What has winter got to do with your well-being?
Maybe you’re a real fan of the colder mornings, darker nights and autumnal colours. (I love all the different colours that come with this season!)
The colder months bring cosiness and a different flavour of activities to life, but they also bring in darkness and some seasonal problems with them too. These can affect your mood, ongoing mental health conditions and general health. As any of my clients know, I’m a fan of being prepared! I’m also a big believer that knowledge is power. Your wellbeing doesn’t have to suffer just because it’s winter! So as those dark cold nights are upon us – it’s time to get prepared.
What difference does it make that it’s cold?
During the summer months; especially here in the UK, you’re much more likely to spend time outside naturally. It’s warmer, it’s sunny – if you’ve got kids you’re more likely to spend an afternoon or two at the park or the beach to keep busy than you are stay cooped up indoors. This means that you get exercise and a natural dose of Vitamin D from the sun. Low Vitamin D is often attributed to Seasonal Affective Disorder, also referred to as Sad. Some people choose to take a supplement in the winter months if they really feel that it makes a difference to them.
All of these things are good for you – they help maintain a healthy lifestyle, they’re good for your well-being and moving more makes you feel good.
Being out and about increases your chance of being sociable and taking part in activities or just meeting up with family and friends; being inside limits those opportunities slightly. So you have to get intentional with how you spend your time; even if it’s going to be inside. In the winter – especially in the UK is colder, darker, and the days are shorter – this doesn’t bode well for improving your wellbeing. So you have to take steps to be proactive, by getting outside and setting social opportunities up.
How can you make this part of your life?
Get intentional about looking after your mental health during colder months and try new things. Perhaps you’ll wrap up warm and still get out with the dog or the kids and enjoy hot drinks when you get back in. Getting extra steps in during the working day by parking just that little bit further away. Or take a brisk walk during your lunch break. If your finances allow – join a gym or club and take classes (with the heat on!)
Allow yourself to get creative; express emotions and stress in artistic ways, you could try poetry or painting. You might like modelling clay or baking. Sometimes having a process to follow in the kitchen or even building lego figures can be a mindful way of letting go of the thoughts that cloud your mind and enjoying something in the here and now.
Journalling as an outlet for frustration and stress can be really effective. Your pages don’t have to make sense, you can jot down thoughts, and feelings, and use them as a diary; there are no rules. You might like to follow prompts, that guide you. You might find it easy to scribble, scrawl, write or draw whatever comes to mind at the time. The key is trying things to find what works for you.
So, key points for looking after your wellbeing this winter:
- Get sociable – inside or out
- Be intentional, and make plans – this also helps with having things to look forward to which can lift your mood!
- Get creative about how you meet your needs
- Vitamin D supplements and eating well can help give you a boost
- Seek support if needed; from friends/family/workmates or professionals
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