Worried about winter? 10 ways to thrive
The temptation is to sit at home and hibernate, but beating the winter blues can be done. Here’s how to embrace the coldest and arguably most beautiful season
TL;DR
- Psychologist Stephanie Fitzgerald shares her journey of learning to love winter after struggling with it for years.
- She provides strategies for managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) using SAD lamps, vitamin D, and lifestyle adjustments.
- Fitzgerald advises adjusting daily routines, particularly sleep hygiene, by going to bed earlier in winter.
- She suggests rewriting the calendar by aligning personal new year with spring (April 1st in the UK) to better appreciate each season.
- The article encourages embracing winter activities, using uplifting language, and maintaining social connections.
- Tips include having 'hygge' days, adapting exercise routines, embracing slow cooking, and rethinking holiday plans.
- Fitzgerald highlights that winter can be a time for planning, restoration, reflection, and finding unique joys.
- The importance of social connection for mental well-being during winter is emphasized, with suggestions for planning meet-ups and celebrations.
- Adapting exercise by opting for shorter walks or different types of activities is recommended to combat winter sedentary behavior.
- Embracing slow cooking with seasonal ingredients is presented as a mindful and confidence-boosting activity.
- Rethinking holiday plans to include winter breaks or 'micro-breaks' is suggested for restorative benefits.