by Anastasia Fermin, Sunshima blog writer
As Summer rolled into Autumn, weather conditions weren’t as ideal as we would have liked. It was wetter than usual in August, with September picking up some of the slack, scattering a bit of sunshine before the cooler October days. With Winter just around the corner, the colder temperatures, shorter days, and darker nights often bring a shift in mood for many people. Here are some ways to boost your mood during late Autumn and Winter.
Take a trek outdoors
As it is getting colder, many people find themselves cooped up inside most of the time. However, you can still enjoy the outdoors when the weather is favourable. Having less or limited exposure to sunlight is a known contributing factor that causes some people to experience SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Therefore, it’s important to make the best of daylight hours when you can. For example, prioritize outdoor activities during Autumn and Winter such as daily walks in the morning or before the sun goes down, attend outdoor events and embrace nature at every opportunity. You can also take advantage of clear night skies to stargaze or look at the moon and the beauty of the landscape at night.
Create a self-care routine
Some people thrive on routine. Routines set goals for the day, giving you more control over how to plan and manage your time. It also helps you to juggle priorities and become more productive. Self-care comes in many forms. You can start a Winter skincare routine to ease the effects of harsh weather, take time every day to read a good book, or cook healthy meals. Your self-care routine could also involve unplugging from social media to focus on a hobby or meditate. If you spend a lot of time indoors, think of a household project you can work on every day or pick up a new hobby you will enjoy to de-stress. Seeing your project or hobby progress and grow over time will give you a great sense of achievement which in turn will boost your mood.
Focus on your health
Exercise and a healthy diet are proven methods to boost your mood and overall wellness. In Autumn and Winter, following a healthy lifestyle is very important. In the Winter especially, many of us become less active and reach for comfort foods that aren’t the healthiest. It’s easy to put on a few extra pounds during the colder months. It’s therefore essential to keep active with exercise (whether it is indoors or outdoors) and eat healthily. As it may be difficult to get enough vitamin D just from your diet alone, the NHS recommends taking a daily supplement containing 10 mg of vitamin D during Autumn and Winter.
Spend time with others
If you feel like you are going through the winter blues, reach out to a friend. Talk to someone who you can confide in, or consider therapy either online or in person. Engaging in positive social interactions can boost your mood and alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression. If you live with your family, you can find ways to bond by playing games, talking, or doing something fun together. Just knowing that someone is there to chat with you about your day or share your feelings is comforting! While in Autumn and Winter when less daylight and colder temperatures can make you want to hibernate, there are many ways to boost your mood. A bracing walk with family and friends, deciding to embark on a new project/hobby, or just spending time with loved ones can all make a difference to how you experience this time of year.