We just passed the shortest day of the year in Australia, and that’s means we are well and truly in the midst of the cold, dark and wet reality of winter!
If the short days and long nights are impacting your mood, you’re not alone. A lack of Vitamin D from the sun means we may feel more sluggish, depressed and lethargic. Throw in the fact it’s harder to get up and out, and it can be easier to stay curled up at home.
If you need a mood booster this time of year, there are some small changes that will increase your happiness, hopefulness and energy. Here are six ways you can lift your spirits in winter:
Embrace the season
Instead of dreading the dark and cool of winter, embrace it! Winter-fy your home, and change the colours to match the coziness of the season. Put out blankets and pillows, use some candles, and make yourself hot chocolate. Enjoy all this weather had to offer.
Get outside
Exercising outdoors, or even getting to regular activities can be a chore in the winter months. So make it your mission to get outside into the sunshine once per day. Go for a walk at noon, or stand outside and feel the sun on your face. You may need to rug up, but that vitamin D will do wonders for your mood!
Listen to your body
If your body is feeling drained, listen to it! This the of year it’s important to recognise that our bodies go into semi hibernation of sorts - we are trying to preserve energy, stay healthy and get through. So if your body is feeling more lethargic or you sense an illness is coming on, don’t brush it aside - listen to it. You may need some extra rest, more nutrients or to have some grace on yourself.
Change your diet
Summer fruits and flavours make us feel rejuvenated and excited, but it can be harder to find these in winter. So adapt to the flavours and foods available in winter. Swap out mango or strawberries, for banana or apple. Instead of eating a summery salad, batch cook stew or soup and throw in plenty of veggies. Lean into the produce and food available to you and enjoy them, after all you only get this once a year!
Set achievable goals
If you find yourself less motivated or energised to complete tasks in winter, break your bigger goal into smaller steps, and celebrate each win. Reward yourself by having a coffee, reading a book, or doing an activity you love.
Stay connected
The time between when we see our friends and family can become drawn out in winter due to illness, fatigue and the cold. Make it a priority to catch up with people once a week, be it going out, seeing one another at a community group or sport, or catching up on Zoom. And in the mean time, stay connected over text or social media. You don’t have to be isolated.
