winter white outfit with cashmere beanie
winter white outfit with cashmere beanie
winter white outfit with cashmere beanie
winter white outfit with cashmere beanie
winter white outfit with cashmere beanie
winter white outfit with cashmere beanie
winter white outfit with cashmere beanie

wearing M.M. LaFleur hat and scarf, H&M sweater, & Other Stories trousers (sold out, similar), and Villa Rouge boots (sold out, close match)

Earlier this week, I put together this post on coping with the post-holiday blues. Then Wednesday happened. If you’re feeling sad, hopeless, or angry about the events at the Capitol, you’re certainly not alone. I don’t normally get political here, but I want to be clear that what I saw unfold in my own backyard was appalling, treasonous and that kind of hate has no place here. You can read more of my thoughts on instagram

After the holidays wind down and we’re left with a long road of winter ahead, it’s easy to fall into a funk. And thanks to COVID, many of us don’t have the usual activities to turn to like restaurant dates, spa appointments, or just getting together with friends. I’ve found that giving myself little rewards to look forward to every day really helps. Here are the COVID-safe activities getting me through the winter blues:

  • Get outside. I get it. Going outside in the wintertime isn’t always appealing, but hear me out. Taking in 30-45 mins of direct sunlight a day (particularly in the morning) helps regulate circadian rhythms. This benefits sleep cycles, mental health, even your immune system. Being cold is good for you, too! Scientists now believe periods of lowered body temperature can potentially slow down the aging process and increase life spans. Spending time outdoors really helped me keep my sanity this past year. I try to get outside at least once a day, even if it’s just for a walk. If I’m feeling brave, I’ll forgo a jacket and wear this soft knit beanie to keep my head warm.
  • Take a bath. A soak in the tub is one of life’s luxuries I rarely afford myself. In the past, it was something I only did at fancy hotels. Now I find myself taking advantage of the one we have at home. Add some aromatic bath salts and a few candles and you’ve got a lovely evening. I like to slather on sweet almond oil afterward to seal in moisture!
  • Up your takeout game. Sometimes, you just gotta treat yourself. My husband and I like to order out once a week to support local businesses and get a break from cooking. To make it extra special, I put on a cute outfit, light some candles, and play some music to set the mood. I shared some more tips on how I make an at-home meal feel fancy here!
  • Treat yourself to a massage. I suffer from neck pain and, pre-COVID, massages were one of my favorite self-care treats. Since spas haven’t been an option for me lately, I purchased this shiatsu back and neck massager and, let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. It works wonders on tight muscles much like a real massage would. My husband gave me the Vitruvi diffuser for Christmas (which, btw, totally lives up to the hype!) and I like to use it with a little mood lighting to create a spa-like environment at home.
  • Plan a “spa day.” I love doing my own spa treatments at home. Taking an uninterrupted block of time to take care of your skin can be such a relaxing indulgence. I like to do a few treatments at a time like a face mask and a hand mask. Add some aromatherapy and a good podcast and I’m in heaven!
  • Try yoga. I’ve dabbled in yoga for years, but it wasn’t until last year that I started making it a part of my regular regimen. It relaxes me and boosts my mood and it never feels like a chore. Thanks to YouTube, there are loads of free online instructional videos. My favorite is Yoga with Adriene. Her channel has a great variety of routines for every skill level. My favorites are Yoga for the Neck, Shoulders, and Upper Back and Yoga for Bedtime at the end of the day.

I hope these were helpful! These are just a few things that work well for me and of course everyone is different. It’s also important to note that winter blues can often be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you’re really struggling, please do not take it lightly and talk to a health professional immediately. Many therapists are currently offering virtual appointments.

How are you feeling right now? Are there other ways you treat yourself to get through winter? Please share in the comments!

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13 comments

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All these are such helpful tips! Especially the takeout and going out on a walk. Thank you so much for sharing!

xo, Andreea || https://www.budistyle.com/en

Reply

Excellent and practical tips. Felling better already.

Also love seeing winter winter or cream apparel ion the winter.

Growing up in snow-pounded Ohio, Mom sent me out to fetch the mail without a jacket scarf gloves or hat- a 5 minute sprint that enegized me and made me feel thrilled and invincible.

Now I follow your example and dash to do an errand in a cozy sweater scarf and hat instead of a warm coat. I get the same thrill and invigiration.

Thank you for sharing!

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It boosts my energy as well! I’m trying to do it more first thing in the morning!

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Lovely tips to deal with this cold and sad weeks… Georgetown looks so pretty!
I have been ordering delicious takeout from Taberna del Alabardero, Il Canale and Pisco y Nazca, it’s so nice to enjoy our favorite food when we can not visit restaurants!
You look gorgeous in that chunky knit!
Wishing you a wonderful 2021,
S

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Thanks so much for your recommendations! we love Il Canale but I haven’t yet tried the other two! We’ll have to do that this weekend!

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I definitely need to break out of my funk. I haven’t been getting dressed, leaving the house or anything. The most I’ve done is drive to target for a grocery pickup. Might need to go on walks by myself since my husband doesn’t want to, haha! And do some more face masks, I’m always too lazy to do them but once I do I feel so much better
(I’m still glued to the various news feeds checking on updates for how congress/etc. will deal with this insanity!)
https://www.closet-fashionista.com/

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It’s really hard to motivate this time of year, but I find a little goes a long way! Lately I’ve been listening to podcasts on my walks to have something to look forward to!

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I will definitely need to try these tips! Thanks for sharing them.

Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer

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Love this post! Seasonal depression in COVID time is not a good combination. I love going outside and taking baths for self care. I really need to try the back and neck massager, I hold all my stress there as well, I’ve been hesitant buying but I think I might try the one you have.

THE LALA LOOKBOOK
http://www.thelalalookbook.com

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It got great reviews on Wirecutter! It has a car adapter, which I like as well!

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Great tips..
Your sweater looks incredibly comfortable.

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Fabulous photos ❤

Reply

Very good tips.
Recently I began taking baths and taking time to relax and read – it’s my time.

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