With winter nearly here, we reflect on what improves our mood and wellbeing at this time of the year.

Like millions of others in the world, we approach the winter with a mixture of feelings. Another year older, cold weather but beautiful twinkling lights. The temptation of naughty food and drink. Christmas music playing on the radio on repeat since September! Fireplace and Blankets COSY. What’s not to love? We can even go in for some of the tacky jumpers (but not all!).

Yet as therapeutic as the look of fresh snow and the aroma of pine needles is, it would be a lie if we said winter is 100% joy. From the crowded shops, a jump in spending to the increase in social obligations, there’s no doubt the non-stop hustle can take its toll physically, mentally, and emotionally. Before you know it, what’s supposed to be a joyful, family-time marathon quickly spirals into a holiday nightmare full of Scrooges galore. Sound familiar? It can be further compounded by the prospect of a digital Christmas this year.

Well, the good news is it doesn’t have to be this way. This year means escaping to a rejuvenating retreat somewhere off the beaten track is not going to happen. Still, there are ways to rebalance your mind when the going gets tough and instantly improve your mood. The best part is they are quick, easy, and cheap!

no matter if you only have one, 10 or 30 minutes to spare, below are ten easy things you can do to make the winter the most magical time of the year. You know, and not go insane in the process!

Deck the halls with boughs of holly and stay jolly! — Deck the halls with boughs of holly and **stay jolly**!

1-Minute Fixes

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Embrace herbal embers: Ambient scents of lavender and camomile can work wonders on your mood, so light a candle and burn away that unwanted layer of stress. (The scent of orange and mint helps to reduce anxiety.)
Go toward the green: Not only does the colour green symbolise happiness, but psychologists have also said it can create the feeling, too. Now, you have even more reason to stare at the tree.
Say cheese: While smiling can immediately turn a frown upside down, snacking on pieces of Parmesan can, too. Seriously! It’s one of the best foods for beating stress, with 400-500 mg of mood-boosting tryptophan per 100g.

10-Minute Fixes

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Seek the good: Cultivating gratitude is one of the quickest ways to improve your mood. Acknowledge the most basic of needs — the clothes on your back, the roof over your head, not to mention the beating of your heart. In so doing, you’ll instantly start radiating the happy vibes.
Meditate: If you ask us, nothing relaxes the mind quite like a few hip openers. (Child’s Pose, anyone?) But even if yoga isn’t your cup of tea, simply sitting quietly, focusing on your breath through meditation will have a noticeable impact on calming your nerves.
Snuggle up and cuddle: Who doesn’t love a good cuddle session? Not only can climbing under a warm blanket make us feel more relaxed, but studies have shown physical touch can decrease stress, too.
Eat without distractions: Instead of using your mealtime as a quick opportunity to scroll through newsfeeds, updates or catch up on that show, put away any digital distractions and eat in peace. Trust us - the smallest digital detox can reduce anxiety.

Bake to Relax

This super easy recipe for Christmas cookies will not only put you in a good mood but anyone who pops over for a cuppa!

Why not modify the recipe and use for Halloween treats or just a nice addition to the buiscuit jar?

Find the recipe here →

30-Minute Fixes

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Get Moving: Although it might seem like a quick run or sweat session will eat too into your to-do list, exercising will boost your energy levels and make you more focused. So, do your mind (and body!) a favour and tie up those laces.
Bake up a treat: Moods are contagious. Baking can be a relaxing experience, with the added benefit of something tasty at the end to share with your loved ones. Click on the image above to see a simple biscuit recipe and treat yourself to one whilst it’s still warm (or two, or three — no judgement!)
Dive into something new: Is there a new book you’ve been meaning to read? How about that recipe you bookmarked a while back? Experiencing new things — no matter the size — will renew your creativity, bring forth a newfound perspective, and leave you with fun memories to share.