Your best winter yet?

The approach of winter may be affecting your mood. For many of us, the longer nights and the colder weather can cause a sense of gloom. Whether it’s the reduction in daylight hours, or the lack of motivation to go outside - it can be tough getting through the winter.

You may have heard of SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s a condition where the darkness of winter starts to cause low mood and depression. Whether it is a diagnosis for you or not, you may still find yourself affected as the nights draw in.

So how do we look after ourselves this season? What can we put in place, to make sure that we have the best winter yet? Here are a few ideas:

Booking in to at least one class or group

Booking into a weekly activity can keep you going out and keeping in contact with other humans. It could be an art class or a sport, but it can also be a mental health support group - either in person or online. It might give you a sense of progress, fulfilment and structure. If nothing else, it’ll keep you busy :) 

Creating joy at home

Decorating for the season with colourful leaves, fairy lights and soft blankets could create a warm and joyful atmosphere. Getting really into activity kits like diamond painting, embroidery or cooking could bring a sense of progress and a fun way to keep yourself occupied. Drinking hot drinks and eating comfort food can help increase your sense of wellbeing and warmth. What ideas come to mind when you think of spending a cosy winter at home? 

Weekly movie night

Establishing a weekly movie night - either for yourself, or with friends - can help you maintain a sense of routine and activity. You might work through a collection of classic films, or perhaps you’ll enjoy a selection of documentaries about your favourite interest. So wrap yourself up in blankets, grab a cup of tea and a snack, and enjoy your cosy night in.

Planning new things

Looking at the weekend ahead, you might want to start planning things ahead. So whether it’s meeting a friend, going for a long walk, or visiting an art gallery - try to put things in place on your quieter days, so that you have things to look forward to and a variation in your days. 

Audiobooks

Whether it’s adventure stories or mysteries, you might enjoy escaping to a different world as you move through the season. 

I particularly like self development books, to help me explore habit change and new ways to grow. On this theme, I enjoyed Wintering, by Katherine May. She eloquently explores both the experience of living well through winter, but also taking care of yourself through an emotional winter of life. 

Increased mental health support

You may want to find a group, therapist, or start a journalling habit to support your mental health as the nights draw in. You may want to call your friends more regularly. Whatever it is, caring for your emotions can help you feel comforted and steady as you move through the season. 

What helps you during the winter? How could you increase your sense of wellbeing during this season? 

Warmth and wishes,

April