Beating the winter blues with Sophie Allport

Written by our friends at Sophie Allport.

We love seeing how the seasons change from the fallen burnt orange leaves to the frosty mornings, but we know just how hard it can be adapting to some changes. Also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the winter blues are actually quite common. Here we look at how we keep cosy, warm and positive over the cold period.

1. Create a hygge home to relax in

It’s essential to keep cosy and warm when you’re indoors, from wrapping up in your favourite knitwear to cosying up on the sofa with a snug blanket. Pop your feet up, stick on a movie and burn your favourite candle. We love our Cinnamon & Orange Botanical Candle made using winter red berries, star anise, cinnamon sticks and sliced orange, with its inviting aroma and warm and spicy scent. Spend some time relaxing over winter and enjoy the season, rather than wishing it would fly by.

2. Spend some time outdoors

Although cosying up and watching a film might be the perfect wintery night in, it’s still important to exercise; everything is good balanced. Head out for a Sunday afternoon walk with the family, jump in muddy puddles and get some fresh air. Heading outside for your daily dose of exercise will ensure that you get some Vitamin D from natural daylight and will also help keep your mood positive and happy. Did you know that when you exercise you release serotonin, the happy feel-good hormone?

3. Meet up with friends

Although it’s tempting to hibernate over winter, it’s essential to keep in touch and spend time with your friends and family, especially if you are feeling low or down. Talking to others and socialising is good for your mental well-being and can keep you boosted over the winter months. Put a date in the diary to meet up with some friends, call them for a chat, host a dinner party or invite them round for a hot cup tea in your favourite mug, and see how they are doing too as they might be struggling.

4. Enjoy healthy food

We know how easy it is to turn to comfort food when it’s dreary outside, especially as the biscuits and cakes make an appearance around the office. Make sure you are still getting the nutrients you need by including fruit and vegetables into your homecooked wintery meals, drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet. For food inspiration, try the delicious recipes by Field & Flower.

5. Stay positive

Getting out of bed can be so hard in the mornings, especially during the winter when the mornings are dark and dreary. This can really dampen your mood for the day, so why not lift your mood by putting on your favourite upbeat music while you get ready for work, or dance around your kitchen while you’re making your morning coffee and breakfast.

Pick yourself up when you’re feeling down by treating yourself to something luxurious. From bags and accessories to comfy homewares, there’s a wide variety to choose from in the Sophie Allport online shop.