Elaine's Tips for beating the Winter Blues

Like many of you, we’re feeling a bit jaded at the moment. Whilst I know we are luckier than many I think we all can’t help feeling a little fed up.

Here are a few things I have been doing that you might like to try (subject to checking with your health practitioner.)

1. Fresh air. Enjoy a brisk walk outside, or if you're stuck indoors home-working or home-schooling, open the windows and let the cold fresh air filter in.

2. A Change of scenery. A change is good as a rest they say. Alter your walks or change the furniture around in your home to breathe a bit of new life into your day.

3. Only watch/read the news once a day. Be mindful of how long you spend poring over the news.
Once a day is enough to keep you informed without sending you spinning into a world of anxiety and worry.

4. Lose yourself in a jigsaw. Whilst working on jigsaws the brain increases levels of dopamine, the body's natural feel-good chemical. This helps to reduce stress and increase our feelings of happiness and pleasure.

5. Cold Showers. I now have a daily cold shower (after a nice hot one.) I honestly thought I would hate it but I love it and am now a convert. I tend to wake each morning with a feeling of imminent doom. I can talk myself out of this but a cold shower seems to snap me out of this feeling and boosts my mood immediately. I understand this to be due to the release of endorphins (feel-good chemicals) and also the benefits of increased circulation that boost your immune system and tighten skin.

  • Start by slowly lowering the temperature at the end of your usual shower.
  • Get the water cold enough that you start to feel uncomfortable.
  • Stay underneath the water for 2 or 3 minutes.
  • Breathing deeply will help decrease the discomfort in your mind.
  • Next time you try this exercise, make the water slightly colder.
  • Try to last for another minute or two in the colder water.
  • After performing this activity 7 to 10 times, you’ll find that you might even look forward to turning the hot water down.
  • Try to last for another minute or two in the colder water.
  • After performing this activity 7 to 10 times, you’ll find that you might even look forward to turning the hot water down.
  • ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR HEALTH PRACTITIONER.

6. Seek out tv programmes that give you comfort. Nature documentaries and old repeats of familiar programmes are recommended to reduce anxiety. However, in this troublesome time, I crave the fixed narrative style of beginning, middle and end, which can be just as beneficial and reassuring depending on your overall mood. We don't need to be reminded that life is often messy and inconclusive – and should not be held to the exacting standards of narrative art. However, at this time, many of us need the stability of the happily-ever-after books, podcasts and movies - which offer up a comforting form of storytelling.

7. Pippettes herbal remedies. Turn to nature for a little extra support. Why not try a calming cup of our Relaxation Tea or if you're struggling with sleep our Slumber range offers support in many different ways, from a calming pulse point balm to a relaxing salt bath soak.

Slumber Tea

£6.99 - £9.99

Slumber Mist

£14.95

Slumber Balm

£14.99

Relaxation Infusion

£6.99 - £9.99

Slumber Salts

£10.95 - £14.95

Slumber Candle

£25.99

 

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