How To Make Yourself Feel Better in Gloomy Months
January can be a tough month. The festive season is over, the days are still short, and the weather is far from inspiring. Plus, January payday feels like it lives in it’s own world (far, far away!). So, I wanted to offer some tips to help you embrace this time as an opportunity for self-care and a reset. With a few tweaks to your routine, you can boost your mood, nourish your body, and feel your best. Here’s my ultimate guide to beating the winter blues.
Skincare:
Indulge in a luxurious face mask. These de-puffing energy masks from 111SKIN do not come cheap but honestly, it’s like a hug for your skin. In winter, our skin often feels dry and dull, so always opt for something hydrating and nourishing.
I love these masks SO much. Packed with hyaluronic acid to plump and soothe your skin while giving you that "just-back-from-a-facial" glow. Pop it on while binge-watching your favourite series or reading a book, and you’ll feel pampered in no time.
Sleep:
I’ve been talking about Drowsy Sleep Masks for years. They’re perfect for travel or everyday. We live in a house which lets a lot of light in and these are an absolute game changer. I’ve added this one with Swarovski crystals to my Christmas list because… how fabulous!
You’ve heard me speak about this before, but I absolutely swear by this and lay on it for 20-minutes every day before bed. If I don’t, I really notice the difference. This is great for anyone with a tight neck or back too.
Sleep is essential for both our mental and physical well-being. If you’re struggling to drift off, try a lavender pillow. Lavender has natural calming properties that help ease anxiety and promote relaxation.
If you don’t want to try a lavender pillow, try spritzing your pillow with the Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Mist before bed, and let the gentle scent lull you into a peaceful slumber. This stuff is gold-dust!
If January nights feel long and restless, try incorporating natural sleep aids into your routine. I love the Teapigs Snooze Sleepy herbal tea. Pair this with a calming evening ritual (think a book and no screens!) to create the perfect wind-down routine.
My final sleep hack is listening to this amazing sleep/meditation playlist on Spotify. I also love using this after yoga. Sooo relaxing.
Cold weather and constant handwashing can leave your hands feeling like sandpaper. You’ve heard me speak about it before but this Elizabeth Arden handcream is the ultimate treat to yourself.
Essential oils can do wonders for your mood. A few drops of any essential oil to a diffuser to fill your space with a comforting, uplifting aroma. Whether you’re working from home or just need a pick-me-up, this small act of self-care can make a big difference. I also love massaging this oil on my chest before a bath for a super relaxing unwind.
I don’t need to tell you about my love for candles. They transform your mood and your home. I love this one from NEOM it truly does help with a perfect night’s sleep!
You know I am a big believer that wellness starts from within, and your gut is at the heart of it all. Symprove is a live, water-based supplement that’s clinically proven to support gut health. Add it to your morning routine for a happier tummy and more balanced energy levels. I will never be without this. Use my code LISAPD50 for a discount.
So you might be thinking: “Lisa, these products sound incredible but like YOU said, we’re still waiting for payday!”. Fear not my friends. Feeling better does absolutely not need to be centred around money. Here are a few free things you can do to boost yourself:
· Go for a walk with a friend: Dawny and I love to go for a daily walk with the dogs. Whenever we’re feeling stuck or unmotivated – a short walk is amazing for lifting our mood and having a break from work!
· Colouring/Doodling: Don’t we all have a colouring book laying around somewhere? Get it out and let your mind focus for 15-20 minutes on the patterns and colours. So, calming and satisfying. Not got a book. Just grab a scrap of paper and let yourself be creative.
· Take up a new hobby: January is the perfect time to start something new. Whether it’s knitting, painting, or even baking, a hobby can give you a sense of achievement. Plus there’s something so comforting about working with your hands and creating something beautiful or delicious.
· Plan a food and movie night at home: Ok has anyone seen the Taste London events?! Imagine that but in your front room. Pair your food and snacks with the movie that match the vibe… think burgers for Pulp Fiction, pick and mix for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (anything off the trolly?!). You get the vibe!
· Yoga: Yoga has been part of my life for years. It is something I always rely on in a difficult time. Yoga doesn’t have to be expensive – check out my yoga teacher Roisin’s 31 day challenge here.
· Make a ritual: Create a daily ritual to look forward to. Whether it’s a morning coffee, an evening journaling session, or a weekly face mask, these little acts can add structure and joy to your days.
Binge-watching List!
Okay, one last thing. I feel like the perfect time to binge-watch some TV is in January. It’s cold and you just want to cosy up with some gems. I won’t dive into them all but trust me, THIS is the list you need:
· Somebody Somewhere
· Drops of God
· The Responder
· Tower
· Slow Horses
· Industry
· The Sympathizer
· Sweet Pea
· Ripley
· Severance
· The Penguin
· Black Doves
· Yellowstone
And if you’re just looking for a film, try The Program or Mr & Mrs Smith! Theo and I love both.
Winter doesn’t have to be bleak. With these tips to elevate your self-care routine, you can transform January from gloomy to glorious. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. So, light that candle, run that bath, and show yourself some love. We got this!
Love,
Lisa xx
Ps: My Symprove code is part of an ongoing partnership.