The short days and long nights of winter can affect our mental health. This year, many of us have the added worry of the cost of living crisis and rising energy bills.
It’s no coincidence that Parent Mental Health Day (27 January), Time to Talk Day (2 February), and Children’s Mental Health Week (6 to 12 February) all occur at this time of year. Nor that our vote to find 2023’s charity partner was so unanimous.
You can read more about that in your Fingerprint team update where this year’s winning charity will be announced.
In the meantime, though, keep reading for your guide to seven ways to banish the winter blues and maintain your emotional wellbeing in the months ahead.
1. Get out into nature and soak up the fresh air
Fresh air, especially close to nature, can be invigorating for the body and mind. While the weather might not be great at this time of year, a bracing bout of wind and rain can blow away the festive cobwebs and be beneficial to your immune system.
The lack of sun, and its lower angle in the sky, can lead to vitamin D deficiencies in the winter. You could find yourself feeling sluggish, lacking concentration, and being unable to sleep.
Getting into the sun, even for a short time, can help top up your vitamin D levels (although you might consider supplements too). Taking fresh air in the morning could help to realign your circadian rhythms.
While you are outside, be sure to take a quiet moment to breathe deeply and connect with the natural world.
2. Get plenty of exercise, especially outdoors
Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s very own mood enhancers. Exercising outdoors has the added benefit of fresh air and nature, though indoor exercise works just as well when the weather is particularly bad.
Exercise has also been found to increase self-esteem and be beneficial for your mental health, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
You might find that making an exercise-related new year resolution helps, especially if you set yourself regular targets. Read five sure-fire ways to stick to your new year resolutions in 2023 to see how you can make resolutions that stick.
3. Work on getting the right amount of good quality sleep
The changes to daylight hours have a huge effect on our body’s circadian rhythms, with plenty of associated side-effects.
According to the NHS, a lack of sleep can lead to irritability, lost patience, and lower levels of empathy. You might also feel sluggish and anxious.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bedtime and be sure not to exercise too late in the day either.
Make sure that your bedroom is an environment conducive to sleep. It will need to be the right temperature for you. Also, control light and noise levels as much as you can.
4. Eat healthier
A balanced diet is always beneficial for both physical and emotional wellbeing but it can be especially important during the winter.
Seasonal affective disorder (Sad) can lead to cravings for sugar and fatty foods. While these are fine in moderation, and could even give a short-term mood boost, too much of either could make you sluggish and lead to weight gain.
Especially important during winter is to maintain your vitamin D intake. You might do this by increasing your intake of oily fish, egg yolks, and red meat.
5. Socialise
Short days and cold nights might leave you feeling lethargic, making socialising more difficult, or at least less appealing.
It’s important to tackle these feelings head-on and make a concerted effort to stay sociable during the winter months.
You might arrange an outdoor walk with a friend, helping you to get fresh air and exercise in the process.
Maybe your new resolution is to take up a hobby?
Start making arrangements right away. You could find that you are introduced to a whole new circle of friends while learning a new skill or reacquainting yourself with a forgotten one.
6. Take control of your budget
Money worries are a huge cause of anxiety, as well as arguments.
With the UK in recession, even the Bank of England (BoE) has conceded that the economic outlook for 2023 is “very challenging”. With energy bills set to rise further, inflation to remain high, and the cost of borrowing likely to rise again, now is the perfect time to get on top of your household budget.
Make a note of your income and expenditure and look for places where savings might be made. You might also think about revisiting any debt you hold (especially high interest debt) and being sure to top up your emergency fund.
7. Think about your future self
While times might be hard now, it’s important not to lose focus on your future self and your long-term goals.
Your pensions, investments, and protection policies are all vital to your future financial security so make sure your budget prioritises these.
Get in touch
At Fingerprint, our team of financial experts is on hand to help you manage your budget now and in the future, providing expert advice and peace of mind. If you need help or have any questions, speak to us now. Get in touch by emailing hello@fingerprintfp.co.uk or calling 03452 100 100.
