Winter is the season of crisp frosty mornings, beautiful snowscapes and, of course, Christmas. But for some, the season’s short days and long nights also bring wellbeing struggles.
Maintaining social engagements, keeping emotionally and physically fit, and staying positive can be harder in winter. There are, though, some simple hacks, mindfulness techniques, and perspective shifts that could help.
Keep reading for seven top tips for banishing the winter blues and embracing the countdown to spring.
1. Find ways to stay sociable
If winter’s dark evenings and inclement weather don’t feel conducive to big nights out or large social gatherings, find new ways to keep in touch with those close to you.
Arrange a winter walk and a coffee with a friend or find events like knitting groups or “crafternoons” where you can share a hobby with like-minded people. Invite friends around for a low-key evening to share a bottle of wine or even to watch a film together.
Socialising doesn’t have to be stressful or mean going out. If you opt to stay in, though, make it a choice and be sure to treat yourself.
2. Take up a new indoor hobby
Settling down in front of a roaring fire is most fun when it’s dark and cold outside so why not embrace the opportunity that winter provides?
Poor weather could give you the perfect excuse to take up a new hobby. Whether you want to bake, paint, or even just read more, longer darker nights during which to commit to your pastime might be just what you need.
3. Get outdoors when you can, especially when it’s light
Waking up before sunrise and then travelling to and from work in the dark can be demoralising. So, it’s important to make the most of the light there is.
Morning light is particularly useful for maintaining your circadian rhythms so try an early morning walk. The fresh air and exercise will do you good too!
Keep your home as light and bright as possible. Open curtains, use mirrors to reflect daylight, and if you work from home, try to do so next to a window.
When you’re outside, or even while looking outside, be mindful of what you can see and hear. Some phenomena, like patterns of frost on glass or the silhouette of leafless trees against a grey sky, are specific to winter. Notice them and appreciate their beauty.
4. Be sure to stay fit even when the weather is bad
If you struggle to find the motivation to socialise during winter, forcing yourself to exercise might be even harder. Running or walking in the cold, wet, and dark isn’t much fun but setting yourself small goals and attainable challenges can help.
Find a local parkrun and set yourself a time to beat or prepare to run one for the first time. Be sure to tell other people about your plans to give yourself accountability.
If running’s not your thing, your goal might be a certain number of steps each day or a set number of walks each week. Arrange a regular walk with a friend to keep you motivated and you might find you form a habit that you can take into spring.
5. Luxuriate in your indoor cosiness
When you’re indoors during the winter it’s important not to feel confined. Being inside is a choice so make the most of that decision.
Keep curtains open to make the most of natural light during the day but be sure to get cosy at night. Use lamps and candles to create a calming atmosphere and to soften the transition from the dark outside.
6. Look for the positives
Snow, fog, and rain aren’t intrinsically bad, it’s simply a matter of perspective.
TV reports and weather apps are quick to forecast thunderstorms and snow but the probability attached to these events could be low. If it’s only going to rain in the afternoon, plan a walk for the morning and whenever you choose to head outside, dress appropriately.
Suitable attire can completely change your experience of even the wintriest weather.
7. Alter your winter mindset
Rather than seeing winter as one long season of cold dark nights, why not opt for the approach taken by the Sámi?
The Indigenous people of northern regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia have eight seasons.
Alongside winter they have autumn-winter and spring-winter. Knowing you’re in autumn-winter won’t change the weather or the length of the dark nights, but it might help you cling on to autumn. Likewise, you can start looking forward to spring much earlier.
Try it, it might just help!
