Caring for the Winter Blues

As the temperature drops and the days become shorter, it's not unusual for our skin and ourselves to experience the effects of the winter blues.

The air gets drier, leaving our skin more dehydrated than usual, and the chilly weather and reduced sunlight can take a toll on our mood. 

If you're feeling the winter blues know you're not alone! Try these 3 self-care practices to pick up your skin and spirits from the inside out.

1. Go Outside + Get Some Sun

Don't shoot the messenger! It's cold and possibly quite gloomy, but it's essential for you to find a reason to go outside!

A quick grocery run, a trip to the coffee shop, or a walk around the block, getting your body moving, breathing in fresh air, and feeling the sun on your face will boost your mood and give you some much-needed energy.

Remember your SPF! Your skin needs protection, no matter what season it is. Consistent wearing of SPF can help prevent so many skin conditions, including premature aging and fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer.

Eryfotona Ageless SPF 50, our favorite tinted mineral sunscreen, is lightweight, and its subtle tint gives you that just-back-from-vacation glow that we all need in the dark months.

2. Refresh Your Space

Be brave! Open your windows in each room for 2 minutes daily to let in fresh air. My German mom would do this, and it made a huge difference in how our home felt.

Burn a beautifully scented candle or make a simmer pot for your stove to bring summer freshness to your space. My favorite recipe is:

• 1 lemon, cut into slices
• 3 sprigs of rosemary
• 2 TBS vanilla extract
• 1 TBS of black peppercorns
• 8 cups of water

Load it all in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and let it simmer all day for a whole home freshness.

Surrounding yourself with beautiful things can instantly elevate your mood, especially during the colder seasons when we spend more time indoors. Splurge on fresh flowers or blooming branches and sprinkle a little spring color in every room. Or try your hand at forcing spring bulbs indoors: Narcissus is a classic and looks so beautiful in a miniature rock garden bowl.

3. Take a ME-moment

Reset your day in just 10 minutes. Treat your skin with a luxurious hydrating mask, meditate, or read a few pages in your favorite book. I love sipping a warm cup of lemon-ginger water with honey from our apiary. It makes me think of the warm summer days just around the corner.

Winter is a season for dreaming. It invites you to ponder your next travel escapade, exciting project, or the beautiful plans awaiting your garden. Embrace the slower days this season brings by planning the possibilities of the next.