Winter can get the best of us down – days of rain breeds cabin fever; cold sees us spending more time curled up in bed with the blinds down; staring at Facebook feels more inviting than a brisk walk in the park.
Along with this diet of inactivity, a whole range of complications can set in. Suddenly, we realise we’re not sleeping as well as we were, we’re lacking fitness, packing on the weight, becoming isolated, and losing interest in family and friends. It’s a recipe for the blues!
For others, winter can have even more serious consequences, bringing on a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or ‘SAD’. If you think you may be suffering from SAD, it’s important to consult a health professional, but if you feel you simply need some winter mental health pick-me-ups, try the following to stir you out of hibernation!
Out and about
A waterproof coat and a warm hat are often all standing between you and the outside world (if you don’t have waterproof footwear, pop your feet into some plastic bags before you put on your shoes). Layer up, go for a walk, and breath in the fresh air.
- Rain or shine
If it’s raining, take an umbrella, and head to the park to watch the birds dig for worms in the wet ground. Walk along a beach and listen to the surf. Head to a hill top, take off your hat for a minute, and let the wind blow through your hair. Wander down town and share a smile with others, splashing through the puddles.
- Mix it up
Take a regular walk, but at different times each day. As you do, take a photo of the same view, and note how things change according to the hour you’re out and about. Make a digital collage of your daily photos.
- Daily challenge
Depending on your health requirements, time yourself to see if you can walk the same daily route more swiftly each time you go out.
- Destination is everything
It’s often easier to leave home if you know you’re heading to a favourite destination. Whether it’s the museum, art gallery, footie field, cafe, or wharf, make a date with yourself to get there, at least part of the way, on foot.
Sleep it off!
- Break the pattern
Poor sleep is often a habit that can be broken. Get to bed at the same time each night (even if you don’t drop off to sleep right away). Set your alarm for the same time each morning, and get up when it goes off!
- No phone zone
Make your bedroom a no-phone zone. Blue light (which is what a phone screen emits) disrupts the production of the hormone controling our sleep patterns).
- Curb the liquids
Watch your liquid intake prior to going to bed. A full bladder will wake you – and can disturb a good night’s sleep.
Keep in touch
- Play catch up!
Meet up with different friends or family members each day – it doesn’t have to be demanding. Offer to walk a grandchild home from school, or take them to dance class or sports practice. Shout your friend a coffee at a local cafe. Drop your son or daughter off to work, and chat on the way. Surprise a friend with some baking, or flowers from your garden.
- Join a class
Sign up for a class. You don’t have to know anyone in order to feel part of a group. Ask Citizens Advice about low-cost leisure activities in your local area.
Habits are easy to form but hard to break. Whatever you do to help yourself exit your winter cocoon, be sure to stick at it until it becomes routine. You can do this!