Hey Owlets,
The days are getting shorter, you need to put on at least 5 layers in order to leave the house and it’s ALWAYS raining - winter is officially here. It’s exciting on one hand because that means that Christmas is getting closer, but winter can be really tough on your mental health. If you’re a summer baby like me then you probably find yourself in a bit of a slump as soon as you have to start turning the light on before 6pm. It’s always important to take time out for some self care, but particularly if you struggle in the winter months. With that in mind, now seemed like the perfect time for us to chat about ways to practice self care over the next few months.
Take “Brain off time”
One of the things that autumn lovers always seem to get excited about is spending the evenings watching a film with a hot chocolate. It makes sense - it’s really relaxing, you feel cosy and the cheesy Christmas films make you feel warm inside. The reason that’s it’s so relaxing is because you’re turning your brain off for a little while.
It can be really hard to relax when you’ve got so many things going on and getting sucked into a really good film distracts you so you don’t think of anything (or more importantly WORRY!). Taking time away from your thoughts instantly helps you relax, and it doesn’t have to be through watching a film. You could colour, do some crafting, watch a film, find a new TV series, go for a walk or do some baking. It might take some time to find an activity that really makes you switch off but I promise it’ll make you feel refreshed!
You could colour, do some crafting, watch a film, find a new TV series, go for a walk, do some baking or even play hearts online free!
Make your Space Cosy
Creating a space that makes you feel comfortable, cosy and safe is incredibly important and one of the best forms of self care. We all have a tendency to be stubborn and refuse to put the heating on for as long as possible, but you can’t relax if all you can think about is how cold you are. If you haven’t done so already then make sure you get your boiler serviced and invest in any necessary boiler repairs. Yes, it’s an easy way to save money, but take this advice from someone who’s struggling to feel their fingers as they type because the boiler has broken!
Once you’ve got your home warm (seriously, I’m so jealous) then focus on other ways to make it cosy. Grab some super soft blankets and switch out the cushions for more Winter-appropriate colours, and use smaller light sources like lamps instead of the ceiling lights for a more relaxing atmosphere. Now all you need is some pyjamas and a hot drink for the perfect evening of self care.
Get Organised
Let’s be honest, the whole reason you’re stressed and burnt out is probably because you have a spiralling to do list that feels insurmountable. While it is important to take a break when you feel like you need it, the stress isn’t going to go away until you tackle the root cause. Most people end up with a big list of things that they need to do before the end of the year so it’s normal to feel stressed. The best thing to do is break your list down into categories - so work, personal, family, house or whatever categories work for your list - and from there think about how you will complete those tasks. If there are lots of big tasks then break those down into smaller sections so it feels more manageable. You don’t have to do everything at once, but ticking a little bit off the list each day will make you feel a lot better.
Christmas, and winter in general, can be a really overwhelming time for a lot of people. There’s a lot to do, there’s lots of events and the short days and cold nights can make it really hard to get motivated. It’s understandable to need a break, so just take time to do what you need to do to feel better. Self care is incredibly underrated but it’s vital to looking after your mental health.
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