Our favourite low-budget self-care tips

When it's cold out, the little things that make us feel good are worth their weight in gold. Here are some of the Spabreaks.com team's own winter self-care tips.

Embracing the cold for winter wellbeing

Nilesh, Digital Marketing Apprentice

"My self care tip for the winter is either embracing or refuting the cold. First, embrace it - I wrap up warm and take the dog for a walk on a crisp winter morning and really lean into the cold and almost enjoy the feeling of being really cold and coming back to a warm house etc. It's kind of a refreshing way to start the day and get ready. I think it's easy to hide away but sometimes the cold winter mornings aren't as bad as we think and once you embrace them they can become really enjoyable.

The second one completely contradicts this but it's allowing yourself to hide away. I think a lot of people feel guilty or experience 'seasonal depression' because it's easier, and we don't have a choice with the rain in the uk, but i think allowing yourself to enjoy cosy evenings with Christmas movies, a warm drink, fire etc really flips the switch on the guilt. Sitting down and listening to the rain whilst having the fire on can feel really cosy and instead of feeling bad about not doing a lot over winter (socially, physically etc) I think once we have allowed ourselves to do nothing and that being okay it can be really beneficial to mental wellness."

Supercharging my skincare

Chloe, Paid Media Manager

"For me winter self-care is about upping my skincare game with a hyaluronic acid sheet mask, collagen under-eye patches and a really thick moisturiser. Taking the time to use more hydrating products and face masks to beat the coldness really helps my skin feel better."

Winter walks and sauna time for wet weather wellness

Laura, CRM & Email Marketing Executive

"It’s very tempting this time of year to snuggle up, be inside, comfort eat, and hibernate. While research says we probably do need more calories to keep warm in the colder months and more sleep, one thing I really try to do is to still build in a good measure of fresh air - ‘blow the cobwebs away’ as my grandmother would have said.

So, even when it’s a bit damp, cold and miserable, wrap up and get outside, even if it's just 30 minutes a day. Getting some natural daylight during these darker days I find imperative for making me feel sharp and well, and to beat that sluggish winter feeling. If you can, invest in a Dry Robe… that way you are ready to face the British weather, whatever it might be.

Another quick tip; I’ve recently started building in a 10 to 15 minute saunas at the end of my gym workouts. If you are able to get to a local gym or hotel sauna, the benefits have been given more limelight again this year.  Fighting illness, reducing the risk of dementia, and improving respiratory health to name just a few. I’m personally just enjoying feeling the warmth in my bones during the colder months. So, while I know cold dipping is also beneficial and trendy, I’m choosing the sauna this winter!"

Winter walks

Phoebe, Marketing Executive

"My self-care tip is making sure I still get outside for a walks. When it’s cold outside, it’s so tempting to stay indoors and just lay on the sofa, but I end up feeling sluggish and even more tired! So, I make sure I go on a little walk every day, even if it's just 20 minutes to get a coffee or stroll around the park. I always put my headphones on and listen to one of my favourite podcasts so it's actually become something I look forward to, especially on work days. It just helps me clear my mind, get in some fresh air and it's a good break where I don't check my phone!"

Do what works for you when it comes to wellbeing

Bonnie, Spabreaks.com Editor

"There seem to be so many 'shoulds' when it comes to health and wellbeing, and it's all very trend driven. I think it comes from a good place, but it can put a lot of pressure on us all to do specific things and behave a certain way. Looking after your health has to be one of the most important things you can do. Health is the most valuable thing we will ever have - it's precious and fragile, but all we can do is our best with the time and opportunities we have.

For me, exercise has become the central, non-negotiable pillar for feeling well mentally and physically. There's nothing unusual in that, plenty of people will say the same. I started running when I was 17 as a way to get away from my desk while I was studying for exams. I was truly dreadful at sport at school and forged an off games note for seven years.

I conflated team sports with exercise because it was the only option we were given. I didn't like the competitive nature of sport at school, or feeling as though I was on display in front of other people. Left to my own devices I found running and it quickly became my refuge. Broadly speaking I have now run every day for 21 years and I hope I continue for many more.

I don't time myself, I don't put pressure on myself, and I go outside because I find treadmills very boring. For me part of it is getting out into the fresh air away from all the technical devices. Some people like to measure their steps - I don't. When I run I find that all the mental knots untie themselves, my mind wanders and my body stretches out, countering long days at a computer."