Everything feels better when the sun is shining, and the days are long. Indeed, for many people, summer is the season of positivity and bright moods.
So, how can you retain your summer cheer when the nights begin to draw in and the temperature drops?
According to Healthwatch, 1 in 20 people in the UK are diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is a type of depression that’s typically triggered by a decrease in daylight hours and worsening weather.
Even if you’re lucky enough not to suffer from SAD, you may notice a drop in your mood and energy as autumn fades into winter.
So, read on to learn some practical ways to hold on to your summer cheer as the days become shorter.
Make time for enjoyable hobbies
Starting a new hobby can be a great way to stop you from getting bored and stave off the blues when winter arrives.
There might be something you’ve always fancied trying your hand at, or perhaps you’d like to revive a hobby you’ve not indulged in for many years.
If you struggle to stay motivated, it might help to try an activity that builds your skills over time, such as learning a language. Or you could choose a hobby that results in a finished product, such as knitting clothes or making jewellery.
Your hobby might even lead you to new friendships, either online or in your local community. For example, you could sign up for art or exercise classes at a community centre or join an online group for people who share your interests.
Socialising can be a real mood booster, so it could be a great addition to your anti-winter blues strategy!
Factor self-care into your daily routine
Self-care means looking after your wellbeing and happiness. This might seem like an obvious step towards maintaining positive mental health, but it’s something that many people neglect.
If you have a demanding career, a busy family life – or both! – taking time out to look after yourself might be low down on your list of priorities.
Yet, self-care can be an effective way to reduce stress and lift your mood on cold, dark winter evenings. So, try factoring it into your daily routine as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself.
This could mean spending 10 minutes with a cuppa and a good book, soaking in a hot bubble bath, meditating, or listening to your favourite music – whatever nourishes your mind and body, and restores your summer cheer.
Engage in random acts of kindness
Bringing joy to others can be an extremely effective way to lift your mood. This could be as simple as cooking your partner their favourite meal or offering your neighbour a lift.
If you’re keen to help people beyond your immediate social circles, you could donate to charity or explore opportunities for volunteering locally.
You might even find a cause that allows you to engage in your new hobby while helping others. For example, if you love gardening, you could volunteer to tend the grounds at your local hospital, residential home, or National Trust property.
Get plenty of exercise, ideally outdoors
Exercising releases endorphins, which help improve your mood and sense of wellbeing. It can also alleviate stress and boost your self-confidence.
If the weather outside doesn’t look appealing, there are plenty of ways to keep active without leaving your house.
You’ll be spoilt for choice by the array of home workouts available online. Most require little or no equipment and space.
Meanwhile, if the weather is kind or you’re happy to wrap up and brave the elements, exercising outdoors could provide bonus wellbeing points! According to the mental health charity, Mind, spending time in nature could reduce stress, improve your self-esteem, help you feel more relaxed and lead to a brighter mood.
Use a light box
If you notice your mood dip when the days become shorter and darker, it might be worth investing in a light box. These are typically flat screens or boxes that simulate the sunlight your body may be missing during the winter months.
Light therapy is thought to improve SAD by triggering your brain to produce more of the hormones melatonin (sleep-inducing) and serotonin (mood-enhancing).
You could reap these benefits by sitting in front of your light box for around 30 minutes each day. After a week of consistent use, you might feel the winter blues fading away and your summer cheer returning.
Get in touch
If you’re looking for a financial planner in Bristol who can help you take a positive and proactive approach to your finances all year round, we can help.
Please get in touch either by email at helpme@aspirellp.co.uk or by calling 0117 9303510.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
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