Even though I love calling Colorado home, I’m highly sensitive to the changing of seasons. While winter boasts powder days and other bountiful outdoor adventure here in the Centennial State, I’m no stranger to the winter blues. Days are darker, colder and shorter. Plus, I’m not alone in this — 14% of adults in the United States report dealing with the same thing.

Thanks to the nature of my job as a wellness writer, I’ve spent countless hours testing the trendiest health hacks to combat everyday imbalances. While my research has led me to try opulent facial treatments all the way to highly scientific therapy approaches, I’ve found simplicity and kindness towards oneself as key to combatting seasonal mood shifts.

These actionable tips can be practiced from the comfort of your home, plus I share my favorite products to help bring the ideas to life.

1. Add a Boost to Your Morning Brew

If you’re like me, you go to sleep dreaming of your morning coffee. You can easily level up the beverage by adding nutrients in the form of wellness powders, like those with collagen, cocoa, cinnamon or even MCT oil. My favorite coffee additive is chaga mushroom because of its undeniable antioxidant profile. Renude makes a mean Chagaccino that transforms a typical cup of joe into a delicious wellness mocha latte. If you don’t love the taste of espresso, the brand also makes Chaga Matcha that has a nice smoothness with a touch of sweetness. Waking up with a yummy drink to look forward to makes for a great staple in one’s morning routine.

2. Practice Self-Massage Techniques

While my favorite form of self-care is to treat myself to a massage, experts say self-massage techniques can be just as effective in reducing stress and improving overall mood (while also helping your wallet).

As a licensed massage therapist and learning and development manager at The NOW Massage, Matthew Perry recommends investing in a foam roller or massage ball to target areas of tension. I like to apply The NOW’s Hemp Calm Balm, a multi-tasking muscle rub, to trouble areas for a deeper sense of relaxation. “Gua Sha, a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses smooth rose quartz tools to target specific areas of the body, can also be used to reduce tension and promote circulation,” Perry adds.

To really add an extra dose of wellness here, try a scalp massage with coconut oil. It not only hydrates the roots and encourages circulation but deeply relaxes the mind. I admit, I was skeptical at first. Would the oil get in my eyes? I didn’t understand … until I did. Scalp massage is like the ultimate mind-body experience.

“To incorporate scalp massage into your at-home wellness routine, start by applying a scalp oil or serum directly to the hairline,” Perry advises. “Position your fingertips at the hairline and firmly apply pressure in circular motions, moving towards the back of the head. Maintain consistent yet gentle pressure throughout. Repeat this motion for a soothing and relaxing experience.”

3. Harmonize Your Space

Balancing the home with elements that feel true to you is an essential practice in my book. Because it’s more common to spend more time at home during the winter months, make your space one you feel warm, cozy and safe in. Besides the obvious decluttering, consider infusing your home with scent. My favorite organic essential oil blends are from Alevan Botanica, which credits aromatherapy to improving mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. I’ve made it my daily ritual to add a few drops of the “soothe” and “ground” blend to my diffuser and let it ease my mind of negative energy throughout the day.

I’ve also found comfort in embracing the slower pace of the season. Since I’m going to be spending more time cozying up in bed, why not make it a place I’m in love with? Find a blanket or throw that you genuinely enjoy curling up with while still adding a chic element to your space. Muslin Comfort’s 365 Blanket does just that for me — it has magical temperature-regulating properties, is made of hypoallergenic cotton and is completely oversized, which my partner and I appreciate. The sage green color feels festive and modern at the same time, but find a design that fits your own unique vibe.

4. End The Day with Intention

Personally, nighttime tests my resilience; it feels easier to scroll on my phone for hours than spend my time intentionally. While I still allow for some scrolling (it’s all about balance, right?), romanticizing my night routine has definitely helped me feel more productive and satisfied. I’m talking bubble bath, herbal tea, fireplace, the whole nine yards. On the days I do this, I definitely appreciate it, but it’s important to meet yourself with kindness when getting up from the couch seems too large a task.

If you’re looking for inspiration on where to start, begin with enhancing your skincare routine. Over time, I’ve found it soothing to apply my skincare lineup alone in my bathroom — a time carved out just for me to focus on me. Beloved skincare service franchise Heyday believes its especially important to treat your skin during the drying winter months.

“Dry air is produced by low humidity and cold temperatures, which wick moisture from the skin,” says Heyday esthetician Susan Liang. “The weather changes year-round so it’s important to make sure your skin care routine fits with the season. What works well in the summer might not work as well when the humidity drops.”

The key is hydration. Take time experimenting with products that work for your individual skin type — and make it fun! For me, that looks like massaging facial oil into my skin with a gua sha tool, adding a protective shield to lock in moisture and nutrients overnight.

Wherever you land in your journey to heal the winter blues, it’s important to take it one step at a time. As author and researcher Brené Brown puts it, “Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”