It’s autumn, and soon we will be welcoming winter. There is so much to look forward to, such as pumpkin lattes, soups, hot chocolates, snow, Halloween, Christmas, and the list goes on and on. It also means looking ahead to colder weather, darker, shorter days, and less sunlight.
Some may find autumn and winter a wonderful time of the year, but for others, it can be a slightly challenging time of the year. Here are some small yet effective things that will help you get through autumn and winter:
- Warm beverages, baths, hot water bottles, and more!
It may seem like a simple thing, but warm drinks like tea, coffee, and hot chocolates can do wonders. Imagine drinking a warm cup of herbal tea that lets out a pleasant fragrance or enjoying a cup of chocolatey hot beverage to warm you up from the inside when it is raining outside. How delightful does that sound!
Warm baths and hot water bottles are also great ways to feel better and more comfortable. Trying to relax in a cold temperature is impossible. We suggest getting your favourite sweater, fuzzy socks, and keeping a hot water bottle with you to keep you warm and comfy throughout the day. Take a warm bath to finish the day. It will help you relax your muscles, destress, and even improve your sleep quality.
- Candles and essential oils
Lighting candles or burning your favourite essential oils will lift your spirit naturally. They create a pleasant and cosy environment at home that will help you relax and be in a better mood.
Some essential oils such as lavender and chamomile are known to help keep you calm, reduce anxiety and depression, and even improve sleep.
- Get Creative
Cold, dark, and rainy days mean less chance for you to get outdoors, so you will most likely be at home either binge-watching shows or simply getting bored.
Why not get creative instead? Whether that be arts and crafts, learning new skills like playing a musical instrument, writing, blogging or starting a home DIY project.
Creating, learning, and achieving can do a lot for your mental health.
- Move around and stay active
Stay active and move as much as you can. I know exercising and staying fit in colder months sounds just dreadful, but there are so many benefits to staying active, even if it means just a twenty-minute walk down the park or a short at-home yoga.
You can even have fun and get moving at the same time. Simply organise different activities either to do by yourself or with your group of friends. Some examples are planning a simple trip to a mall or ice-skating with friends.
- Eat healthy and supplement
You are what you eat!
It’s easy to be tempted by easy-to-prepare ready-meals, takeaways, unhealthy snacks, and comfort foods in the colder months.
This is a good time to remind yourself that having a good diet is crucial throughout the year, and especially during colder seasons. Besides helping you stay physically healthy, eating well can positively impact your mental health! It will give you all the necessary nutrients to keep your energy up during cold and grey days.
