Spectrum Talks: Winter Self-Care
Who else suffers from the winter blues? It’s getting colder and darker, so if you’re feeling a little down – you’re not alone. That’s why winter self-care is so important. However, if you’re new to self-care, then maybe you don’t know where to start.
We recently held a Spectrum Talk to talk about winter self-care and we were blown away by the responses. From how you stay motivated to your favourite self-care products, you gave us tons of inspo.
Keep reading to find out how to get rid of winter blues and live your best life with winter wellbeing tips from our Spectrum sisters.
How Do You Stop the Winter Blues?
Not everyone gets blue in winter. In fact, some of you love the season for reasons we can relate to!
I really like the winter months, you have an even more legitimate excuse to not have to leave your house to have to see people 😂
— EllisRuby (@EllisRubyYT) November 17, 2020
Putting on your favourite cosy jumper, making a hot chocolate and curling up on the sofa are all pretty amazing, but many of us still struggle in winter and need to be extra mindful about our self-care. After all, the days are at their shortest, it’s freezing outside, and your motivation might be at a low point. You might even suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
We heard some great winter wellbeing tips in our Spectrum talk that might help you change your mindset:
I take my son out for a walk for nature and fresh air, even if it’s just 30 minutes gentle exercise. :)
— Sabrina (@Sabrina7UK) November 17, 2020
Maybe you feel you can’t properly enjoy nature where you are – but even if it’s just the local park, getting outside can help break up your day and change your mindset.
I find routine helps! Get up, shower, face on, be productive. The occasional PJ day is a must, but when they outweigh the productive days, it makes me feel terrible. Lists, structure & routine are the scaffolding that keep me up!
— Stampolina (@sandii_lou) November 17, 2020
Routine is a big one. Other mindful activities we love in winter include:
- Journaling
- Craft (try something new!)
- Meditation
- Doodling
- Letter writing
How to Stay Motivated in Winter
We’ve talked about routine, but let’s face it – it can be really hard to motivate yourself. Getting up early, eating healthy, doing that workout, or even just getting dressed can sometimes feel impossible. So, how do we stay motivated? Here’s what you suggested…
I love making a list of all the things I want to get done & tick them off as I go. As a family we have a routine too as it helps my son so much coz he has ASD (autism spectrum disorder) x
— It's SpakLei Szn (@lei86_mua) November 17, 2020
It might sound like a small thing, but ticking off tasks when you do them can be a huge motivator!
I love writing in my diary a positive thought to start the day; what I'm grateful for alongside the task I would like to get completed! This helps to keep a routine and stay productive!💕
— Rebecca Mcauley (@2girlcurls) November 17, 2020
Being kind to yourself is so important too. If you struggle with this, take baby steps every day and just think of one small positive thing that brings you joy.
What’s Your Go-To Self-Care Routine?
As it turns out, you have some lush winter self-care routines. For some of you, it’s all about creating a soothing, cosy environment and taking the time to unwind.
Pure clay face mask, candle and hygge pic.twitter.com/BohnD8FL1N
— Kaz 💋 (@GoonerKJP) November 17, 2020
For others, winter skincare is a top priority!
My skincare night-time routine is facial wash followed by toner then cleanser and finish with moisturiser! Leaves skin radient and rejuvenated.♥️
— Rebecca Mcauley (@2girlcurls) November 17, 2020
At the end of the day, winter skincare doesn’t have to be a chore. Invest in products you love, that make your skin feel amazing, and the experience will be something you look forward to.
How do you Stay Active in Winter?
With dark mornings and shorter evenings, it’s hard to stay motivated with fitness. For many of you, the key to staying active has been doing your workouts at home:
I do home workouts, and work them into my routine. I've been doing some of Esmee Hawkey's videos lately, and they're brilliant for fitness newbies or for when you just want a quick workout!
— Deanna Troi 🖖🏻👩🏻🎤 (@miniabbysciuto) November 19, 2020
There are so many free online workouts you can try – everything from yoga to HIIT. As an added bonus, you can do them without leaving the house (and even without changing out of your PJs if you can’t be bothered!)
I’ve been using wii step board (without a Wii) in my room. Put my @fitbit on, music list from @Spotify and as Britney sings “Work” pic.twitter.com/jDWe7o1Uq8
— Christmas Urban Angel 💫 (@UrbanAngel2020) November 17, 2020
And as for this idea – Britney is always a winner!
What are the Best Self-Care Products?
We love getting your product recommendations, and you had some great suggestions when it came to winter self-care.
Westlab bath salt
— EllisRuby (@EllisRubyYT) November 17, 2020
Radox lavender bath oil
Body Shop himalayan charcoal mask & COSRX overnight rice mask
Origins ginger body scrub
Body shop seaweed gel moisturiser
IUNIK vitamin c serum
Shearer frankincense candle
Macadamia nourishing hair mask 🖤
I don’t have a bath in my home so shower gel is currently Aura by Next.
— Christmas Urban Angel 💫 (@UrbanAngel2020) November 17, 2020
I change my candles with the seasons (like my make up) so I burned Pumpkin latte candle in autumn by @YankeeCandleEu . Currently burning @Glade Merry & bright candle.
Facemask @LOrealParisUK clay masks.
Switching things up with the seasons is something we can get on board with! Especially if it’s an excuse to get more makeup.
Prioritise Your Winter Wellness
Whether your idea of winter self-care is about routine or relaxation, make sure your wellbeing is a top priority this winter. Be kind to yourself, listen to your body, light a dreamy candle – do whatever calms you.
And, if you loved chatting about winter self-care, make sure to tune into our future Spectrum talks by following us on Twitter.