Beat the Blues

With freezing cold temperatures, dark mornings, post-Christmas blues and pay day still weeks away, we spoke to the experts in beauty, health and fitness to give you their most ingenious, mood-boosting, tips.

Naturya Spirulina Powder, £11.99 at Amazon

Chia Seeds, £12.50 at Holland & Barrett

‘Look to foods rich in Vitamin B12 and folic acids, these help to keep you calm and happy!’ says Natasha Kufa at natashakufa.com
ELLE loves the green algae spirulina, rich in Vitamin B12 and iron it’s great for boosting energy levels; include a teaspoon of Naturya Spirulina Powder in a smoothie or juice daily. Plus, get a boost of folic acid, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids from Chia Seeds which can be sprinkled on your salad.

Daniel Sandler Watercolour Creme Rouge Blush in Soft Peach, £12.40 at Lookfantastic.com

‘Lift your mood by adding touches of subtle colour to your everyday make-up palette, sheer bright shades add energy and vitality to your complexion during gloomy, wintry days. Lift your complexion by adding a touch of rosy glow to cheeks like Daniel Sandler Watercolour Creme Rouge Blush in Soft Peach or dab on a slightly brighter lip shade, using your finger tip to the centre of your pout, to enhance and brighten a smile.’ explains Make-up Artist Daniel Sandler.

‘Deep breathing is a definite mood enhancer.'

‘Deep breathing is a definite mood enhancer. Try inhaling to a count of four, holding for a count of six and exhaling for another four seconds. Pause for six seconds. Do this 10 times and watch your mood improve. Ramp up the effect with a mood enhancing and energising backbend; they open the chest cavity, increasing the lung capacity, which is directly related to mood.’ says Mandy Ingber, Jennifer Aniston’s Yoga Teacher.

'Orange Essence will lift your mood.'

‘Try aromatherapy to boost your mood. Orange Essence will lift your mood - try burning a few drops of orange essence, ylang ylang and frankincense in a water burner when you get home from work. Why not pamper yourself too? Mix some Orange and Neroli essential oils in carrier oil and use it to rub on your hands after you've washed them.’ explains Christina Elvin of Christina Elvin Consultancy

‘Set yourself a short, medium, and long term target.'

‘Set yourself a short, medium, and long term target. For instance, you could aim to lose a dress size by the end of February, sign up for a half marathon in six months time, or you may aim to make 72 visits to your favourite exercise class over a 6 month period. Either way, when we accomplish our goals, we triumph physiologically and psychologically.’  David Kinsbury – Trainer at TenPilates tenpilates.com