Autumn is well and truly here in the UK and soon it will give way to winter. Personally, these two seasons are my favourite and cold weather is still a bit of a novelty to me- after all I did grow up in Queensland, which is warm for 98% of the year! The distinct lack of sunshine lately can be a bit of a downer though can't it?
Since I moved to London nearly 6 years ago I've gradually devised my own plan of attack to make myself feel just a little bit more human when the days start getting shorter and the temperature starts falling to single digits. They're probably very obvious tips, but I digress...
Run a Bath
And stay in it. For as long as it takes. Cold weather is the best excuse to laze about in a deep, bubbly bath. Adding an uplifting bath oil, such as Aromatherapy Associates' Revive Morning Bath and Shower Oil gives you a little bit of a mental boost while you soak. Otherwise, add your favourite Lush bath bomb (go for an amazing colourful one for added happiness) and watch it fizz and bubble. I like to apply a face mask while I'm in the bath too. If I'm feeling a bit bleugh I reach for something exfoliating for a bit of glow, like Nude Skincare Miracle Mask.
Get Outside
Even if it's snowing or blowing a gale. Going outside usually makes me feel better and it's especially important if you work from home. It may sound silly but I actually quite enjoy getting caught in a sudden downpour - it sort of awakens my senses and refreshes me, even if it does ruin my hair and destroy my makeup. Just take yourself on a little walk to the shops or to the park if you're lucky enough to live close enough to one. If you have a dog, that's even better, you can take him/ her along too. If you don't have a dog (but you like dogs, obviously) borrow one from a friend. If you have no friends (which I'm almost certain you do) or your friends don't have dogs, try a pet-lending scheme like Borrow My Doggy. I've heard great things about it.
Make your Bedroom your Sanctuary
Turn your bedroom into the cosiest nesting place possible. We like our beds the most when it's cold so put in a little extra effort to make it your own personal kingdom of snoozery. Get yourself a lovely room spray or pillow mist for extra comforting goodness. I've tried everything from Boots own brand to Neom and all have given me the same warm and fuzzy feeling. Try a lovely aromatherapy candle for your bedroom too - even if it just sits on your bedside table unlit, if it's a good one you should still be able to smell it slightly as you drift off. As a side note, try to separate where you sleep from where you stress as much as possible. I'm not going to say anyone should eliminate all technology from their bedrooms - I know I can't get to sleep unless I've got Law and Order on (shhh)- but just say no to things like bills and work emails. That kind of junk has no right to be in your place of sleep.
Invest in a SAD Lamp
Lamps and lights to relieve the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are increasingly popular and now that I actually have one of my own, I can understand why. They come in all different sizes and strengths and I've come across a variety to suit pretty much any budget. The theory is that the white or blue light emitted by the lamps improves well being, especially when there is such a distinct lack of natural light. I have a small one from Tesco that I tend to turn on at about 3pm when it starts to get dark and so far it has reduced eye strain and generally kept me awake so I can finish work! So not a bad thing by any means. I've read that people use SAD lights in the morning when they're eating breakfast to give themselves a boost first thing while others just keep theirs on all day while they go about their business. Tesco seem to have sold out of the SAD lamp that I have, but you can find it here.
How do you stay happy and positive in Autumn/ Winter? Tips welcome :)
Get Outside
Even if it's snowing or blowing a gale. Going outside usually makes me feel better and it's especially important if you work from home. It may sound silly but I actually quite enjoy getting caught in a sudden downpour - it sort of awakens my senses and refreshes me, even if it does ruin my hair and destroy my makeup. Just take yourself on a little walk to the shops or to the park if you're lucky enough to live close enough to one. If you have a dog, that's even better, you can take him/ her along too. If you don't have a dog (but you like dogs, obviously) borrow one from a friend. If you have no friends (which I'm almost certain you do) or your friends don't have dogs, try a pet-lending scheme like Borrow My Doggy. I've heard great things about it.
Make your Bedroom your Sanctuary
Turn your bedroom into the cosiest nesting place possible. We like our beds the most when it's cold so put in a little extra effort to make it your own personal kingdom of snoozery. Get yourself a lovely room spray or pillow mist for extra comforting goodness. I've tried everything from Boots own brand to Neom and all have given me the same warm and fuzzy feeling. Try a lovely aromatherapy candle for your bedroom too - even if it just sits on your bedside table unlit, if it's a good one you should still be able to smell it slightly as you drift off. As a side note, try to separate where you sleep from where you stress as much as possible. I'm not going to say anyone should eliminate all technology from their bedrooms - I know I can't get to sleep unless I've got Law and Order on (shhh)- but just say no to things like bills and work emails. That kind of junk has no right to be in your place of sleep.
Invest in a SAD Lamp
Lamps and lights to relieve the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are increasingly popular and now that I actually have one of my own, I can understand why. They come in all different sizes and strengths and I've come across a variety to suit pretty much any budget. The theory is that the white or blue light emitted by the lamps improves well being, especially when there is such a distinct lack of natural light. I have a small one from Tesco that I tend to turn on at about 3pm when it starts to get dark and so far it has reduced eye strain and generally kept me awake so I can finish work! So not a bad thing by any means. I've read that people use SAD lights in the morning when they're eating breakfast to give themselves a boost first thing while others just keep theirs on all day while they go about their business. Tesco seem to have sold out of the SAD lamp that I have, but you can find it here.
How do you stay happy and positive in Autumn/ Winter? Tips welcome :)
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