With winter well and truly upon us, the changing of the seasons can often cause us to feel a little blue, and low energy levels or a lack of motivation are common side effects. These frosty symptoms can be tricky to deal with, but some simple daily rituals can act as powerful mood boosters. Sunlight is intrinsically linked with our serotonin levels, sometimes known as the “happy” hormone, so when the hours of sunlight decrease during the winter months, our mood can often change too. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy habits you can try to naturally boost your serotonin and keep the seasonal blues at bay.

5 Ways To Boost Your Mood This Winter

Go a cold girl walk

If you’re on TikTok, then you’ve probably heard of a hot girl walk, so think of this as the winter edition. Instead of gym shorts and an iced latte, you’re going to wrap up warm in your cosiest knit, tune into a light-hearted podcast (I recommend Shameless or Sentimental Garbage for pop-culture bliss), and go for a stomp around your favourite park. If you have the time, try and plan your route with a beginning and an end so you can focus on your thoughts, rather than the direction. If you’re heading out for an evening walk, be sure to plan a well-lit route that you’re familiar with to stay safe during the darker hours.

Comfort is key for a cold girl walk - and supportive footwear is vital. But comfortable footwear can still be stylish, and for chic designs that will go the distance, I love the pair Iowa, £150 from The Hoff. Ideal for a country stroll or a weekend in the city, these trainers are versatile and come with a suede-like finish that is perfect for winter.

Invest in a *good* candle

When it’s dark outside, adding some extra light to your indoor space is a guaranteed mood booster, and the right candle can be an easy way to create a warm and cosy space. However, it’s worth avoiding candles made with paraffin or gel which can release toxic chemicals when they’re burnt. Opting for local, independent brands is a great way to discover better quality and natural ingredients that won’t harm your health. For natural, Christmassy scents, we love The Flora Lab - an East London independent candle-maker that prioritises natural ingredients. 

The team only creates candles out of coconut, rapeseed, or soy wax, and their festive fragrances will have your home smelling like a Christmas grotto in no time. If you’re craving the scent of pine trees and winter snow, try out Alpine Air, £19.95 for a refreshing, outdoorsy aroma.

Get a festive manicure 

If you’re trading a cosy night in for a night out on the town, there’s no better way to add some seasonal sparkle to your outfit than with a festive manicure. Waking up to really good nails is a great way to start the day, so why not book in for a Christmas-themed manicure with your mum, a best friend, or just for a solo date with yourself? 

This season, Townhouse has an entire lookbook of nail art guaranteed to add some festive flourish to your outfit. From glistening polka dots to red and green holly, there artists at this luxury nail salon are here to make all your nail wishes come true. 

Plan a pamper evening

Tis’ the season of cosy nights in and self-care, and after hours of experimental pampering, I think I’ve figured out which wellness wonders are worth the investment, and which aren’t. The truth is, you don’t have to splurge on a long list of products to make yourself feel good. But when it’s cold outside and you have some well-deserved alone time, nourishing your body is a great way to improve your mood. Whether you’re treating yourself or shopping for the perfect gift for a loved one, a hydrating hair product is always a good idea. I’ve tried a *lot* of hair masks, but the Rapunzel formula, £14.50 from Hair Syrup is by far my favourite. 

After going viral on TikTok for its super-hydrating formula and shiny results, one bottle of this magic syrup goes a long way. Ideal for dry scalps and hair growth, I love to drip it across my roots and gently rub it in with a scalp massager for the ultimate self-care treat. Finish the evening in a pair of fluffy slippers and your favourite pyjamas (or a silk robe if you’re feeling bougie - this one from Silk Works is amazing for keeping the skin hydrated and cool) and you’ve got yourself the perfect night-in. 

Brighten your wardrobe 

Every winter, I always say I’m going to experiment with some outlandish designs and vibrant styles. And each winter, I spend all my money on garish knits that never see the light of day, whilst I go back to my trusty black cashmere turtleneck. Well, not this year. 

When the weather leaves you feeling blue, there’s no better time to brighten your day than with a bit of colour. In fact, in a 2015 study published in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, researchers in Switzerland found that people who wore brighter, warmer colours in their clothing appeared to be more joyful. That doesn’t mean we should be replenishing our wardrobe every season, but investing in a good-quality jumper that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside is great for your body and your brain.

Renowned for the ultimate cool-girl knits, I love Kiwi & Co for their oversized, colour-blocking styles that look effortlessly chic thrown over a mini skirt or a pair of wide-leg jeans. This winter, I’ve got my eyes on their vibrant green Sweetheart Chunky Knit Jumper, £59.99. 

So, why wait? Settle in and spoil yourself this Christmas season with a night of self-care to combat the winter blues.

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Maisie is a writer from London, and has previously written for HELLO! Magazine, HELLO! Fashion and Stylist. She can be found in various wine bars, hot yoga studios, and bookshops across London - and always with a podcast plugged into her ears. She loves discussing hormonal health, workplace dilemmas, and the latest beauty trends; find her on Instagram @maisiepeppitt