Winter’s over, right? Well, technically, yes. It has been spring since March 20th this year, but you’d be forgiven for thinking that winter’s overstayed its welcome. The end result of all this chilly weather is increased reliance on scarves, locking ourselves away in the evenings and shaking our fists at the sky when yet another April shower makes an appearance. If you’re feeling less-than-perky at the moment, there are some ways to shake off winter blues and cheer yourselves up.
Spring has arrived, it´s time to shake off that winter blues
5 ways to shake off winter blues and cheer yourself up
1. What might be the reason?
First of all, you might want to look at the reasons you’re feeling a winter blues. Boyfriend been less-than-attentive recently? Boss getting you down? If you’re concerned that your bad mood might not just be about the weather, take a good look at your life, and if needs be, make some changes. You’ll never know if you don’t try, and who’s to say that you wouldn’t be happier with a brand new job that you enjoy, or a taste of the single life?
2. Treat yourself
Admittedly, nobody these days can afford an out-and-out shopping trip (the most we can stretch to is a sandwich from Pret and a new pair of tights)but it’s important to give yourself a little retail boost every now and then. Items that won’t leave you weeping over your bank statements include Gola bags (they’re back in, have you noticed?), a new pair of shoes (think high street as opposed to designer), a summer jacket or some nice make-up that’ll enhance your spring look. Never, ever feel guilty about controlled shopping. It is a right, not just a privilege and a perfect way to shake off winter blues.
3. Make yourself glow
If your skin has taken a battering over the past few months (it’s not just booze and cigarettes that can leave you looking pasty-faced – the rain and wind are also culprits), it’s worth looking at spending some time making sure that you give it some TLC. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, take some supplements, and make sure you’re exfoliating, using a face mask and steaming your pores a few times a week. The benefits of this will be magnified if you start exercising more, as increased blood flow to the skin will make you glow.
4. Update your look
Winter make-up is all well and good (nobody is denying that a smoky eye and red lip ever goes out of fashion), but it’s time to update your look if your use of eyeliner is attracting some concerned looks. If you’re shy about experimenting, get yourself to a reputable department store and be honest about the look you’re after – the people who work on the make-up counters will know how to help you. If they don’t, you may as well give up, or admit that the look you’re going for is slightly too high-maintenance.
One way to shake off winter blues is to update your look
5. Give something back
Finally, why not take a look at giving something back to the community? Yes, yes – we know how that sounds, and you’re not about to undo any karmic damage you’ve caused just by donating a few hours a week. However, if you’ve got some time free and don’t consider the whole thing too ‘worthy’, do your research, and see if any local charities could do with a helping hand. You’ll probably meet some lovely people and it’ll give you a chance to pursue some outside interests that don’t include a) spending money or b) going out for drinks, so what’s not to like?
How do you shake off that winter blues – let us know in the comments below.
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Author: Vicky Anscombe is a Norwich-based PR consultant who enjoys being thrifty and going out for Italian meals. She also enjoys camping, but not when there are ants present.
Pictures: katmeresin, Vitae Design Collective
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