Now that the temperature is slowly dropping, it’s common to feel the effects of seasonal depression. Cold weather and shorter days can bring about a sadness that isn’t always easy to snap out off especially after a fun-filled summer. But winter doesn’t have to be all dark and gloomy; it’s a great time to slow down a little, make fun plans, and reflect on your body, mind and spirit. Here are some of my top winter self-care tips to help you replenish over the chilly season.

Drink Water: it’s easy to drink less water in the winter time as opposed to summer. But in the cooler weather your skin is more susceptible to drying out so by keeping up your water intake you can positively stimulate your body and skin from within.

Dry Brushing: if your skin is drying out because of the cold, a good dry brushing can stimulate blood circulation, revitalize the skin and also remove dead skin cells. I recommend doing this every day if you can or a few times a week before you bathe.

Take long warm baths: nows the season to drift away in a hot bubble bath for a few hours. Make a real event of it by setting up a few candles, using some nice bath products and putting on a movie or reading a good book. Really just switch off for a little while and let the hot water relax you.

Treat yourself to fluffy socks: if you’re anything like me, fluffy socks are the greatest things ever invented. After a long day at work, I just want to come home and put on the fluffiest socks I can find. By doing these little things, you can really boost your mood and be a lovely little treat.

Early Bed Time: Evenings are cold, crawl early into bed and relax. Feel free to get all rugged up, snuggle up to a hot water bottle and sip some tea whilst you listen to some good music or an interesting podcast. You’ll find you fall asleep better after relaxing and you’ll feel better waking up after an early night.

Cook delicious winter meals: pull out the slow-cooker, scour the Martha Stewart website and find some delicious and nutritious winter recipes. Take time out to cook something really amazing for yourself; it also helps to freeze a little bit if you can for a later date.

Change your routine up: take on a new class or find a way to switch up your weekly routine. By changing your routine up, it can really refresh your outlook on life and give you a little boost in the winter. Find reasons to get out of the house and challenge yourself.

Talk to someone: don’t isolate yourself this winter, especially if the winter blues come in. It’s ok to reach out and ask for help if you need it.

I really hope these tips help you out; stay cozy, warm and healthy this winter.