Self Care tips for January
I often find January the worst of the winter months. Christmas is over and the lights go down and yet January can often be darker and more miserable. This Christmas I managed to escape the dreaded teacher bug. But now January has hit I’ve gone down with all manner of coughs and colds. So here are my self care tips to get you through January and beyond.
Relax
I know this is almost the hardest one to do. Especially when your juggling work, the kids and an ever growing to do list. But it is really worth it. I have set myself aside twenty minutes a day to read a book and I have felt the benefits enormously. Not only with my health because I’m relaxing, but also with my mind. I’m finding it much easier to sleep. As I tend to read in the evening and winding down was hard for me. If you need a focus for your relaxation why not try mindful colouring in or using Zentangles to help you focus. I’ve created some great printables for you to use. Click here to download them.
Stay warm
Keep warm when heading outside, make sure you wear a scarf to keep your throat warm and something to cover your ears. There is nothing worse than ear ache on top of a cold!
When indoors, comfort yourself with a blanket on the sofa and perhaps wrap yourself up in your dressing gown.
Opt for baths rather than a shower for a longer more warming and relaxing experience. Make it even more special by lighting your favourite scented candles.
Self care tips – Eat well
Choose dishes with lots of fresh veggies in. Try and eat as fresh as possible and if you can cook from scratch. If you are really poorly get someone else to do it. Go for slow release carbohydrates like porridge. Avoid alcohol and things like chocolate. I know they seem like the thing you want, but they are not thing you need.
Looking for an extra boost – try adding some spirulina in your diet.
If you’re a fan of tea like me. Why not combine your love of hot drinks with something that will surly give you a boost in January. Try switching to Turmeric tea, which has been shown to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Want to give this vibrant yellow, full bodied tea a go? Enter my giveaway to win a canister below.
Best drink for sore throats – good old fashioned honey and lemon. If you want to get the best from it. Choose Manuka Honey as this has excellent antimicrobial properties. Helping you fight off infections quicker.
I’m not a big fan of taking supplements, but sometimes I need a boost and I find Berocca can help me get fitting fit again quicker.
Self care tips from other bloggers
Victoria from www.healthyvix.com
Remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. It can be trickier in the winter as we don’t feel as thirsty, but still important to drink plenty to prevent headaches, stay alert, keep energy levels up and great for skin too!
Sarah from www.lifeinabreakdown.com
Make sure you make some you time and pamper yourself, no matter if it’s bubble bath, facemask, some time doing some colouring or watching a funny movie – do something you love!
Lots of sleep is key for me. I need more than 8 hours a night to feel content
Oooh I would love eight hours!
Beautiful
plenty sleep
Eat healthily, get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water
Eat healthy
Keep warm with lots of layers
Agreed!
drink plenty of water x
get plenty of vitamin c
Agreed!
Keep warm with lots of layers.
Agreed!
If you are feeling unwell, rest as much as you can, take paracetamol and make sure you drink plenty of fluids!
Make sure you get plenty of rest and try to get outside for some exercise every day
Good idea
Keeping yourself warm when outside! Wearing a thick coat, hat, gloves ?
Essential!
VItamins, fresh air, fish oils, wash hands lots, hot chocolate and log fires
Agreed!
Making sure you do something you WANT to do rather than HAVE to do every day.
Agreed!
Eat lots of fruit and veg, drink plenty of water and wash hands regularly.
hibernate – to keep warm and save energy, so lots of sleep and feel good cosiness
Learn to be kind to your self by pampering treats throughout the winter xxx
good idea
Try to eat a balanced diet with so many sweet temptations about its all too easy to skip the food ee should have
you are very right
Try and get out each day for some fresh air and a little walk, you will feel loads better for it.
Agreed!
Sleep, eat plenty of oranges and wrap up warm.
Thanks for joining us at #LuckyLinky xx
Agreed!
Healthy eating and plenty of sleep,
Good advice
Keep hydrated and wear layers to keep warm. Keep skin & lips moisturised to avoid hav8ng sore and cracked skin.
Yes, I suffer terribly with cracked mouth this time of year
Plenty of fluids and wrapping up warm when going out.
Good advice
Keep warm with layers!
Good advice
Don’t stay indoors even though the cold, dark weather entices you to; wrap up warm and go outside as you’ll appreciate a hot chocolate and a snuggle on the sofa all the more if it follows a brisk walk.
Good advice, you are so right!
Snuggle up with a hot water bottle and a cup of hot chocolate
Good advice
Oh, to be cosy with all this snow. Stay warm.
we haven’t had any here!
