It’s a Monday morning in mid-January, your alarm goes off and you swear it must be a mistake – surely it’s still the middle of the night? Winter can be a challenging time for many with the shorter days, longer nights, and colder temperatures impacting our overall wellbeing and making it difficult to get motivated. So, how can you alleviate the doom and gloom?
There are actually lots of things to love about winter (snow days anyone?!) and the shorter days are actually a great excuse to hunker down at home and relax! We’ve got 10 tips to improve your wellbeing and help you make the most of the time of year.
- Stay Active: Exercise is a natural mood booster. Find activities you enjoy, whether it's hitting the gym, walking to College or going for a winter run, all will help your motivation. Take notice of your surroundings while you're out – winter can be a beautiful time of year and being out in nature is proven to improve your wellbeing.
- Boost Your Immune System: Cold and flu season often coincide with winter. Support your immune system by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Consider taking vitamin supplements if needed.
- Embrace Natural Light: Maximise your exposure to natural light during the day. Open curtains, go for a walk outside, or read near a window. Sunlight helps regulate your sleep cycle and improves mood.
- Stay Hydrated: In colder weather, it's easy to forget to drink enough water. Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle - don’t fancy cold water? Try a warm herbal tea, or hot chocoate.
- Socialise and Connect: Combat feelings of isolation by staying connected with friends and family. Plan social activities to give yourself things to look forward to.
- Mindful Eating: Love comfort food? Us too, but try and maintain a balanced diet. Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and nuts, to support mental health.
- Create a Cosy Environment: Have you heard of hygge? It’s a Danish concept which means cosiness - creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people…think snug blankets, calming candles and your favourite film on TV. Their winters are worse than the UK, so they know a thing or two about how to make them more enjoyable!
- Set Realistic Goals: Break down your tasks into manageable goals. This can help alleviate the sense of being overwhelmed during the winter months and give you a sense of accomplishment.
- Treat Yourself: Taking time for yourself is crucial for winter wellbeing, whether it's reading a good book, a cinema or bowling trip or an afternoon spent gaming!
- Prioritise Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep with a few early nights per week. Avoid screen time before bed to improve the quality of your sleep.
Need more support? Contact our Student Services Team
