3. Level Up Your Bath 

I love soaking in a bath, but I always tell myself I don't have time. The truth is, I would have the time if I put my mind to it. Cold, dark evenings are perfect for immersing yourself in a fragrant bubble bath. Swap Netflicks for bath kicks one night a week. Take advantage of all the bath gift sets available at this time of year and indulge.

Adding Epsom salts has been linked to various health benefits, such as improving dry skin and drawing out toxins from the body. While scientific evidence on some of these claims isn't conclusive, an Epsom salt bath can help you relax your body. Alternatively, mix a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba or sweet almond, and let the scent soothe your soul.

If you're disturbed by noises outside the bathroom, drown them out by listening to music or a podcast. Switch to an audiobook to avoid soggy pages. If you have the place to yourself, enjoy the quiet and let your mind drift.

4. Comforting Textures

What could be better after a hot bath than putting on your snuggliest clothes? Think pyjamas and fluffy socks or your warmest hoodie and trackies. Your goal is comfort, so embrace the elastic waist and baggy lounge look. Soft textures trigger the brain's reward system, activating dopamine and serotonin for a sense of cosy contentedness.

Nestle under faux fur or chunky knit throws during those extra chilly days. Complete your sofa haven by adding fluffy or velvet cushions. You won't ever want to move.

5. Build up a Book Supply

While camped out on the sofa, turn it into your reading nook. Finding your next book can be like trying to find something new to watch on TV. You spend ages deliberating and then end up with something you didn't want. There's always that recommendation someone mentioned ages ago, but can you remember what the hell it was? 

Solve this by creating a reading list of the books you've yet to read but would like to. Then, you can work your way down. Add to it as soon as you hear about something of interest so you don't forget. 

6. Restrict Social Media Scrolling

Scrolling has become an unconscious ritual for many of us. Our phones hold so much power over us. Have you ever been without your phone for a day and felt like a part of you was missing? Think about when you wake up, when you're in a queue or waiting to meet someone. What do you reach for? We don't realise how often we pick up our phones without thinking, half-absently looking for something to catch our eye when we could be giving our attention to something else. 

Put the phone in a different room, or at least out of arm's reach, so you have to make a concerted effort to get up and fetch it. Or you could allocate a segment each day where you set a timer, and you can scroll to your heart's content until the alarm goes. You'll be surprised how much time it frees up. Use this time to recharge your batteries and do something that feels meaningful to you.

7. Breathe in Winter Scents

Whether you use essential oil diffusers, scented candles or room sprays, fill your room with fragrances that instil balance and calm after an energy-sapping day. 

Our sense of smell tends to be less sensitive during winter, meaning you can swap those lighter summer fragrances for something more powerful. Warm, spicy and woody aromas capture the essence of winter. Look for fragrances containing grounding cedarwood, soothing marjoram, energising black pepper and calming frankincense. 

Give a nod to festive fragrances of mulled wine, gingerbread and the satsuma that was always at the bottom of your Christmas stocking. Choose cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla or sweet orange. 

8. Boost Your Vitamin Intake

Vitamin C and zinc can help you fight those winter bugs by supporting your immune system. There are supplements, but fueling your body with wholesome, vitamin-rich food is still the best way of taking care of your health. Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruit, blackcurrants, peppers and broccoli. Legumes, pumpkin seeds and nuts like almonds and cashews contain zinc. 

Our bodies create most of our vitamin D from exposure to sunlight. When there is less sun in the winter, it's not always easy to make sufficient vitamin D from the sun. Try to get outside as often as possible, but taking a vitamin D supplement could help during winter. 

9. DIY Spa Treatments

Avoid the pressure of awkward small talk at the salon by pampering yourself at home. Stock up on indulgent face packs and eye masks. Pop on a spa-like playlist, light some candles and relax.

Central heating, low humidity levels and the changes between inside and outside temperatures can play havoc on our skin. You may need to adjust to a richer moisturiser in winter to help tackle and prevent dry skin. Smother yourself in a delicious-smelling body butter after showering or bathing. 

10. Take Your Cue From Nature

Nature has seasons for new beginnings, activity, abundance and rest. Despite our interconnectedness to the natural world, we don't take the opportunity to slow down when all around us, nature is doing just that. 

While everyone is susceptible to depleted energy levels, introverts can feel it the most. December is often hectic, but try to find moments when you can hop off the treadmill. Instead of dreading January, welcome the time when the social season winds down because everyone's broke or on a wellness kick. Allow your inner self to rest and strengthen while setting habits you can take into the year.