Listen to your winter body asking for more sleep, more sunlight, or a warmer room. Give yourself what you need, but don’t over indulge – optimize instead. Eat less refined sugar, but enjoy more natural sugars from maple syrup or honey, don’t overeat, get your normal 7-8 hours of sleep and continue to move and exercise.
You may want to move slowly, like a few good stretches, or you may want to feel the brisk air against your skin and take a fast walk. Ask your body what it needs and listen wisely to its answers. Balance is key during the winter months .
Such wise words.
Get outside as much as you can. Nothing beats fresh air, even if it’s a cloudy day.
Good advice
A good pair of boots to keep you warm and dry, nothing worse than cold feet!
Yes, nothing worse than chilblains
I tend to hibernate in winter- cosy evenings, chunky jumpers and hearty comfort food. But I really find gettting outside into some fresh air and natural light really makes a difference- especially in winter when the days can seem so short.
Good advice
stay warm and try not too eat too much chocolate!
Agreed, even if you don’t really feel like it
Impossible!
Eat healthier, drink plenty of water and always wrap up warm
Good advice
Agreed!
Take vitamin D supplements because a significant amount of the population become deficient over the winter.
Good advice
Agreed!
Keep warm and plenty of vitamin C
Yes, good old fashioned honey and lemon for me!
Good advice
Always moisturise your skin
Yes the heating always drys it out
Good advice
Go for walks to get fresh air and drink plenty of water
Agreed, even if you don’t really feel like it
Good advice
PLENTY OF WARM DRINKS AND KEEP NICE AND WARM INDOORS
Yes, good old fashioned honey and lemon for me!
Good advice
Keep the house warm and wrapup well when you go out
I’m putting the heating on as I write!
Good advice
Ginger & honey warm drink every day plus wrapping up warm.
I haven’t tried it with ginger
EAT WELL AND KEEP WARM
Good tips, thank you. 🙂 I find January the worst month too, after the excitemnt of Christmas is over and it’s still bleak and cold. I enjoy hot drinks at tis time of year, like hot chocolate and coffee.
#brilliantblogposts
It just has to be ” Eat as much fruit as you can “
yes, good advice
Great tips. I’m struggling to stay warm this January though as it’s SO cold. #ablogginggoodtime
It’s does seem really cold this year
Great tips here particularly to relax and I agree also about hydration. I am learning to take my water bottle to work. Thank you for linking up to #ablogginggoodtime ?
January is THE time for self care when we can all feel a bit miserable. I’m a supplement junkie and Spirulina is great. Second having to wrap up warm! The robe looks like the perfect thing to keep you snug at home. Thanks for linking up to #coolmumclub lovely xox
Fresh food and fresh air to keep yourself healthy!
My tip is turmeric. I swear by it. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties so protects me from cold and helps me with the winter joint pains. Even my gums are feeling stronger.
Vitamin C supplements, your body can’t store it so you need a good supply every day.
I went down with the yucky flu over Christmas and felt awful for ages – back to boosting my vitamins now. #abloggingoodtime
Drink plenty of water and sleep well.
very good advice
eat a balanced diet, drink fluids (less alcohol and caffeine) plus keep warm.
good advice
As well as making sure to wrap up well, I always clean my hands after touching surfaces that could have been touched by other people. Sounds a bit OCD but it’s very easy to pick up nasties from hand rails on public transport, door handles etc. and then inadvertently transfer them to your nose or mouth.
I am a big hand washer, it’s so important and often over looked by many people
keep warm by wearing lots of layers
very true
My top tips for self care in Winter is top make pots of vegetable soup so you are eating healthy and keeping warm at the same time.
Such a great idea
To drink plenty of water, to eat healthily and lots of vegetables, to just use many creams and lotions and of course having many pampering baths or showers! 🙂
Yes a good pamper makes me feel 10 times better
Stay warm, frequent hand washing to help combat germ spread, taking a daily vitamin D supplement (recommended for all UK adults during the winter months, try to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and veg :o)
Yes, get out in the sun as often as possible to get that vitamin D
Lots of layers, fruit and veg, warm soups and stews and plenty of water.
agreed!
Lip balm for your lips in the cold weather x
I wouldn’t be without mine!
Try to eat a nutritious healthy diet, drink plenty and take time out for yourself from time to time!
