11 Tips To Feeling Fantastic This Season

In the UK, up to 95% of healthy adults experience vitamin D deficiency due to lower sun exposure levels during Winter. This, combined with a lack of moisture in the atmosphere contributing to dry skin and the abundance of seasonal affective disorder all contribute to a feeling that can only be described as fabulous-lacking. In short, we spend more time during Winter feeling down in the dumps than perhaps during any other time of the year. Here at Malée, we believe in feeling our best all year round and taking the best actions to ensure this is easy to do. Which is why we’re bringing you a list of our top 11 tips to feeling fantastic this season.

1.  Drink Water

Up to 60% of the human adult body is made up of water. It couldn’t be more important that we keep up our hydration on a daily basis, even during Winter. While the hotter months mean that we sweat more and lose moisture at a quicker rate, it’s important to compensate for the lack of humidity during colder days. Drinking more minimises the risk of daytime fatigue, reducing the demand on our adrenal glands that occurs when we drink caffeine to wake us up and hindering the excessive production of cortisol and adrenaline. Water also helps to metabolize our food, helps support the actions of our digestive tract, regulates your body temperature, contributes to the cerebrospinal fluid which prevents shocks to the brain and spine and is vital for lubrication around joints. It contributes to you feeling fantastic.

According to the NHS, a healthy functioning adult should aim to drink a minimum of 1.2 litres of fluid a day to stay hydrated.

2.  Establish a good skincare routine

During winter, we are subjected to colder temperatures and lower humidity levels. As our skin is made up of at least 64% water, these conditions have a significant impact on the moisture levels found in the dermis. Harsh winds can draw moisture away from the surface of the skin, resulting in cracks, excessive dryness and irritation. And, this is only enhanced by the dry indoor heat that we pump through our homes to combat those blue toes and red noses. Establishing a good winter skincare routine will help to treat these issues, allowing you to continue glowing through these chillier months. Moreover, it ensures that you are feeling fantastic.

When the weather turns, make the following adjustments to your routine:

• Avoid hot water at all costs
• Swap your light moisturiser for something richer, thicker and with emollient properties
• Exfoliate but be cautious about how much
• Add a facial toner in to help balance the skin and strengthen its protective barrier
• Use a creamy cleanser which contains humectants
• Opt for hydrating and nourishing face masks as opposed to clay-based options

3.  Moisturise

As we mentioned above, keeping your skin nourished during winter is vital. And, the best way to do this is by using a rich and nourishing moisturiser. Options such as the Malée Verdure Conditioning Body Cream contain an abundance of natural ingredients that melt through the skin with the richness of a butter. It has a non-greasy base which helps to revitalise dry and dull skin with coconut fatty oils, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil and shea butter.

Moisturise straight after you get out the shower – the hot water and open pores will help to lock the hydration into your skin at a deeper level. Make sure to nourish hands straight after washing them and again when you get back home.

4.  Protect skin from harsh weather to prevent moisture loss

Dry skin can have a significant impact on our self-confidence. So caring for our skin is one of the best ways to ensure you are feeling fantastic. Also, that you are at your best during the winter. And, to get the best results, you want to cover up. Furthermore, it prevents your skin from coming into contact with these harsh conditions. The best way to do this is to wear gloves, a scarf and high-neck jumpers. While it may feel counterproductive covering up the body you’ve worked all Winter to create. It will ensure you spend the last months of the year glowing.

5.  Eat well

It’s important to include the healthiest and most varied ingredients in your diet, no matter the season. However, there are ways you can tailor your diet during Winter to get the best out of your health. Consider slow-release breakfast options such as porridge which will warm you up and prevent unnecessary snacking throughout the morning. Foods that are rich in Vitamin C help to boost the immune system which can become inhibited due to exposure to many winter-related illnesses. Zinc is also vital for this purpose so keep spinach and legumes as a focus as well as iron-rich foods such as red meats.

6.  Meditation/Mindfulness

Christmas, New Years, the new year itself – Winter throws many busy and bustling events our way. And even though you may feel like you’re spending more time indoors than ever, there is always the chance of neglecting mental health during this rush. It’s important to take time to yourself and spend a few moments focusing on the presence. Being away from family members, unable to enjoy the same social events and dealing with the cold can cause many of us to feel down. Try to get outside as much as possible and mindfully listen to music. Carve out time in your day for focused meditation, whether than be 5 minutes or 20. It contributes to you feeling fantastic. Being thankful and grateful for the life you have can put everything into perspective and make it easier to get through these dreary months.

7.  Exercise regularly

Launching into a new exercise routine can feel considerably easier during Summer. Working out in the sun, going for long walks and wearing workout clothes all feel much more enjoyable with the warm weather. However, it is vital that you keep up your bodily strength during winter. These colder months bring with them an abundance of viruses, such as flu. You will be better equipped to fight these if you have a stronger and healthier body. You’ll also get the blood flowing, warm up and feel the rush of endorphins which can boost you out of drearier moments.

8.  Take vitamins

Having a well-rounded diet, as we mentioned above, is important to overall health during Winter. However, for many of us, it can feel challenging to get all of the right vitamins that we need to thrive. Taking a multivitamin is the best way to combat this. These specially formulated mixes are crucial for supporting our immune system.

Take Vitamin D to combat the significant lack of sunshine during winter days. Vitamin C supports your immune system, reducing the severity of a virus attack. Equally, iron supports your immune system while Vitamin E is vital to skin health and Vitamin B has been shown to improve your mood and boost energy. Moreover, it ensures that you are feeling fantastic and at your best all times.

9.  Use sustainable products

Taking control of our impact on the environment not only benefits the planet for future generations. It is also a brilliant way to feel proactive during these quieter months. Making a conscious effort to choose sustainable products, such as household cleaning chemicals, zero-waste packaging or cosmetic products, all contribute to helping protect the world around us. If you’re feeling down in the dumps, this active measure can help to boost your feelings of self-worth while doing a good thing for everyone around you.

10. Practice self-love

Winter is typically a quiet, cold and home-living time. And while many of us love the hermit life, it can be a challenge for others. The darker days and dreary weather can cause a lack of productivity. This can translate into your work life, relationship or even self-worth. It’s important to take time to practise self-love in your daily routine. No matter what you’re going through, no matter what challenges the world is throwing at you, you will get through it stronger than before. Carving out what that means for you is important. A few moments extra in the shower. Positive affirmations in the mirror as you get ready. The choice is yours but just make sure that you are the primary focus.

11. Gratitude

We mentioned it above but it had to have its own category. One of the best ways to feel fabulous, all year round, is by feeling grateful. Gratitude for your health. Gratitude for the people around you. Gratitude that you are here and able to experience the winter around you. It has been scientifically shown to improve mode, reduce stress levels and depression. Notice the good things around you. Savour and pay attention to everything and express your gratitude to others.

Conclusion

Feeling fabulous is down to self-preference – the things that make you feel amazing may not do the same for others. But the most important thing to remember this Winter is that you deserve to feel fabulous. So take on board our tips above or find your own tweaks to your daily routine. Which makes everything feel brighter and more enjoyable as you wait for Spring to roll back around.

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