Being Well in Winter
Guest Blog, written by community member – Clare Moller
Wellness and wellbeing in winter- say that 3 times after drinking! All jokes aside- wellbeing in winter is essential.
Winter looks very beautiful from the outside. The ice dances and sparkles everywhere and the snow looks picturesque as if from a storybook. And winter is a time to be cosy from the inside. The images of fires blazing, warm jumpers, holding mugs obviously containing hot drinks and being wrapped up in warm blankets come to mind. Bliss. That’s the ideal image of winter we all have.
But, in reality, all is not as warm as that for many of us.
Mental health in general can be quite “down”. People lose motivation to do things and can generally get quite glum during those cold and dark winter months, especially during December and January with winter at its peak. Primarily, a common problem is SAD- Seasonal Affective Disorder- a condition that affects many people.
Another worry in winter is the increasing cost of fuel to heat our homes. This is not a new thing as over the last few years the cost of living crisis has emerged. Older people especially are being affected, as well as anyone on lower incomes, with a struggle to meet the bills. For some people it is worse- the expression heating or eating - comes to mind, which is a choice no-one should have to make. In this day and age, it is terrible.
The darkness is a big problem for most people. I myself do not like the dark nights and mornings. Light has such a positive effect on most of us.
To help and hopefully stop this, research suggests:
Wrapping yourself up in a warm blanket not only keeps you warm but the wrapped up being makes you feel cosy and safe.
Try to go out as much as you can during the day, exposing yourself to as much sunlight as possible.
Use candles - artificial or real- to make the light softer, as well as images of crackling fires and online soothing sounds. Particularly for SAD sufferers, special LED lights can make a difference in your home, creating more natural daylight when your body needs it, to hopefully boost moods.
Reach out to your support network to stop isolation when more home bound.
Engage in fun activities and keep your commitments to them.
The best thing to do with winter is embrace it and accept it. Look at it with appreciation. In reality, you get to stay indoors more (if you want to!) and cosy up, watch nonsense TV, relax and do whatever else that makes you happy.
Being well in winter is for everyone – how do you keep well in this season?
About the author: Clare comes to Pause & Breathe and has been involved in our community for the last 4 years. She has an interest in writing and was looking to share her experiences of Winter.