Five easy ways to pamper yourself this winter

If you can't visit a spa or salon this winter, try recreating your own at home. Spa treatments are a simple way to relax and nourish your skin, hair, and body.

Start by setting the mood. Light a candle, dim the lights, and gather your skincare and beauty products. Next, draw yourself a warm bath, take a steamy shower, or simply soak your feet in a tub of warm water to unwind. If you're focused on skincare, try giving yourself a foot scrub or putting on a moisturising face mask. You could also give yourself a manicure, hydrate your hair with a conditioning mask or simply read a book with a cup of tea while you enjoy the spa ambiance.

The winter months are the perfect time to treat yourself to your favourite winter warming meal or indulgent dessert. Not only is the final product something to look forward to, but the process of cooking or baking can be soothing in itself.

To do it right, pick a decadent dish or a treat you wouldn't normally make. Maybe it's a pot of baked macaroni and cheese, a chocolate fondant or a classic apple pie with custard. Whatever you fancy, choose a recipe, turn on some music and enjoy the art of cooking.

One of the best ways to pamper yourself is to prioritise your sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep can give you more energy and help stabilise your mood¹.

This winter turn your bedroom into a calming, sleep-inducing sanctuary. Start by getting rid of any clutter in your bedroom, then give it a thorough cleaning. Once it's clean and tidy, turn your attention to your bedding. Is it time to upgrade your sheets or swap the duvet for something cosier?

Consider the various factors that help you sleep well, then rearrange your room accordingly. You may want to replace your bedside lamp with a softer light or get thicker curtains to block out light from outside and keep warmth in.  And for the perfect’s night sleep, it’s recommended to heat your bedroom between 16°C - 18°C.

Pampering yourself means treating yourself like you would a loved one. Beyond taking basic care of your mind and body, it's fun to give yourself occasional gifts, like a bouquet of fresh flowers to cheer up your home on gloomy winter days.

You could even make it a weekly or bi-monthly ritual. Every Saturday stroll to the corner market and take your time choosing a cluster of colourful blooms to brighten your space. Try experimenting with different arrangements or pick up an indoor plant to mix things up and help clear the air.

Booking a trip away — even if you don't take it right away — can give you something to look forward to and plan for.

As part of our Fresh Air Getaways campaign, we're giving away one luxury UK holiday each week. If you win, you can travel to your choice of nine incredible locations, including a spa getaway at a luxurious hotel in the Lake District. Other amazing spots include a lighthouse cottage and oceanside retreat in Cornwall.

If you're lucky enough to win, you can choose the dates that work best for you over the next 12 months. Our home energy customers just need to enter once for a chance to win here.

^{1.  NHS: Sleep better}