Tired of the cold dark days of winter yet? This time of year can be totally miserable for some, the complete opposite to the jolly festivities of December that has just passed. Every year I fall in love with the beauty of autumn, however after Christmas I’m always left feeling a little deflated and living under the grey clouds of winter just seems drawn out and a bit grim.
We spend so much time indoors during the colder months and we forget to look after ourselves. However, it’s when we’re feeling low and stuck in a funk that practising self-care is the most important. Even though we’re spending more time at home and it’s constantly dark and wet outside, it doesn’t meant that we can’t still feel good. Taking joy in our surroundings, being gentle with yourself and creating special moments is especially important during winter, which can be emotionally and mentally draining.
I’m not a massive fan of this time of year, and as I wait for the brighter days of spring I’ve been taking comfort in my winter care kit that I turn to. It’s full of my favourite winter essentials that help me get through these colder months with a joyful heart and make me feel good.
Beautiful Bright Flowers
I’m a massive fan of gifting myself flowers as a little treat from me to me and one of my intentions this year to buy myself a beautiful bunch of flowers every week. I think it’s so important to show yourself some gratitude for all that you do, you truly deserve. These spring blooms are adding a bright pop of colour in my home, while it remains grey and dull outside.
Scented Candles
Lighting candles are a must for me to create a calming and tranquil atmosphere in my home. I’m quite the scented candle hoarder and like them in every room to give it that cosy feel that I crave at this time of year.
Cosy Luxury Pajamas
Spending more time indoors, naturally for me means that I’m going to be spending more time in my pajamas. I do love a set of luxury pajamas, just because I’m lazing about on the sofa I can still look remotely decent doing it. Plus, there is something rather indulgent about lounging around in a silk PJ set and what a lovely gift to buy yourself.
A Good Book
There is nothing like getting some down time and escaping the word with your head in a book for a while. My Amazon wishlist is as long as my arm at the moment, but I’m slowly working my way through it with a cosy blanket and a mug of hot chocolate.
Cosy Knitted Blankets
A big part of feeling cosy for me are having lots of beautiful knitted blankets around the home to to wrap up warm in. They are the perfect thing to have on standby if you’re having a Netflix marathon and so perfectly hygge too.
Fairy Lights
Like candles, fairy lights are an easy way to create a soothing atmosphere in the home. I have them pretty much everywhere in my house and I love the warm golden light that they bring to a room.
Cooking Something New
Doing my weekly meal plan always feels exciting to me as it’s the perfect excuse to try something new that I would never perhaps thought of cooking before. Cooking a lovely meal and sharing it with friends and family is such a heart warming experience that will definitely make you feel good.
Lots of Warm Drinks
Am I the only one who thinks that a warm drink feels like a hug in a mug? They are instantly comforting! Tea is my go-to, but I might treat myself to a hot chocolate now and then.
A Long Walk
I love being outdoors, especially if I’ve been cooped up for too long. Our National Trust membership has got lots of use and there is nothing like a long walk to blow off those cobwebs and feel good again.
I love lighting lots of candles at this time of year x
Me too, they make the house so cosy.
I am with you on all of these, love scented candles and warm drinks and fleeces, and fairy lights make everything much nicer x
So true! I love that feeling of cosiness.
I tend to always have candles burning and fairy lights on regardless of the weather, but snuggly blankets and PJs are great for winter x
Me too, but they’re so much more effective at creating cosiness in the winter.
A good book can make all the difference for me once the winter! Bright flowers are another one from the list that I try and have in my house during the winter.
I think the flowers can make a massive difference.
Having some fresh flowers, beautiful candles, a good cuppa and a warm blanket sure helps at this time of year!
Definitely! It can be so dull and miserable for many.
Some good ones here – I do love blankets, good books, PJs and long walk. I love the idea of treating yourself to flowers too x
I think we all deserve a beautiful bunch of flowers.
I like scented candles, especially the winter ones. Plus changing into my cozy pi’s, especially when its cold outside
YES to both of these!
I agree with all of these. I can see spring on the horizon. I bought some daffodils from M&S last weekend and they looks so happy and cheerful i can’t help but smile when I see them
Seeing the spring flowers has me smiling too.
I like your posts for positive mood. Great tips here 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! We all need that extra bit of positivity in the world.
Oh gosh such lovely ideas.
I love having flowers but rarely get them, /@ you reminded me!
I love Cosy blankets, long walks and new pjs!
Buying yourself flowers is such a wonderful thing to do.
I have been trying out lots of new recipes recently to brighten up the day! That and a good book has definitely kept me going!
I love trying out a new recipe, something different and exciting.
I love all your ideas they would most certainly make me ferl happy.
Thank you. I think cosiness generally brings a feeling of happiness.
I’d go with all the things on your list to make me feel better in winter. Especially a good book, warm blanket and a hot drink.
I think they are definitely high on my list of winter essentials too.
I am definitely tired of the dark and gloomy of winter. You mentioned candles and flowers and those are two of my pick pick me ups.
They are lovely pick me ups and a lovely way to treat yourself.
These are all amazing winter self care essentials, my favourites are cosy pyjamas and scented candles
Just perfect! I love these as well.
I love all this tips – I have to say flowers, candles, books and hot drinks are always high on my list of priorities. I would love to have a bit more me time, but the hours just fly by!
I know what you mean, but it’s so important to squeeze some in.
I just LOVE the concept of hygge! I am getting my wife a book for her birthday as I think she will love it x
Yes, yes, YES to all of these!!! You’ve literally just described everything I’d need to create my perfect relaxing winter evening. x
Yay! I love cosy winter evenings.
I am so over Winter, I’m a total Summer lover! I do love a good book though and who can possible go through life without fairy lights, especially as I’m scared I’ll burn the house down if I lit candles
Oh I agree with every single thing! I love scented candles and new comfy PJs! Cant wait for it to start getting warmer though 🙂
Yes to all especially the blankets! haha
I love lighting loads of candles at this time of year along with getting under the blanket and relaxing at night. I have however been going on loads of long walks because we recently got a puppy and I really am enjoying the fresh sharp air, I’ve always been more of a Autumn and Winter lover rather than the warmer months xx
Oooh these all sound so lovely! Nothing better than cosying up with a good book under a blanket! xo
Hi Jemma.
Nice post! My particular favourite it to have lots of candles as it gives the room a warm glow. Combining that with a massive thick blanket in front of the TV with a good movie and a nice hot drink with a bit of cake.
If I have no cake then I’ll make something good to eat (as you mention too 🙂 ) For me something with a bit of spice like Morroccan lamb comes to mind, spicy and warming and best served with a loved one 🙂