It’s that time of year again, winter is approaching. For me, as soon as Halloween is over, it’s winter. Let’s not beat around the bush: November is a bitter and frosty month. It’s my least favourite time of year. I prefer the summer for its warmth that feels like a hug, and for its long, clear days. Not this. This is despair embodied by the elements. And yet, for so many, it’s their favourite season! So maybe there’s hope for all of us winter haters. I’m going to share some tips to fight back against the winter blues, some from my own experience and others from my friends who love this time of year. Hopefully it brings a little more light to your days as they get shorter and shorter. If you are really struggling with the winter blues, there is help available here.
1. Winter Light
I can get past the cold, I can just wrap up. But I can’t get past the light. In the height of winter, there are around six or seven hours of daylight. I can’t even begin to explain how this makes me feel. I don’t really realise until spring begins and I suddenly feel happy again. But how can such a thing be overcome? The obvious answer would be to make sure that you are up during daylight hours. This shouldn’t be too hard considering that the sun will rise around 8:30am and set around 3:30pm. But you can actually replicate natural with artificial light. For example, there are a variety of light therapy lamps on Amazon at affordable prices. There is also the Lumie Sunrise Alarm which simulates a thirty minute sunrise to gradually awaken you in the light-deprived mornings (it also has a sunset option for night). Honestly, I’ve never tried these but they are recommended by so many. Personally, I like to make sure that I get out every day, especially when it’s sunny. There’s actually something really refreshing about a crisp winter walk.
2. Getting the most out of winter
And that leads me to my next point: embracing winter! If it helps you, remind yourself to be thankful that we are not yet in the dark drag of January. For many, this is the most joyful time of year. Ahead we have Christmas, New Year and lots of other holidays to celebrate. It’s not for nothing that these occur in winter – we need something to distract ourselves with. On a daily basis though, feeling cosy is something that many really look forward to. To return to light briefly, lighting candles is such a comforting thing to do. The yellow glow, the singular flame is like a very, very miniature version of the sun (please excuse my delusion)! I also love seasonal scents as they make being indoors so much more tolerable. A lot of people say that winter allows them to stay at home without feeling guilty. So appreciate that time, guilt-free. Decorate your room with all kinds of things that foster cosiness for you: candles, fairy-lights, blankets, whatever!
3. Ritualising studying
The final nail in the coffin during winter is exams. I actually don’t mind studying for exams in winter, though. It’s connected to what I discussed above, I don’t feel guilty for staying inside all day to revise. I have really been enjoying ritualising studying recently. So that means lighting a candle or making tea to accompany my work. It really romanticises the whole thing. It also makes it feel intentional and in a way, sacred. Yes I do listen to meditative music whilst I study and you know what, it really helps.
4. Vitamin D
I’m on day two of a vitamin D supplement. I expect to feel reborn. Just kidding! It’s recommended to take this in winter due to the lack of sunlight as vitamin D is needed for bone, teeth and muscle health. It’s not even about feeling different. It’s about looking after myself. And just knowing that I’m trying can sometimes be the boost I need.
Although it is technically still autumn, winter is charging at us. As I write, my extremities grow icy. But there is an upside. Winter is a time of slowing down, the weather invites us to stay indoors, to be restful. It is also a time of celebration, of reflecting on the year and spending time with our loved ones. So, embrace it or you might regret it. Or just try out some of my tips. We can do this!