HOW TO BEAT WINTER (LOCKDOWN) BLUES

* This post contains gifted items.

Let’s be honest. 2021 didn’t quite start the way we all hoped. We are now in the midst of another national lockdown here in the UK (and many other countries). It’s cold and miserable outside which doesn’t help. I find that the cold weather and the lack of sunshine makes the winter period so much harder (funny considering I’m from Finland!). Days are much shorter too which makes things challenging (especially if you’re currently homeschooling like we are). I have to make much more of a conscious effort to look after myself to help with seasonal blues, especially now.

There is no one size fits all strategy I’m afraid. You need to find out what works for you but I thought I’d share few things that have helped me with my post Christmas blues..

1. R E A D  R E A D  R E A D

I have recently rediscovered my love for books. I used to read a lot but then I had kids and I just couldn’t find the time anymore. Or maybe I was just too tired by the end of the day, who knows. I do read a lot online (news, other blogs etc) but it’s just not the same thing as picking up a paper book and experiencing the ‘new book smell’. I pick up my ‘coffee table books’ and browse them when I feel like I need some inspiration. I do read fiction too which I think is perfect for a bit of everyday escapism. I’m not a huge fan of audio books but they can be useful when you’re trying to multitask. Anyway, it’s paper books all the way for me and reading books also gives me a little break from the news and social media (as much as I enjoy reading those too).

2. D E C L U T T E R I N G

I do think this is a great time to potter around the house and keep yourself busy (especially if you’re working from home). I’ve been decluttering the house since we decided to put our house on the market and I haven’t stopped. I’m still not quite done. It’s taking me months for some reason. I’m currently using Marie Kondo’s Method which is all about tackling your stuff category-by-category rather than room-by-room. I haven’t quite mastered it totally to be honest, but it’s all about getting in the right mindset, right?

3. S C E N T E D  C A N D L E S

Scented candles are great for relaxation. I tend to light a candle most evenings after the kids have gone to bed. Candles can be really effective for improving your mood and reducing stress. Sometimes the scent can totally transport you to another place which I love. I’m really into masculine scents right now which is why I was really excited to test this Luxe Leather scented candle sent to me by BHVNA London (*gifted). All the candles are hand-poured here in the UK using high quality blended wax and fragrance oils. The Luxe Leather scent has top notes of dark cedar layered on soft velvety suede and deep dark smokiness of leather, smoothed by intense amber, creamy warmth of sandlewood and tangible richness of tonka. The packaging is absolutely stunning. All the luxury candles come with a gold lid too. It’s a beautiful scent but probably too subtle for our open-plan lounge. I’d say the Luxe Leather candle is best suited for smaller rooms like the bedroom or the bathroom. You can get 15% off BHVNA London with code #FIN15 (plus free delivery for all orders over £60!)

4. Y O G A  &  M E D I T A T I O N

I’ve had to stop going to the gym due to the pandemic and I really miss my exercise classes. I’m currently using different apps to get the fix, although it’s not quite the same. Meditation in particular has really helped me in the last few months. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, try meditating just before you go to bed. I also like to combine essential oils as part of my ‘wind down routine’. I love using this Anatomē Recover+Sleep essential oil blend rollerball just before I go to bed.

5. N E T F L I X

What would we do without Netflix?! Although I don’t get to watch TV that much during the week, I love watching movies or series on Netflix at the weekends. I absolutely love Emily in Paris. It was the perfect romcom series to watch during the first lockdown. I even managed to get my husband to watch the entire series 1 with me. It made me realise just how much I miss travelling and Paris of course. I also love watching the Dream Home Make-Over: Series 2 on Netflix featuring the husband and wife team of Studio McGee. It’s great for interior inspiration, although most of the homes featured on the show are way beyond most people’s budgets.

6. B A T H S

I couldn’t live without bubble baths. They are the key to my sanity right now. I find long baths incredibly therapeutic and relaxing. Plus they can help you relieve muscle pain and tension. I would love to have our very own sauna one day, but in the meantime long baths will have to do. The best part about having a jacuzzi bath is that it dilutes the noise (much needed in our household).

What do you do to unwind?