivate yourself to exercise in the winter, but it’s so important for all-round wellbeing.
Find an exercise that you enjoy and make time for it a few times a week.
It could be long walks in the park, running on the treadmill at the gym, or doing an online yoga or hiit class at home.
7. Be grateful
Each day think of three things you’re thankful for.
They can be big or small, but try to think of new things each day.
Focusing on the things we’re grateful for puts us in a much more positive state of mind than always thinking about the negatives.
8. Have a chat with a loved one
It can be so tempting to hibernate over the winter, but making sure we stay connected with friends and family is really important to our wellbeing.
So pick up the phone and call your parents. Have a long text chat with your friend who lives across the country. Pop out for coffee for a catch up after the school run.
9. Try some aromatherapy
Make your home smell lovely and inviting with different scents in your oil diffuser.
Scents like bergamot, cedar, and frankincense are perfect for the winter months.
10. Have a movie night
Get your favourite snacks and drinks, cwtch up under a blanket, and watch a film.
11. Let yourself rest
Give yourself a day now and then to just do nothing.
Let the whole family stay in their pyjamas. Put the to-do list to one side and let the cleaning slide for a day. Stick to really easy-to-cook meals or order takeaway.
12. Drink enough water
This is such a basic need that I don’t really like including it in this list, but it is so important for keeping us well in the winter.
Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day – for most people this is around 2 litres a day.
If you’re not a fan of plain water then try adding fruit to your water bottle, or drinking squash or caffeine-free teas instead.
13. Bake up some treats
Spend some time in the kitchen baking some treats to enjoy.
At this time of year I love things like these chocolate ginger bites and warm mince pies.
14. Play
Get in touch with your inner child and have some fun.
On rainy days put your wellies on and go splash in some puddles.
Or stay home with a colouring book and a pile of cookies.
Revisit an old hobby or find a new one that just feels fun to you.
15. Try some cosy yoga
Gently stretch and move your body from the comfort of your living room with some yoga.
This routine from yoga with Adrienne is specifically designed for this time of year.
