If you’re in New Zealand right now, you’re probably looking a lot like me. You’ve thrown on the warmest jumper you can find, there’s a pile of blankets on your lap, and your cup of hot chocolate (fair trade of course) is not far from reach.

Winter is not coming, it’s actually here.

As the weather grows colder and the days get darker, it’s easy for a touch of the winter blues to creep on in. I’m talking about the housebound craziness that overwhelms you when there’s just too many puddles outside, and no sunshine to perk you up or dry your washing. Or maybe you relate to that desperate desire to huddle indoors and stay sullen on the couch for days on end.

Winter doesn’t have to be all glum. In fact, winter can be the season you create new habits, look after yourself, and spend quality time with friends and family.

Welcome to your guide to surviving the winter blues!

Exercise in the morning

When your bed seems like the sauna, and your bedroom feels like the fridge, it’s easy to hit the snooze button and skip your usual gym session or run. Don’t let the temperature stop you! Exercising in the morning ensures you won’t run out of time to hit the gym that evening, you prioritise your health above all else (so important!), and you feel energised for the day ahead. Your sleep and mood will benefit from it too.

Stick to a routine

Speaking of your routine… stick to it. Winter can see some slippery habits, including Netflix on the couch everyday, and unhealthy foods just because of convenience. Although a touch of Netflix is never a bad thing, make sure your healthy habits don’t stray. Rocking a strong morning, daytime, and evening routine (including your exercise) is a great way to stop your days from blurring into one long season of nothingness.

Pamper yourself

Winter is the ultimate excuse for face masks, foot spas, massages, and general pampering. Take time to look after your body, or even arrange for a girls night in!

Here’s a few Oh Natural products that may come in handy:

• The Herb Farm Revitalising Face Mask: This face mask removes impurities, softens your skin, and leaves you feeling glowing! The revitalising ingredients mean your skin is detoxified from pollutants, and fine facial lines are reduced too.
• Tailor Hydrate: Keep your skin plump and deeply hydrated, when you apply the Tailor Hydrate after cleansing. Containing Kowhai and calendula, Tailor Hydrate is especially helpful in the winter to stop skin your flaking or becoming dry and irritated.
• Skin Juice Skin Brightener: Replenishing your skin’s Vitamin C levels is really important during winter. The Skin Juice Brightener is great for all skin types, and helps to reduce collagen breakdown and cell damage.
• Frankie Apothecary Kawakawa Body Oil: This body oil can be used in so many different ways. From moisturising your skin, to utilising as a massage oil for both mums and bubs, the kawakawa will help to calm irritable, itchy, and inflamed skin soon after application.

Set goals

While you’re stuck indoors, set goals and map out how you will achieve them. Instead of moping about, make the most of the quiet season. Reflect on the tasks you’ve achieved this year, and document your mission for the future.

Start a new project or hobby

Have you ever experienced a lounge room picnic, been to a concert, attended a live play, made spaghetti from scratch, or grown herbs on your kitchen bench? Winter is a great time to get around to the projects you’ve always wished you had time for, or try something new you’ve only admired from afar. Clean your garage, make blanket forts from old sheets, or learn how to crochet. Goodbye winter blues, hello productive chilly season!

Feasts with friends

Spending time with positive people is a sure way to fight off the winter blues. When all you can do is eat warm food and drink hot drinks around the fireplace, it’s crucial you have good company to share this with. Hang out with people who make you smile. Host a meal, plan a potluck, and enjoy indoor time with your tribe.

Holiday locally

You don’t have to travel to Thailand to get away this winter. Although the scorching sun in Europe would be heaven right now, stick to a mini holiday to reduce your carbon footprint and save your pennies. Choose a quirky Air BnB, unique hotel, or if you’re adventurous, try a winter overnight hike accompanied by a thick sleeping bag. Holidaying locally is so underrated.

Embrace it

Take a tip from the Danish and practice hygge. Hygge means cosy, content, and accepting of winter as a time to slow down, spend time with the people you love, and enjoy being home. The fact is, it’s freaking cold outside! So, make the most of hibernating, relaxing, going to bed early, and resting up for all your fun summer adventures.