Winter Self Care & Mug Cosies

 The days are not only getting shorter and the evening setting in earlier - it is getting colder and that can have an effect on mood, motivation and even your health.

You know we are very big on Self Care here at Little Lane, so the team have put together a list of some of their favourite ways to make sure you've got your self care coevered throughout Autum and Winter.

12 self-care ideas to help you stay cosy and healthy during the winter:

Make a Ritual of Warm Baths with Essential Oils: Take relaxing baths with added essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus to soothe your muscles and mind. Add in a candle and a book (or audio book) and a cup of herbal tea (or wine 😉 and bliss!).

Do Some Indoor Exercise: Keep yourself active in the colder months with yoga, pilates, or at-home workout routines to keep your body moving, the blood flowing and your spirits high. Pump your favourite music and dance like no one is watching - it is the best kind of mood lifter.

Drink Hot Beverages: Enjoy yourself some warm drinks like herbal teas, hot chocolate, or spiced cider to keep you warm and comforted. We have added a link to some awesome recipes for hot drinks to help you through the cold and flu season.

Reading: Collect yourself a pile of good books or audiobooks to escape the cold and immerse yourself in different worlds. Keep one in your bag with you and take advantage of any spare moments where you find yourself waiting for an appointment or with 10 minutes to spare.

Cosy Blankets and Loungewear: Invest in soft, warm blankets and comfie PJs or trackies and slippers to switch you into 'your time' when you arrive back at hme and keep you snug and relaxed when at home.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and improve your mental well-being.

Comfort Food: Cook up some hearty, nourishing meals like soups, stews, and casseroles that provide warmth and sustenance and comfort. Get that slow cooker out and get cooking.

Skincare Routine: Make sure that you adapt your skincare routine to combat the dryness of winter and heating in our homes and use extra hydrating moisturisers and lip balms.

Crafting and Hobbies: Well THIS is a no brainer haha - Engage yourself in some indoor art and craft hobbies or even puzzles to stay entertained and productive. We know a good place that can help you out with this. 😉 We have included some links below for some super cute crochet and knitted mug cozies you might like to have a go at making. They make for fabulous gifts too!

Winter Walks: Bundle up and take a walk out in nature to get yourself some fresh air and enjoy the winter scenery.

Journaling: Keep a journal to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. This not only helps to manage stress and set yourself some goals - you can turn it into art and have fun doing it by using cute pens and stickers or even some fancy lettering like Calligraphy & Brush Lettering (which you can learn with us of course).

Movie or TV Show Marathons: Have yourself a cosy movie nights or day bed session and binge watch your favourite TV shows under a snuggly blanket.

Taking care of yourself throughout the cooler months will go a long way to ensuring you not only thrive mentally and physically, but you actually ENJOY the cosy season too.