If you are feeling low, try to do some simple things that you know makes you feel good.

With the days still dark and cold in the northern hemisphere, many of us are looking for quick ways to lift our spirits.

Aesthetic and Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Emma Coleman has four tips to instantly boost your mood.

Enjoy a lavender and sweet orange oil bath

Essential oils are great for boosting your mood as they can help stimulate your brain to release neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood.

“Simply add 10 drops of each essential oil to your bath water and relax,” the expert suggests. “The lavender will declutter the mind and the sweet orange will settle the nervous system, calming and de-stressing the mind.”

Try yoga breathing

Yoga breathing is a controlled breathing technique that involves inhaling and exhaling through the nose.

“Participate in some simple Yoga breathing, which has been shown to improve the way the nervous system is functioning,” Emma recommends. “Just 30 seconds of deep yoga breathing can make a big difference.”

She adds that you can find yoga breathing instructional videos on YouTube and that it will help “improve the mind, the body, the condition of the skin and calm anxiety.”

Get some fresh air

One of the best things you can do to calm your mind and improve your mood is to get outside, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

“Research shows that walking outside into nature not only improves the condition of your skin, but also helps with de-stressing and reducing anxiety,” Emma says.

Make your skincare routine a ritual

Try to turn your daily skincare routine into a daily treat that makes you feel good.

“Carve out some time into your day, perhaps on a Friday evening, to give a bit of love to your face,” the nurse practitioner advises. “Start by opening up your pores using either a purpose-built device or the traditional way of putting steaming water in a bowl and using towel over your head.”

She then recommends adding essential oils and a moisturising serum to your routine. You can do this while sipping a cleansing tea, such as peppermint or fennel.