After the carefree lifestyle and endless possibilities of summer, many of us will be dreading the onset of winter. Whilst our tans fade and the big coats are re-earthed once again, the prospect of maintaining our physical and mental health can seem like an uphill battle.

However, there are plenty of small ways to stay on top of our overall well-being this winter. From regular exercise to booking little treats, here are a few things you can incorporate into your routine in the coming months.

Keep exercising

Yes, it can be really hard to push ourselves outside into the dark and cold, but creating a winter workout routine will keep your mood perky and bright. Push the tempting duvets aside, throw on some flexible warm clothes and let the crisp air blow those cobwebs away. Even a 10-minute workout or a one-hour walk will work wonders. And if it’s dangerously cold or icy, nothing is stopping you from following a workout routine from the comfort of your living room!

Get outside

Fight the winter sluggishness and go outside! Sunshine, even if it isn’t warm enough for you to leave the hat and scarf at home, is important in keeping your hormones balanced and avoiding seasonal sadness. A daily walk has proven to reduce the amount of melatonin our body produces, helping us feel livelier.

Treat yourself to a visit to the salon

Looking good on the outside makes us feel good on the inside. So, treat yourself to a pamper session, restring your skin with a massage and facial, giving your nails a makeover with a manicure or topping up your hard-earned summer tan with a session in the sunbed. We all feel better and healthier with a tan, so invest in a great quality tan accelerator to minimise your time in the sunbed and still achieve that dewy, sun-kissed glow.

Stay connected to friends and family

A giggle on facetime can boost your mood tenfold. If the cold is discouraging you from leaving the house altogether, make sure you invest time in staying connected with loved ones. It’s especially important if you’re spending winter abroad with family and friends.

Take care of your skin

Skin gets a rough deal during winter. Often exposed to the elements, harsh weather and indoor heating, our skin can end up dry and irritable. Protect and care with natural, nourishing products, moisturising thoroughly after showers and baths.

Wear gloves and lip balm whilst outside to avoid dry skin in these particularly sensitive areas. And whilst sunburn might seem impossible at this time of year, the winter sun can still do some damage, so it’s important to still wear SPF.