DAILY DECEMBER #6 // How to beat the winter blues

With dark days and cold nights, it's easy to forget about all the wonderful things in life and come down with a serious case of the winter blues; you're not alone - about 6% of the UK suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, and there are loads more who simply feel down when the sun stops shining. I thought I'd write a post sharing my tips on getting your mojo back this winter!

Have a bath; seriously, who doesn't love baths?! One of Lush's Christmas bath bombs, your favourite album playing in the background and some candles to set the mood - uninterrupted me time is a perfect way to unwind and relax.

As difficult as it can be sometimes, remove yourself from social media for a while - turn off your phone and laptop, let the online world move without you for a little while so you can have some time to enjoy the world around you without constant buzzing and beeping.

Take time to do things for other people - the joy you'll get from making other people happy will perk you up undeniably. Take some food to your local homeless shelter or food bank, volunteer somewhere or just do a small act of kindness for someone who might not usually register.

Do some arts and crafts or some Christmas baking - these things are extremely therapeutic. Create your own decorations (there will hopefully be some DIY posts coming up soon!) or make some Christmas themed cakes and cookies. Not only is it soothing, you can also make other people smile with the lovely things you make.

Snuggle up on the sofa and watch your favourite film which doesn't have to be a Christmas one despite it being December! Get some sweets and a glass of your favourite tipple (or some Pepsi if you're under age, cheeky) and get a blanket wrapped around you. Perfection.

I hope this post encouraged you to chill out and beat any pesky Winter blues that might be lurking! Are you caught up with #thelilacscrapbook December photo challenge on Instagram? I'm loving it so much, thanks to everyone who's joining in!

The Lilac Scrapbook December Photo Challenge

This is something a little different that I've been wanting to do for ages; I've created my own little "photo challenge" over on Instagram! (follow me - @katygilroyblog) Everything is gonna be completely over-run with Christmas throughout December, so I've tried to put a little list together of some photos you can post throughout the month that aren't too Christmassy - everyone needs to breathe, right?

All you have to do is post the original photo (below) on Instagram, and tag me, then off you go! Use the hashtag #thelilacscrapbook on all your photo challenge posts during the month too. It's a chance to get creative, and interpret each theme however you want to: that way, they'll all be a little different but it's something we can all do together!

Let me know in a comment or over on Twitter if you'll be getting involved, I want to see as many people posting their photos as possible. Tell your friends, your mum, your grandad, your babysitter and your dog walker... everyone is invited!