Many of us are suffering from lockdown fatigue, particularly those people who do not find the winter months easy.  

The lack of social interaction with our family and friends can leave us feeling low and demotivated.  

Spring is a time that new life begins, the flowers are beginning to grow and peep through and the wildlife starts to awaken, also there are more day light hours which can really help to lift our spirits.  

I find that I begin to have a lot more energy in the spring and summer and my levels of motivation are certainly increased.

Our winter woollies such as baggy woollen jumpers that hide a multitude of sins, may have left us with a false sense of security. The realisation that soon we will be preparing for our spring and summer wardrobe can fill us with complete dread. 

The lockdown extra weight that we may be carrying, dry skin from central heating, cracked heels on our feet, unmanicured nails, one look in the mirror can send us running for the hills!  
Feeling good about ourselves isn’t about vanity, it is about our mental and physical health.

Now is a really good time to make some small changes. 

It is time to reflect, make plans and move on

If you find that you are more pro-active in the spring and summer months, now is the time to look at things that you want to change and plan to action those changes if you are able.  

One of my goals on the first lockdown was to go through my make-up drawers and beauty products and give away unwanted but useful items and to get rid of out of date ones.  

I did a little bit, but this lockdown I have gone through all of my beauty products and bathroom cabinets.  

The organisation has both been time saving as I can find things easily and it has given me a sense of calm.

Many celebs are promoting their ways of decluttering and I am beginning to agree that a tidy space helps calm the mind. I have also been able to give away some products which has cheered someone else’s day. 

If it is your body you are not happy with, look at the changes you can make, small steps can lead to big changes. 
You could start by walking a short distance and slowly increase. 

Cut down on sugar, if you are a fan of ready meals try and cook some simple but healthy dishes from scratch.  

If you have  a friend in a similar situation, act as each other’s support buddies and set yourselves weekly goals.

Whatever goal you have, write it down and make time for it. 
If you feel like you need a complete fresh look, lockdown is a great way of experimenting with colour, make-up and new products.

Spring into action
Losing weight is one thing, but there are many pick-me-ups that you can do to make yourself feel better quickly.  

Set time aside to do a good body scrub, tidy up your toenails, exfoliate your feet and apply a lovely foot mask.  

Do this weekly and when it is time to wear summer clothes and flash some flesh, you will have nice smooth skin and your feet will be sandal ready.  

If you have health problems and cannot reach your feet do remember pediatrists are allowed to treat you during these times, so book that appointment. The health of your feet is so important.

Your skin after the winter months can look dull and grey, it may be time to readjust your skin care ready for the spring.  

If you have neglected to do a weekly or twice weekly face mask, now is the time after all you want to look your best for when we are allowed to socialise again. When your skin looks better you will feel better.

Now is the time to book ahead for when salons open for that much needed facial and haircut. 

Make time to keep on top of a good skin care routine, not only will your skin thank you for it, but you will also feel so much better. 

Remember to wear a sunscreen daily. Skin that has had a lot of sun without protection ages much more than those that are protected.

Top Tips

  • Set realistic and achievable goals: If it is weight loss or starting to exercise set a realistic plan. If weight loss is to be achieved there is plenty of advice and if you have underlying health conditions check with your GP first. Eat mindfully, when we are at home we can forgot about all of the little in-between meal snacks. 
  • Be prepared: Failure can often be down to lack of preparation, I missed out on an online class because I failed to charge my computer! Setting a weekly meal plan and having the right food in can help keep you on track.
  • Get professional advice: There is a wealth of advice out there, if you want to change your skincare routine or make-up look ask an expert. Make time to practice a new look.
  • Clean up your act: Tidy out your make-up and beauty drawers and cupboards. Organise into sections for skin care, body care, hair care, foot care, make-up. There is less waste when you know what you have and you will be able to treat yourself to new suitable products when you have made space.
  • Make your own products: If money is tight at the moment, make your own with ingredients from your cupboards such as a body scrub with olive oil and sugar or salt.
  • Create a fresh look for the spring: Try experimenting with new colours for the season, either with clothes, accessories or make-up. Don’t get stuck in a time warp, spring is a great time for change, so embrace it and enjoy.