Such good advice
Great self care advice. I’m hoping that I’ll avoid any nasties this year. I lost my voice last year! #coolmumclub
That’s something I dread being a teacher
There are some great tips here, and sorry you’ve been ill this month. I had everything before and during Christmas 🙁 I definitely agree with relaxing as much as you can….although when? Hope you feel better soon and thanks for linking up at #fortheloveofBLOG. Claire x
Thank you, I’m feeling much better now
Eat lots of healthy foods
Good hearty walks.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us for #ablogginggoodtime Just to let you know that sadly Catie (Spectrum Mum) will no longer be a co-host for #ablooginggoodtime, we will have a new co-host this Thursday and you can still link up through Katie or myself reflectionsfromme.com Thanks, love Mackenzie
Make sure that you are taking the right supplements, such as Vitamin D and eating a balanced diet 🙂
I like to take a long bath instead of the shower.
Drink water to stay hydrated as radiators dry skin, protect skin and lips with moisturiser, wear gloves, and remember to always use the sanitiser on walls in hospitals and corridors/schools, care homes etc. to prevent spread of germs. You would be surprised how many don’t and a lot are men.
I find I need to hydrate and moisturise more in winter, what with having central heating on and all those layers of clothes when outside. So my tip is to drink more and try and get some sunlight when weather permits.
Plenty of water, sleep, healthy food
Fresh fruit, lots of sleep and good long walks.
Wrap up warm whn you go outside and have plenty of long warm baths
oooh please!! i need a snuggly robe
Take Vit D supplements from when the clocks go back until the clocks go forward in Spring.
Plenty of layers if going out and keep hydrated
Make sure to moisturise and put lip balm on regularly, if I don’t my skin breaks down!
Wrap up warm when going out
I think it’s important to get lots of vitamins, so make sure to take supplements every day
always use a lot Vaseline moisturiser and hand creams to keep skin soft and smooth x
stick with your routine.
My tip is to wrap up well before you go outside in the cold weather.
Eat healthy, keep warm and wrap up in layers before leaving home.
Plenty of sleep, water and exercise to keep the germs at bay.
Keep hydrated with lovely fruit juices and wear cuddly clothes to keep warm
Moisturiser and doing exercise.
Keep out of crowded places if its possible
Eat lots of healthy food, drink lots of water and make sure you spend time outdoors to keep your Vit D topped up xx
Moisturise! I find that always helps me in the winter.
Turn the central heating down, it just dehydrates you
You have given some great tips here. I always use honey, lemon and ginger when I’m not feeling great. In fact, I try to drink lemon and ginger tea (just a slice of lemon and a slice of ginger in hot water) each morning. I’ve read it’s the best thing you can do for your body. I stick some honey in when I’m not feeling right.
Other than that, avoid refined sugars, try and get out for a walk each day, stay warm and use meditation to relax your mind.
I could do with avoiding refined sugars but I find it a hard one to break
Eat lots of vegetables, daily – they contain necessary vitamins and minerals to stay healthy.
I take a vitamin D supplement and start the day off with a smoothie and a bowl of porridge in the winter.
moisturise well and plenty of lip balm! x
Keep washing your hands every time you return home, it keeps the germs at bay
Yes! I am a big hand washer
Stay warm,if you have a dog carry on exercising him,well wrapped up.
Get plenty of sleep and moisturise more in winter as the cold can really affect skin
I always take Echinacea and vitamin c through the winter x
moisturiser is your best friend in winter
lots of hand cream and lip balm
Well I take a multivitamins & minerals tablet as advised which helps with trying to keep my Chest infections at bay has I have COPD Asthma. One thing I do try to do is if I am on public transport or pushing shopping trolley is wear gloves to try & germs at bay.
That’s good advice
My skin gets quite irritated, especially on my arms and face so I keep moisturised.
Try to avoid putting your hands near your face and mouth (especially when you’re out – something like touching a door handle that someone who has a cold has opened and then touch your face…) and I think something like a zinc supplement is a good idea, and definitely Vitamin D
Keep warm and don’t eat too much
Keep warm & well hydrated.
Not sure that your Facebook link is working properly
make sure you have some “ME” time so you can pamper yourself and wind down a bit.
Layers, moisturiser & plenty of vitamin c
Be the salad queen in winter as well as summer, invest in warm clothing and take a natural supplement like Spirulena.
A salt bath good for cleansing and renewal
If you keep your feet warm by wearing thick socks and sensible shoes or slippers, then the rest of your body will never feel as cold.
Get enough sleep
stay hydrated and stay warm 🙂
Plenty of sleep
Lip balm. Lots of it. My lips get really dry and chapped in the winter months if I don’t slather it on hourly.
