Embracing a February Boost:

With January behind us and Spring still a little way off, February is the month to re-group. Grab precious opportunities for a little extra energy fix and wellbeing, revitalising yourself ahead of warmer months.

Move

Although it may feel like the last thing you want to do on a cold February day, taking a walk is so beneficial for both body and mind. Stamp out any frustrations or simply appreciate outdoor surroundings. Providing a definite boost, once you’ve had that energising exercise fix, come home and get cosy with a warm soak or cuddle up for a candlelit movie night. You will enjoy this downtime all the more.

Practice self-care

It may sound simple, but how often do you really take a moment to stop and just be? You could only have capacity for grabbing half an hour off, yet these minutes can be made into an amazing escape. Buy your favourite glossy magazine and run a bath, light a candle or go for a run.

Whatever makes your heart sing, just do it. Don’t feel guilty about tasks calling your name- allow yourself to temporarily freeze the stresses and strains of daily life. By stepping back from those jobs which overwhelm or demanding messages on your phone, they will automatically be quietened in your mind and you can tackle each one with renewed energy and wellbeing.

Read

I’ve recently discovered an amazing book called My Friend Fear: Finding Magic in the Unknown, by Meera Lee Patel, and it has honestly completely altered my perspective. A gorgeous illustrated read, the book explores fear as a concept which can propel you forwards.

I try to channel a mantra of turning doubt into determination, and this is very similar. Meera Lee Patel is a self-taught artist, so the pages are emblazoned with her own simply stunning pictures.

A calming snuggle under blankets, book in hand, this basic luxury is a total wellbeing treat for the February soul.

Plan

Whether booking an exotic holiday or simple cinema date, look to the future and be the architect of your own year. Put plans in place for time with friends and family, maximising activities you absolutely love.

Pop a film release in the diary or explore a new city, making the most of all of those tempting blank pages to fill.

Turn off your phone

Digital detoxes are all the rage, as covered by blogs and newspapers aplenty. A brilliant strategy for removing any growing anxieties which social media and the like can induce, I have a day-to-day version.

In short, my phone has its own bedtime. At 8pm most nights, I turn the iPhone off and shove it on a shelf or in a drawer. Some days can be harder than others and I have to force myself to do it, knowing some emails and texts really will wait. Because they have to, for the sake of creating much-needed peace in a busy mind.

As a result, you can lose yourself in a book or enjoy evenings minus outside noise. Don’t get me wrong, I like Instagram and messaging pals, but being unavailable is empowering and a valuable step.

The main February wellbeing message, as with all other months in fact, is to walk away from any guilt, be kind to yourself and indulge in simple yet timeless luxuries.

 

Helen Wilson-Beevers is a beauty editor and lifestyle writer (Glamour, Grazia). Follow Helen on Twitter or Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Images: Meera Lee Patel

 

Whether you’re embracing Valentine’s Day 2020 or Galentine’s Day this year, check out our round-up of the best goodies to gift…