Winter is coming, and while we’re excited about snow days, Christmas lights, baking cookies, and pulling our sweaters out of the back of our closets, there is one thing we are positively dreading: the winter blues. They hit us all at different times, but many of us eventually feel sad, anxious, and irritable during the colder months. But we firmly believe that a little self-care can go a long way. Here are just a few ways to keep those winter blues at bay.
Take Up a New Hobby
Whatever hobby you’ve been interested in pursuing, go for it! This can remind you that you’re still in control and inspire your brain to be creative.
Stay in Touch
It’s not unusual for people to become withdrawn during winter, but social connection is a basic human need. Be intentional with your time and schedule lunch with friends at your favorite restaurant, plan a coffee date with a family member, visit a free museum, or peruse books at your local bookshop.
Pamper Your Hair and Skin
It’s hard to feel upbeat during winter if your hair is damaged and your lips are so dry that they crack. Combat this by switching up your hair and skin routine to incorporate more moisturizing products, such as an overnight lip mask, a moisturizing hair mask, or nighttime facial oils.
Our Picks:
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($24, shop here)
Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask ($16.99, shop here)
Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil ($13.59, shop here)
Prioritize Your Favorite Things
When it’s too cold to go outside, you have the perfect excuse to stay in and do your favorite things. Bake cookies, start that new puzzle that’s been waiting, crack open a book from your stack, or binge-watch your favorite show. Whatever brings you joy, cozy up and make time for it.
Consider a Vitamin D Supplement
Because we tend to spend a significant amount of time indoors during the winter, it’s not unusual for our vitamin D levels to drop because we aren’t getting the sunshine our bodies crave. This can make you sleepy and more prone to colds and respiratory infections. Talk to your doctor about adding a daily vitamin D supplement to your regimen to keep your levels where they need to be.
Eat Well
Winter is the perfect time to try new recipes. And because winter is the time for comfort meals, go ahead and make your favorite dishes. Just make sure you’re using fresh ingredients. This way, everything will taste good but also be good for you.