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19 Mood-Boosting Buys To Cheer You Up During Lockdown 3

The best pick-me-up purchases to beat the January blues.

by Bustle UK

Updated: Feb. 20, 2024

Originally Published: Jan. 9, 2021

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

January isn’t the best really, is it? January blues, dark days, and a never-ending month (anyone else feels like it lasts five years, not five weeks?) can be tough. Add to that the UK government’s announcement of a third national lockdown in England as a result of rising COVID-19 cases, plus the dystopian scenes of pro-Trump insurrectionists storming the Capitol Building in the States, and the start of 2021 has felt downright hopeless. To switch up the mundane monotony of what feels like an endlessly punishing news cycle, the Bustle UK team has shared the best mood-boosting buys to bring joy into your life this January.

In all seriousness, living in a global pandemic, and multiple lockdowns, plus being separated from loved ones and a general upheaval to everyday life can, and probably will, have an effect on mental health for many. Zoom quizzes and Saturday nights at home are no longer a novelty and living for the best part of a year under some form of lockdown restriction is far from easy. Don’t forget, there are plenty of mental health resources out there to help you through the third lockdown, and look after yourself. We also have a collection of funny memes that may help lift your spirits.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for a little pick-me-up to help you on your way to self-care superstardom, we've got you covered. Here are the best mood-boosting buys to lift your spirits this lockdown.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Bustle UK's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Uoma Badass Matte Lipstick in Tina

Cult Beauty

A slick of red lipstick can really do wonders for making me feel "put togethe,r, and Uoma's appropriately named Badass lipstick in the orange-based Tina shade suits most skin tones, and will be a welcome pop of colour on any Zoom call.

£21.50

Pandora's Green Solitaire Ring

New to the Pandora Colours collection, these hand-finished, 14k rose gold-plated rings are on hand to add a boost of colour to each and every day. Low-key sophistication when worn as a single ring, or packing a more powerful punch when stacked.

£35

Dr Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution Soothe & Sleep with Lavender

Boots

A bath, imho, is a sure-fire way to relax and calm the nervous system and Epsom salts are the (actually reasonably priced) luxury bath essential. Look for added lavender or eucalyptus for an extra treat for the senses. Don't have a bath? You can still sprinkle the salts by your feet and the scent will rise as the hot water hits it, or make a homemade scrub by adding almond, coconut, or olive oil to your salts.

£7.99

Positively Colourful Sweatshirt

The Yay Makers

Doing exactly what it says on the tin, The Yay Makers is here to spread colourful joy via a collection of T-shirts, hats and sweatshirts (because, let's face it, what else are we wearing?). The independent brand has just launched a T-shirt subscription, too: for £22, you will receive a bold colourful T-shirt deisgned by a different illustrator/designer/artist every other month.

£34

Vetiver Hand Lotion

Arket

I don't know about you but with all the hand washing and the baltic temperatures lately, my hands have been suffering. I also found a delightful scent is a potent pick-me-up, and Arket's Vetiver fragrance is addictive.

£17

Gold Mirrored Acrylic Disk & Gold Metallic Fibre Wrap Knot Earrings

StitchJewellery

Sure, earrings have the added benefit of being one of the best zoom-ready accessories, but independent brand StitchJewellery's colourful knotted pairs are just plain fun, too.

£16

Lumie Bodyclock Rise 100

John Lewis

One of the hardest parts about January is simply getting out of bed in the morning. Things generally stay dark until around 9 a.m., so forcing yourself out of bed before then is a real effort. Lumie's collection of alarm clocks (ranging in price from £40-£200) really are worth the hype when it comes to a gentle wake up, as their light mimics a sunrise. Some models also allow you to have a radio station wake you up, slowly increasing in volume over time. A good wake up means a good mood for the rest of the day.

£79

Sol Ceramic Cafetière

Oliver Bonas

One look at this gorgeous cafetière and your mood will be instantly boosted – and just imagine how you'll feel when there's some steaming host coffee inside waiting for you. And it comes with matching cups, too.

£39.50

LoveRems Mystery Box

LoveRems

LoveRems is a natural skincare brand based in the UK with a whole range of amazing products to check out. However, if you're looking to boost your mood, why not treat yourself to a surprise my ordering their "mystery box"? This gift set includes one randomly selected body butter or body cream (200ml) and one randomly selected body scrub or bath salt (200ml) as well as an Egyptian cotton flannel. The perfect pick-me-up for January.

£15

Passionfruit & Mango Loose Tea

Whittard

Not only does this tea have a summery taste that’ll transport you far away from the dreary old UK, it smells incredible and the rose petals and dried mango swirls make it a thing of beauty. A cup of this is an instant brightener, with all the benefits of green tea — helping you with any of those health, wealth, and happiness New Year's resolutions you may have made.

£7

Cashmere & Merino Luxe Lounge Joggers

Woolovers

These are some of the softest joggers you'll ever have joy of wearing. Cosy and comfortable, they’re also fairly reasonably-priced compared to other 100% wool options out there. With lockdowns across the UK for the foreseeable, you could do a lot worse than hunkering down in a pair of these.

£55

Affirmation Card

Afton By Palm

As well as delicate handmade ceramics and accessories, Afton By Palm – a UK-based craft store – also sells beautifully designed affirmation cards that will help get you in a positive frame of mind. A 2015 study by the Association for Psychological Science found that positive self-statements or affirmations can help boost your self-esteem if you truly believe in what you're saying. These cards are a great place to start. Sold individually (£2-£2.30) or in packs of three (£5.30-£6.40).

£2

Textured Animal Print Blue Cross Back Sports Top

Oliver Bonas

For lots of people, January signals the return to a regular fitness routine – or the beginning of a new one. Getting yourself motivated at this time is far from easy, but a fun workout outfit may help to make it a little bit more fun. This top from Oliver Bonas comes with matching leggings – or check out our list of the most fun patterned activewear for more options.

£33

'East'

Waterstones

For many people, cooking (and eating!) offers an instant mood boost and a chance to concentrate on something other than the hideous news cycle. East by Meera Sodha is bursting with delicious dishes, all of which are 100% vegetarian (and many of which are vegan). Don't be intimidated by the long ingredients lists – a lot of the recipes in here are deceptively easy and the herbs, spices, and sauces you'll buy for them will last and last. These are the kinds of dishes you can throw yourself into making and will challenge your cooking skills in the best way.

£20

Bree Art Print

DorcasCreates

All of Dorcas Magbadelo's designs are full of fire and life, but this illustration is particularly joyful and a perfect mood-boosting addition to your home. Available in A4 (£25), A3 (£40), and A2 (£75).

£25

Floral Print Cotton Table Cloth

Zara