Make sure you still get outside and get some fresh air even in the cold, it makes you feel better, gets rid of some of the germs and helps your skin 🙂
Always wear boots with fur lining for cosy toes, and make sure I wear tights under my trousers, so my legs are warm too!
Stay warm and have lots of nutritious home made soup
Lots of hearty meals and vitamin c.
Would love to win this!
I take a supplement of multi vitamins and iron, I find it helps with keeping the bugs away
Fresh air, keep hydrated and plenty of vitamin c
layer up and stay hydrated
Eat well, keep cosy, get some fresh air and think of spring!
You can never have enough fresh vegetables or fruit, especially in winter. Keep cosy, get fresh air when you can and think of spring around the corner!
drink water keep warm
Eat plenty of Vegetables
Wrap up warm in layers as this keeps warmth in, and always wear a hat – keeping your head warm makes you feel warmer.
Always wrap up warm when going outside
plenty of fluids, eat well and stay warm
Get some good walking shoes on, waterproofs and get out walking. The fresh air will be good for you and that Hot Chocolate with all the trimmings after you get home tastes so nice and it’s a great way to warm you up.
Layer up to keep warm and drink plenty
Try to go for regular walks to keep fit. But get wrapped up. Keep warm indoors – layers are best. Avoid catching germs by washing your hands regularly, especially after touching escalators, door handles etc when out
Lots of fluids, moisturise, lip balm and wrap up warm.
Keep warm and eat healthy, also take some exercise. Either that or hibernate through the winter to avoid bugs x
Lots of cosy evenings in with candles and rest!
Eat healthy and drink plenty of water; I always feel better when I’m hydrated and not eating rubbish food.
To always stay warm!
Drink plenty of water and in take berocca daily to top up my vitamins
Get as many sunlight hours as you can!
Several layers of thin warm clothing as opposed to one or two layers of thick to keep warm
Plenty of warm drinks aswell as your daily intake of fresh bottled water and fruit juices
Even though it’s the Winter months try to get as much fresh air and exercise as possible
Warm nourishing meals packed with plenty of vitamin enriched vegetables ( Homemade soups are fab for this )
Take viramins and keep hydrated and wraped up when going out
healthy eating
Drink plenty of fluids and take a Vitamin C supplement
Wear layers and keep hydrated.
Keep warm, hydrated and don’t forget to keep moving.
fingers crossed!! x
Get the flu jab!, I didn’t and have just had 4 weeks of illness
Make time to do something you really enjoy every day
Thirty minutes of physical activity a day is enough to get endorphins running around your body and give you a sense of achievement – both great for self care.
Get plenty of rest!
I like to drink lots of cups of fruit tea, to keep hydrated and to top up my Vitamin C
Take time for yourself whenever you can, do nothing, do something you enjoy
I make sure i take vitamin supplements every day particularly zinc, iron and magnesium which helps to fend off colds.
Definitely to have an early night whenever possible xx
drink plenty of water and eat healthy x
Always make sure to give yourself half an hour me time a day xx
go for a daily walk – great for mind and body
I take 15 minutes a day to meditate and I take a multi vitamin every day
Take yourself off to bed when tired. Sleep is always a good thing but sometimes it’s hard to go really early if you have a partner. Just do it, life is better when you are not tired. I speak from my bed!
Take regular breaks, or you’ll get overwhelmed.
Self care is most important in the winter months
plenty of sleep, health eating, drink lots of water.
Be kind to myself. Make time for myself to do relaxing things and try and practice mindfulness as much as possible to enjoy what can be mundane activities like bathing, cooking or walking, as relaxing self care time.
just taking time out each day to do something for yourself! like reading a book meeting a friend or going for a walk
Drink nothing but water and green tea or herbal tea after midday and get some decent early nights in.
Would love to try this tea💖
Lemon, ginger and honey tea
My self care tip is to always take time for yourself. Have a long relaxing bath or hit the gym, whatever is best for you
Manuka Honey is an amazing product. An essential in my self-care kit.
tumeric is a fave spice in our cooking, but have never tried it as a tea – sounds good x
Sufficient sleep and daily exercise
To get enough sleep
Give your body ten minutes of mindful attention
Take time for yourself to relax
Wear a hat to keep warm outside. We also eat a lot of garlic and put turmeric in our rice, just a teaspoon while cooking.
To trust your gut and know when to take a break!
exercise – whether its just a long walk, a class with friends, a dip in the pool etc it makes such a difference to your mood even if you feel really awful and dont want to do it once you start it lifts your mood