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Now that twinkling Christmas lights have been taken down and festive anticipation has been removed from the equation, winter has taken on a less-than-savoury bleakness that we’re more than ready to say goodbye to.
According to my sources, the sunset is getting that little bit later with each passing day, and soon we’ll have an extra half an hour of daylight to play with.
However, until such a time comes that we can enjoy long languorous evenings and forego the multiple thermal layers that have become par for the course, we’re going to have to accept this extremely chilly winter as our reality.
As they say, the only way out is through it though, so we’ve rounded up five essential items that will make getting through the rest of the season that little bit easier. From winter-proofing your home interiors to taking care of yourself from the inside out, here are some items to see you through January.
After the past few dark and dreary months, I’m sure we’re all familiar with Seasonal Affective Disorder, — bearing the all too apt acronym, SAD — or so-called ‘winter depression’. Our surrounding environment impacts our mood more than we realise, so when we find ourselves feeling low and lethargic at this time of year, a lack of exposure to sunlight could well be the reason.
While we may not be able to run to the shop and pick up bottled sunshine, we can, however, plug in a SAD lamp that will gradually wake you up with a light that mimics a real sunrise. This Lumie Bodyclock variety prompts your body to reduce the production of sleep hormones such as melatonin, whilst increasing the levels of hormones like cortisol that help you get up and go.
Allow me to set the scene. Wind is raging, rain is pouring, but you’re wrapped up so tightly that the world outside feels a million miles away. If you struggle to fall asleep, suffer with anxiety, or have autism, ADHD, or sensory issues, a weighted blanket will have a hugely positive impact on you.
Made up of several layers to make sure that the weight is distributed evenly, plenty of places have them in stock including Emma – one of the Ireland’s best selling mattresses and one of the leading sleep brands in the world.
If you’re a TikTok user, it’s likely that you’ve already come across an alarming number of accounts espousing the benefits of bone broth. A type of soup made from bones, water and vinegar, bone broth has a whole lot of health benefits that include anti-inflammatory properties, and is hailed for its immune system-boosting effects.
Positively loaded with nutrients, this warming broth can help to reduce joint pain, strengthen your bones, and even help to make your skin appear firmer. Tasty and beneficial to your health, it’s also a great way to warm you up from the inside after a long day out in the elements.
If you haven’t made your room a sleep sanctuary yet, that should be the very next item on your agenda for 2024. While salt lamps, silk pillowcases and cosy pyjamas each add their own distinct appeal, a high quality sleep mist is a must for any nighttime routine.
This Works have been investing in the science of sleep since 2004, and their award-winning natural sleep solutions will help send you off to the land of nod faster than you can count ten sheep. From pillow spray to roll-on aromatherapy, having some of these products to hand will help you hibernate through the winter.
Sick of boiling and re-boiling the kettle for yet another hot water bottle? We’re with you on that one. Thankfully, our saviour has been found in the form of a rechargeable electric hot water bottle.
A plug-in alternative to the old reliable, these hot water bottles stay warm for hours and will guarantee that you’ll be jumping into a warm, cosy bed. Tuck your hands into the flap while you’re lounging in front of the television, or leave your pyjamas on top to be nice and cosy when you get out of the shower.
This article was originally published in January 2023.