Im really feeling it now, these darker days, having to wear tights that constantly need pulling up and the forever fear of catching a cold. ‘Winter blues’ isn’t a term coined by some crazy fashionista with an adversity to a pop of pink. Its a real life thing. I thought it might be nice and even a little bit helpful to share with you my 6 things that help me stay happy over the winter period.
Focus on happy.
Its always important to spend time doing the things that make you happy but during the winter when its easier to feel low and unmotivated it should be definitely be a top priority. It seems like such a throwaway comment ‘spend time being happy’ but what I do is write a list of my favourite feel good things.
Here is mine.
- Photography.
- A candleit bubble bath.
- Movie night with my boys (and a huge bowl of popcorn).
- Childfree dog walk.
- Treating myself to a new beauty product.
- Meeting a friend for hot chocolate.
Each day I make sure I will be able to do something off my list. It gives me something to look forward to and as I am a fan of lists, it means I can tick something off by the end of the day!
Jumper M&S Basket H&M Mug Anthroplogie Shoes Asos
Spend time outdoors.
Even if you really don’t feel like it this one is so important. Try to get as much natural sunlight as possible during the darker days. Its scientifically proven to enhance your mood. It forces you to exercise and even better it gives you a chance to wear a bobble hat. I live for bobble hats! I am really funny about fresh air and I hate to spend too much time indoors breathing stale air. (Im sure it isn’t even stale but I am a windows open every morning kinda girl)
Fight colds.
Its almost inevitable that we will get poorly at some point over the winter. Especially if you have children, they seem to bring every sniffle and cough home from school or nursery. I have discovered a little drink that has been a real saviour. Echinaforce hot drink helps to treat flu and cold symptoms and reduces the need to take pain killers. It has immune boasting benefits along with vitamin C. I love that its a hot drink (dual purpose as it warms your hands) and its a pretty red colour. There is something really soothing about the smell and it has helped me shift my colds so far this winter.
Wrap up warm.
Bobble hats and chunky scarves. Tights with woolly socks and of course the trusty ankle boots. Winter fashion does so much more for me than summer fashion. I love layering, popping a roll need jumper under your favourite tea dress or playsuit.Its so forgiving, am I wearing pyjamas under my coat? Who knows. Am I wearing a bra? Who knows. Have I washed my hair? Defiantly not. Thank you bobble hat.
Change your mood with music.
Whether it be lighting some candles, drinking tea and listening to Ed Sheerans new album or whether its dancing around the kitchen with your little ones to Brian Adams, we all know the affects of music. Its good for the soul and its great escapism. Yes it may be raining so heavily that you swear you can smell sewage (That might just be my house) but you can forget about it all while you try to remember the Steps routine in your lounge. I love to play guess the song games with my husband, where he has to name the song before the singing starts. This is always a trip down memory lane and ends up with me playing Mr Boombastic.
Enjoy the cosiness.
Hot chocolates and cosy throws will be gone soon enough and we will be having to spend time weeding the garden again. We will be missing these days when the grass didn’t even grow. So take time to enjoy all that winter has to offer. For me that means getting up early to photograph the frost followed by evenings in the hottest of bubble baths. Even though winter affects my mood I do love it.
Let me know your winter mood boosters id love to add them to my list!
*This is a sponsored post but all opinions and images are my own.
Cara
I really needed to read this, thanks. I had my 2nd baby 3 months ago and have had some cabin fever over the past few weeks. My (just) 3 year old loves and needs to be outside a lot but the cold air and newborn combo puts me off. I need to just get out and get fresh air – it really does cheer me up and definitely him. (Plus it helps us all sleep better!) I’ve been feeling lost as a mum of two, like my feelings and needs don’t matter, so I think I’ll write my own list tonight and try and do one each day! Happy mum – happy kids, right?
Ps, My little boy loves baking cakes and bread so I find home baking one of my winter must haves. Who doesn’t love the smell of gingerbread in their house?
Thanks Cara!
Holly x
Author
I often feel overwhelmed with motherhood. Its important to know everyone is in the same boat! Gingerbread isn’t just for Christmas!
Catching up on blog posts after a very busy week and I love all of these. Plus roast dinners and red wine in front of the fire! Definitely agree with you on getting outdoors it feels like such a effort with two small children but once I’ve wrestled us all into the required clothing it’s always worth the effort. Bobble hats all round!!!
Author
It’s a work out just dressing them!
How did I miss this one!? Another great post Cara, and I definitely agree with the music one…if I am down, Spotify sorts me out quite quickly! I really hope you enjoy your full-time blogging…your blog/imagery does work, I’m in Marketing and I have a blog myself, but I have just bought the ‘Loft’ side table from M&S – it comes on Thursday 😉
Author
Haha it’s a fab table! Thank you 😘