As the winter cold continues, Kelly Smyth discusses the transformative power of self-care and self-improvement in the New Year
As we enter 2025, many of us may be adding active outdoor activities and sunshine getaways to our vision boards - are we forgetting to live in the cold, wintery moment? It can be hard to make the most of the Irish Winter, with its biting wind and lashing rain often leading to many days stuck inside just waiting for Summer to hurry up. However, there are plenty of ways to ground yourself in the present and embrace self-care all year-round. From everyday essential skincare to chic activewear, here’s how you can start your year with wellness, whatever the weather.
As the seasons change, so can your skin. While Summer may leave you sun kissed, Winter can make your skin dry and craving some Vitamin D. An everyday moisturiser should be a staple in everyone’s routine - with products often being accessible and affordable for most. Using a moisturiser regularly leaves your skin healthy and hydrated, with some even including SPF (which is still a must during the winter season!). This simple step can enrich your daily routine, although there are other products to add to your skincare regime to help you achieve that year-round glow.
Due to the change in season, sunshine can be seldom, and your diet can change - which may leave your Vitamin C, and D needs a bit neglected. Including a Vitamin D serum in your skincare can be beneficial in many ways, with it providing a firming effect in addition to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Similarly, Vitamin C protects from sunlight as well as evening out your skin tone and protecting collagen production.
While serums are a great way to nourish your skin, your diet is another way to boost your vitamin intake. Adding citrus fruits and greens to your meals can lift your Vitamin C levels, and Vitamin D can be increased by consuming a healthy balance of red meat and oily fish. Not a fan of veggies or meat? It might be a good idea to add some multivitamins to your diet, which can be easily taken in the morning as you start your day.
However, the best kept skincare secret of all is drinking plenty of water. While it can be hard to stay hydrated on the go, consider bringing a water bottle with you - most areas on campus have resources to refill your water throughout the day. Water bottles can be accessorised with stickers and decorative stamps adding a bit of personal flare to something that feels mundane. Staying hydrated is essential to self-care and benefits your entire body. These benefits include improved organ function, a better mood, and protection against infection (which is especially important as cold and flu risk is high).
Another way of ensuring you stay healthy this time of year is wrapping up. Though some of you may dread your coat “ruining” your outfit, layering can elevate your look while keeping you healthy. Using scarves, hats, and gloves are practical but can also be a great way to accessorise and add much needed texture to some of your ensembles. Umbrellas can also be a simple way to avoid getting wet without sacrificing your style, with many bag-sized options available in the market. Don’t sacrifice your style for practicality but make practical style fashionable.
Another way to diversify your wardrobe is activewear. Many of you may be taking on some new year’s resolutions - and you should do it in style. Whether it be yoga, running, pilates or something entirely different, activewear can be a great way to embrace another aspect of your personal style while discovering a new activity. While activewear can be associated with synthetic fabrics and high prices, this doesn’t have to be the case. The Irish brand Holdereight offers affordable, sustainable pieces suitable for low-impact activity - with organic and biodegradable products central to the brand. For more diverse fitness needs, another Irish brand Awave offers a broad range of men’s and women’s activewear, as well as committing to sustainable materials and donating profits to ocean cleanup. Making sustainable fashion choices while embracing a new beginning is a great way to elevate that feel good factor of wellness.
Ultimately, the time to kickstart your new year the right way is now. By trying a few of these skincare and fashion tips, you can make the most of the cooler season. While it is easy to look forward to the coming warmer months, it is important to ground yourself in the present by embracing some winter wellness to benefit your physical and mental health. After all, we only get the one body, why not look after it all year round?