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Feeling the Winter Blues? Here’s 6 Way's to Brighten Your Winter Days

Updated: Nov 14, 2024



Have you noticed your energy levels dropping or your mood dipping lately? Are you daydreaming about sunnier skies and a summer getaway? If so, you’re not alone.


In the UK, winter often feels like a gloomy stretch, and it's easy to fall into the habit of wishing it away. But if we spend three to four months every year hating the season, we’re missing a huge chunk of our lives. Instead, what if we saw the colder, darker days as an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and create moments of warmth and joy?


Scandinavians know a thing or two about making the most of long winters. The Danish tradition of hygge teaches us to embrace the season with cosy evenings, connection with loved ones, and a focus on wellbeing. Why not take a leaf from their book? With a few small changes, winter can become less of a hurdle and more of a season to savour.


6 Ways to Brighten Your Winter Days


  1. Embrace the Season, Don’t Fight It Acceptance is key. Instead of resisting winter, try reframing your mindset. If you’ve always said, “I hate winter,” consider softer phrases like, “I’m learning to appreciate winter.” Think about what you enjoy during the colder months—whether it’s tackling a home project, experimenting with new recipes, or snuggling up with a book. Imagine the satisfaction of a hot drink or a roaring fire after a crisp winter walk!


  2. Get Outside Whenever You Can “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” Layer up and make a habit of getting fresh air and sunlight each day. A brisk walk, even just in your garden, can do wonders for your mood. Consider joining challenges like RED January, which encourages daily outdoor activity to support mental health.


  3. Listen to Your Body and Rest Winter’s shorter days naturally make us feel more tired. Instead of fighting the urge to slow down, embrace it. Allow yourself extra sleep, create a soothing bedtime routine, and indulge in the occasional box-set binge when the weather keeps you indoors. Like hibernating animals, we all need time to recharge.


  4. Boost Your Vitamin D Levels Between October and February, sunlight in the UK isn’t strong enough for our bodies to produce adequate vitamin D. A daily supplement, as recommended by the NHS, could help regulate mood and support overall wellbeing.


  5. Light Up Your Space Brighten your home with candles, fairy lights, or a fire. Consider investing in a light therapy lamp to help regulate your circadian rhythm and boost your mood. Even 30 minutes a day of full-spectrum light can make a big difference.


  6. Connect with Others Cold weather brings us closer together. Use this time to nurture relationships—whether it’s cosy evenings with loved ones or laughter-filled chats with friends. Surround yourself with uplifting people who remind you of the positives in life.


When Winter Blues Feel Overwhelming


For some, winter brings more than just a passing dip in mood. Around 3 in 100 people in the UK experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression linked to seasonal changes. If low energy, motivation, or mood are interfering with your daily life, speak to your GP. You don’t have to face it alone.


Useful Contacts for Support


For more resources, visit the links above or reach out to local support networks.


A Final Thought:


When winter feels endless, remember: the days are already getting lighter, bit by bit, and spring is always just around the corner. With each passing day, we’re one step closer to brighter skies.


Illustration credit to Jessica Boehman http://www.jessicaboehman.com/



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