Taking down the Christmas decorations… Wrapping the lights in that *perfect* way so you don’t end up cursing yourself next year (you and I know it won’t work)... Feeling a mix of melancholy and relief because another holiday season has come and gone.
January is the hangover month. The most wonderful time of the year is over. The high of the holidays crashes into the low of routine. Add to that the cold, damp, and dark winter weather to make the already dull routine feel a little bit worse.
And then there’s Blue Monday. If you’re unfamiliar, the third Monday of January is supposedly the saddest day of the year—not much to look forward to except maybe early Valentine’s Day chocolates.
Let’s talk about how we can combat this low season with some extra self-care. Not with some life-changing gadget you can order on Amazon or a Pinterest-worthy transformation. Just small, selfish moments that can turn a grey winter day into something more special and cozy. Here at CarteHaus, we’re all about turning mundane routines into a moment.
But first, a quick disclaimer:
It’s okay to feel meh
We have science to back this up. It’s common to experience SAD (seasonal affective disorder) during the fall and winter months. The shorter days with less sunlight can affect your body’s natural levels of serotonin and melatonin, which can alter your sleep cycle and energy levels¹. This causes us to feel like we’re in a slump and ready for bed at 7 pm. So, give yourself some grace, and maybe even a nap. Now, let’s get to it.
How to Elevate Your Routine
1. Take an everything shower.
You know the one. The shower where you tackle absolutely everything. Hair mask? Check. Deep shampoo? Check. Exfoliate, shave (if you’re into that), lotion up after? Done. You walk in a frazzled human and walk out a siren. This isn’t your everyday “get clean and get out” shower. This is a pretend-you’re-in-a-spa shower.
To take it up a notch, play your feel-good playlist and light a candle. Our coastal Black Pearl is the perfect match.
2. Wear your favorite perfume (even if you’re staying in)
Why save the good stuff for other people when you can use it for yourself? Spritz that “special occasion” scent on a random Wednesday night at home. There’s something about perfume that can make you feel flirty, cozy, or just like you’ve got it together. This concept doesn’t just apply to fragrance. Wear the dress, the bold lipstick, and those amazing shoes even if there is no occasion. The way we see it, if you have to do something, you might as well make it more enjoyable by adding something that brings you joy.
Megan’s Tip: “I love assigning scents to different activities and times of day. It gives me something extra to look forward to. I have a bedtime scent that helps me unwind, the scent I wear when I want to get into deep work mode, and of course, my Sunday-lounging scent.”
3. Find pleasure in the slowness
January is slow, lean into it. Bake something, solve a puzzle, or cook a delicious meal from that cookbook you’ve been meaning to try. Activities like this are oddly therapeutic. They force you to slow down and savor the process instead of rushing to the outcome. They’re also a great way to practice mindfulness and connection with yourself. For extra benefits, go offline while you do it and avoid multitasking. Pair your activity with a candle like Hygge, which feels like a warm blanket in candle form.
4. Add a Creative Twist to Date Night In
January makes it easy to isolate after December’s whirlwind, but reaching out and carving time for intentional connection matters—whether it’s with your significant other or your friends. Add a creative twist to the traditional movie night, and follow along to a Bob Ross tutorial, try painting for fun––no pressure to create a masterpiece, just create for the sake of it. This kind of playful creativity reminds us to focus on the joy of the process. Besides, there’s nothing like laughing over happy little accidents.
Complement your evening with Nightcap, a scent that’s just right for Friday night in.
5. Light a Candle and Just Be
Every activity can be more special with a candle. Washing dishes? Candle. Reading a book? Candle. Bed-rotting while scrolling TikTok? There’s a candle for that. Scent has this magical way of grounding you and making even the smallest moments feel more indulgent. We advocate for burning one while doing literally anything. Or nothing. That works too.
Not sure what candle to choose? We have a quiz for that.
Embrace Selfish Moments
At CarteHaus, we’re all about elevating the routine. Life can be a lot, and those little daily luxuries make it more enjoyable and remind us that we’re worth it. Lighting a candle, spritzing your favorite perfume, or cooking your favorite meal doesn’t have to be for someone else—it’s for you. Because you’re the occasion.
Elevating the routine is within everyone’s reach. It’s about intention, not extravagance (unless that’s what you want). So go ahead, be a little selfish and indulge. You’ve earned it.
Ready to elevate your routine? Start with our Essentials Collection.
SOURCES:
¹ National Institute of Mental Health: Seasonal Affective Disorder.