These cold, dull and grey winter months can feel pretty blue. A lack of daylight, sun, and intake of Vitamin D affects us psychologically and can lead to increased feelings of depression and anxiety. It’s important to practice self-care all year, including eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep. And in the winter, it’s an especially good idea to occasionally treat ourselves to enjoyable experiences and pick-me-ups.
Book a Soothing Massage
Massages go beyond relaxation to provide benefits for the body and mind. A professional massage therapist, or massage student for those on a tighter budget, will utilize proper techniques to release tension in tight muscles and joints and increase blood circulation. Research suggests a massage can even help alleviate some feelings of depression. Skin-on-skin touch releases comforting hormones in the body that can improve mood in addition to feeling great.
Use High-End Hydrators
Winter weather is dry and can leave skin flaky, dull, itchy, and sore. Bad skin can put a further dampener on your mood, so using moisturizing products on your face, hands, and all over will give you a boost of brightness and smoothness for the skin and make you feel good, too.
Start with quality hand creams from Grown Alchemist like the Vanilla & Orange Peel formula that is non-greasy. It contains active botanicals like grape seed oil, rosehip seed oil, aloe vera, sea buckthorn, and wheatgerm which provide a burst of protective antioxidants. It leaves dry and flaky winter hands and nails feeling soft, soothed, and looking radiant. Plus, the aroma is divine.
Skincare sets with a variety of products to try are always exciting. Treat yourself to a selection of six favourite masks from Peter Thomas Roth with the Mask Mashup set. It contains the Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black mask to purify, hydrate, and draw out impurities; the Hungarian Thermal Water Mineral Rich Atomic Heat Mask that detoxifies while it hydrates; the 24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Mask with anti-aging properties; the Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme De-Tox™ Hydrator with a cooling and refreshing formula that soothes irritated, dry skin; the Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask for younger, softer, radiant skin; and the Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer with powerful rejuvenating action.
Another set for every day moisturizing power is Caudalie’s Vinosource Natural Hydrating Heroes trio which contains natural, organic, grape water-infused hydration that is great for sensitive skin. The serum, moisturizing sorbet, and grape water will restore brightness to your skin and your day.
Host a Cozy Night In
It’s important to spend time with others when you’re feeling down, and the cold weather can keep many of us hiding away indoors and cancelling plans left and right. Host your best pals at your place to enjoy a warm night in playing board games; watching a Netflix marathon with classic theater snacks like popcorn and milk duds; treating yourselves to a spa night; or being crafty by making things together like loose leaf tea mixes, vision boards, or learning to knit with a box from knitme.ca.
Plan a Winter Adventure
Or get outdoors and enjoy the benefits of fresh air and get some of that natural sunlight and much-needed Vitamin D. Plan a hiking route in the woods, in the countryside, or through the urban-scape. Strap on those old skates and finally go to that super cute outdoor ice rink or pull out the toboggans and sleds from the garage and hit a nearby hill.
Occasionally treating yourself to a relaxing night, some luxurious treatments, and spending quality and memorable time with loved ones can help in different ways to brighten your day when you’re feeling the winter blues and If your winter blues are still hanging around in the spring it may be time to talk to a mental health professional at thrivetalk.com.
