Friday 7 February 2014

The Solution: How To Beat The February Winter Blues!

So, February is here, winter is in full swing, and for most of us Spring is still depressingly far away. If you're feeling unmotivated, tired, and stuck in your daily routine, then you're not the only one. But it doesn't have to be that way! Today, I'm offering up my tried-and-true, well tested methods to beat the winter blues.



First, let's talk about why it's so easy to feel down and depressed this time of year. For most of us, getting sun is a lot more rare during the winter months. We get used to a mixture of cloudy days, plus rain, sleet, and snow. When you don't get enough sun, you produce more melatonin (a hormone that helps you sleep at night and makes you feel tired) because your body thinks that since it's dark, you need to rest. Unfortunately, that can make you sluggish and bored when you want to feel energized and inspired. What can you do? Getting outside for a few minutes a day (when it's not freezing!) and taking Vitamin D can help, but other than that it really comes down to making each day a little more joyful and exciting to wake up to.
What are my top suggestions?

Bath and Body Works 3-wick candle in Twisted Peppermint

The fact that it's cold outside doesn't have to suck. Embrace the winter season! Even if it's not your favourite time of year, finding something to celebrate about the colder months really beats fighting against them and hating every minute. One of the best ways to fall in love with winter is to incorporate some lovely scents into your daily life. You can do this with hand soaps, hand sanitizers, air fresheners, and more, but my favourite way is with a gorgeous candle from Bath and Body Works. This Twisted Peppermint one perfectly captures all the good things about winter. 

Urban Decay's Naked 3 Palette

As you probably guessed from the first photo of this post, I'm bringing palettes into this! A new palette is a great way to break out of the makeup blahs. By February, you've probably been using the same eye shadows that you got over the holidays for the past month and a half. While some routine is good, changing things up and making something as simple as makeup application fun is a huge step in beating the blues. Break out a palette you've been neglecting, or go ahead and splurge on a new one! The Naked 3 is my choice, as its romantic hues and soft pinks are perfect for February. 

Vera Wang Princess Fragrance

Perfume. Yes, perfume. When we feel sluggish and tired, we start to forget the little things that make us feel happy and put-together, like a signature scent. What better way to beat the blahs than to treat yourself to a new fragrance? If you pick something feminine and floral, it's like bringing a little bit of spring with you wherever you go. A new perfume is a great way to give yourself a boost and break out of your old habits and routine. My favourite is Vera Wang's Princess. 

Buxom Full-On Lipstick in Amsterdam

Buxom's Amsterdam (swatched)

One of the easiest ways to add a little excitement to your makeup routine (and your day!) is by changing your lipstick/lipgloss. One of the best things about winter is that darker, richer tones are extremely trendy, so it's a great time to try something new. I branched off from my usual nudes and peaches and tried this universally flattering shade of Buxom's Full-On Lipstick. What I love about this (aside from the intense pigmentation) is the product itself - it's a revolutionary twist-up lipstick that allows for precise application and touch-ups on the go. You can do more than change your shade when you pick up a lip product that's entirely new. 

Ring: received as a gift, bracelet: Forever21

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of jewellery and accessories to put you in a good mood. When you feel put-together and pretty, it's so much easier to get excited about your day. I've picked some of my favourite pieces to show you guys what cheers me up! Whether it's a bracelet, necklace, earrings, or any other piece of jewellery, adding something to your outfit in the morning is bound to make you feel a little better all throughout the day. 

I hope you enjoyed my solution to the winter blues! I'll be posting a solution blog post each Friday, where I tackle a common problem. Please feel free to share your thoughts on how you keep the blues at bay - we can all use as many as possible!

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