Ahh, the winter blues. You know the feeling, right? Weeks of lousy weather, short and dark days, and seasonal colds can leave us feeling a bit low.
It’s completely normal to experience the winter blues from time to time. However, if you’re feeling consistently low, it’s important to reach out to a professional. Consistent low mood is never something you should try to shrug off.
But if you’re sure it’s just a case of the winter blues, here are some tips to help you boost your mood.
Winter doesn’t last forever. It too shall pass! When every day is dreary, it can feel neverending, but soon enough the spring blossoms will bloom and the race will be on to Christmas.
Whether it’s a must-watch series on Netflix or indulging in making your favourite dinner, give yourself something to look forward to each day. The little things can make a big difference.
Stay active and enjoy those endorphins. Not only can endorphins help to relieve stress and pain, they also trigger positive feelings in your brain.
Write a list of all the things you love about the colder months, and take full advantage of them while you can. They don’t have to be big things – think of little delights like hot coffee or the sound of rain on the roof while you fall asleep.
One of the reasons we feel a bit more glum in winter is because our bodies soak up less sunlight hours, which can interrupt our internal body clock and mess up the balance of our melatonin and serotonin levels. How annoying! So, if possible, get out for lunchtime walks to maximise your exposure to natural light.
Getting enough sleep is important all year round, but when you’re at risk of lower moods in winter, it’s even more crucial to replenish your energy stores. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This helps to establish a routine for your body to follow.
Positive social interactions contribute to our mental wellbeing, so make time to get out and about with friends – or, if you’re too cozy at home, connect online.
Winter provides us with more time to upskill with a project or hobby, especially with the ability to learn right at our fingertips (online). You could go solo, or get friends and family involved.
Mindfulness is a great way to keep negative thoughts at bay. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of, but before you know it, you’ll be using mindfulness on a regular basis to focus on the positives, reduce anxiety and be more present in your day. This guided meditation by Jase Te Patu are a great place to start.
You don’t have to go on a big overseas holiday to experience all the exciting feelings that come from taking a break. Even a weekend visit to a neighbouring town or city can refresh the mind and body – giving you a chance to relax, destress and enjoy somewhere new.