Winter Wellbeing

Written by Stacey Murray

Stacey is a Boom Buddy Mum and Director at Create & Connect Wellbeing CIC which offers creative sessions for adults to support mental health and wellbeing.

Many of us find that our mood dips in the winter months and supporting our wellbeing can feel more challenging. A combination of the shorter days, change in weather, pressures of the festive season and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern – can all be contributing factors. So, what can we do to support ourselves at this time of year?

Embrace the winter months with time outside

The cold weather can make it feel less appealing to spend time outside but it brings so many benefits. Fresh air, connecting with nature and gentle exercise can all help to support our wellbeing and mental health.

•   Wrap up warm and head out for a winter walk. The Peak District is stunning in winter and there are local organised walks that run through the winter months.

•   We can think of winter as being dark, but there is so much colour to be enjoyed. Notice the changing leaves and look out for the berries adding splashes of colour such as the small orange-red Rowan berries and bright red Holly berries.

•   For families, it can be great to get outside in the colder months. Whether it’s a bike ride, visiting the local park, exploring a local woodland or just splashing in puddles, time in nature is just as beneficial for children in winter as it is in summer.

Find joy in simple pleasures

The Danish word Hygge describes a cosiness and comfort that brings contentment from simple pleasures, and the winter months are the perfect time to enjoy these small, often mindful, moments. We all find joy in different things, but these are some of my favourites.

•   Meeting friends for a seasonally spiced hot drink and a long chat.

•   Lighting candles and snuggling up under my favourite blankets.

•   Finding a new cozy jumper. I always find one I love in one of the local charity shops.

Allow yourself to slow down and reset

So much of nature stops and slows down during winter. When the trees lose their leaves, it helps them to conserve energy and recycle nutrients for future growth. We need this too, but it can be difficult for us to do. It can be helpful to introduce some purposeful habits.

•   Find a moment when you can slow down every day. Maybe it’s a few minutes looking out of your kitchen window each morning, slowly enjoying your first drink of the day, or spending longer in the shower noticing how the water feels on your skin.

•   Journaling can help you to process thoughts and feelings. If you’re more of a visual person or find writing overwhelming, you could try creating a collage with magazine cuttings instead.

•   Making time to do things that are just for you is really important. Add something that supports your self-care to your to do list every week, even if it’s just for an hour.

Always remember, it’s OK to do less.

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