The clocks have gone back, shorter days are here, the long nights are drawing in, and winter is definitely on its way! And so possibly are the winter blues. I have definitely felt the affects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the past – the low mood, the lack of motivation and just generally feeling a bit meh.
For the last five years, for me, it’s felt completely acceptable to hibernate – between Covid and two winters spent navigating breast cancer, cosy nights in pyjamas, indulging in a good TV series and a lot of knitting felt like the only thing to do.
But this year, I feel more like myself again – stronger, more motivated and with a lot more energy. Instead of hiding away, which is soooo tempting since winter is not my favourite season, I don’t want to waste it. I want to find ways to boost mood, energy and motivation – and maybe even enjoy winter for a change.
And while everyone else I know seems to get excited about hunkering down with candles and roaring fires, I’m a bit terrified of them. So, these are five ways I’m planning to try to make the darker months feel a little brighter and banish the blues!
01
Getting Daylight
I’m such a morning person, and so getting up and enjoying the daylight as early as possible will be a must. Exposure to natural sunlight early in the day helps regulate our circadian rhythm, signalling to our body that it’s time to be awake and alert. This boosts serotonin levels and suppresses melatonin (the sleep hormone), improving both mood and energy levels throughout the day. And for the days where I need it, where its just gloomy, I’ve bought some artificial light, in the form of a SAD Lamp.
02
Exercise is a non-negotiable
In the past I’ve trained for the London Marathon over winter, its definitely kept the gloom at bay. So this year, I am going to set myself a challenge to build up the miles over the winter months. I love running – its my go-to but even just a short walk can help. Regularly moving our bodies is key.
03
Eating the rainbow
Its easy to want to just eat comfort food, but I plan to eat the rainbow to boost mood, support immunity and increase energy – I’ve got a few go to recipes, like this soup. And also I recently bought a few new recipe books which I can’t wait to try out.
04
Staying Connected
Yes, Christmas will soon be upon us and the weeks will fill with parties and gatherings – but I’m also keeping up my regular meet-ups, like Learning Club and dance class.
Research shows that staying socially connected boosts mood, reduces loneliness, and even supports physical health. Regular interaction helps lower stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. It doesn’t need to be much – a weekly class, a walk with a friend or a catch up over coffee can make all the difference.
05
Planning some fun
Did I mention I turn 50 next year? I have a party to plan – that will definitely keep me busy. And I’m creating my own ’50 things to do’ list.
But even if you’re not marking a milestone, having something to look forward to can make a huge difference in winter. It gives our brain a dopamine boost (the feel-good chemical linked to motivation and anticipation) and can help shift focus from the dull, miserable days to the good things ahead. Something as small as planning a get together with friends can work wonders – plans don’t need to be big or expensive.
It doesn’t mean I won’t hunkerdown at times:
These TV shows are on my to-watch list:
There is nothing like a good book to escape to at this time of year. The 5 books I’ve got on my reading list are:
And some of the the products to help me banish the winter blues
