5 Tips to Beat the Winter Blues

Caring for yourself and caring for others doesn't have to be a competition. Coronavirus cases are surging. Cold & flu season is in full swing. One second the kids are in school, the next thing we know they're back to virtual learning. It's a jungle out there! (No wonder "self-care" is one of the most Googled phrases on the internet.) With so much uncertainty in the world today, many of us are wearing more hats than we realize. And while it may seem like taking care of yourself is the last thing on your mind, today on Zeena Uncovered we're here to share 5 tips on how to beat the winter blues without burning yourself out.

#1 Start a Low Impact At-Home Workout Routine

Feeling sluggish? A little goes a long way when it comes to staying active. Taking a short midday walk can work wonders for your mood. If the weather permits, refresh your senses with some fresh air and vitamin D. If you're staying indoors, gentle stretches will lengthen and tone sore muscles. Remember to listen to your body and avoid any exercises that will make you feel sore or exhausted. When the goal is 'low impact', consistency is what counts.

#2 Have Yourself a Pamper Day 

Foot massager, check! Amazonian pink clay mask, check! Cucumbers for your tired eyes, and your favorite manicure set, triple check! Whatever you need to feel whole again, now is the time to get serious about taking care of you. We like to rely on the old saying, "It's not selfish to refill your own cup, so that you can pour into others." In other words, taking care of those around you on top of your daily responsibilities can drain how much you have left for yourself. Treating yourself to a pamper day isn't selfish, it's necessary! Take the whole day (if you can) to hit the reset button on your self-care needs. Whether that means blowing out your curls, refreshing your nail polish or simply relaxing with a hot cup of tea and a movie, you've earned this time. So, make you a priority! 

#3 Actually Watch What's on Your Watchlist

Want to know the easiest way to beat the winter blues? Escape from your daily routine by finally sinking into your un-watched watchlist. Looking for something new? We have a few recommendations:

#4 Catch up on a Good Book

Snuggle up with a good book and let your worries fade away. A story of love and loss, Pachinko is an extraordinary epic of four generations of a poor Korean immigrant family as they fight to control their destiny in 20th-century Japan (San Francisco Chronicle). The Forty Rules of Love is a saga surrounding the extraordinary meeting of Shams of Tabriz and Rumi (before he was a poet), while simultaneously telling the story of a loveless housewife in the modern world as she uncovers the mysteries of the heart.

Pachinko - Min Jin Lee  |  The Forty Rules of Love - Elif Shafak

#5 Caring for Others 

The hardest part about maintaining relationships during a pandemic is the possibility that at any moment you, or someone you love will be whisked away into quarantine. Five, ten or fourteen days could pass before you ever see them again...and there's only so much a Zoom call can do. Flowers and chocolates are nice, but when you really want to show someone you care from a distance, why not surprise them with a good ol' fashioned care package? Here are a few of our newfound favorite get well gifts:

For the cozy crafters... Send your long distance hugs with a care package that includes an ever-so-soft DIY knitting kit from Etsy. Help your bestie fight off the chill with luxe pom pom slippers. And this cozy cardigan from NAP will keep them cozy-chic all season long.

For the couch potato princess... Having to wear a face mask need not be boring! We're in love with this gorgeous set of 10 wildflower masks from Rifle Paper Co. Prepare yourself for the flood of thank you cards when your loved one receives the softest ever house robe. And who can resist walking on clouds in these adorable chenille socks from Target?

For the stay-at-home sweethearts... No care package would be complete without a few creature comforts! A gourmet tea tasting kit paired with crispy Biscoff cookies will have them looking forward to their next brew. We've picked out a classy bistro mug from Anthropologie to add charm to your gift basket, along with a mini diffuser to keep the air misted with spirit-boosting essential oils.