When we speak about winter in the UK, we often talk in terms of survival: getting through it, pushing through to spring. But what if it’s possible not just to survive the winter, but to thrive?
There’s no doubt that this season can be tricky. Dark mornings and evenings, post-holiday fatigue, colder temperatures – all of these things can drain our energy. And yet it’s possible to turn the apparent disadvantages of winter into advantages with the right outlook. Indeed, studies show that a positive mindset can strongly effect our experience of winter.
Of course, for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it’s a different picture. If that’s the case for you, talk to your GP if you’re struggling to cope. But if your annual winter blues are on the milder side, we have some ideas for transforming the colder season into a time of real opportunity.
We’re certainly not saying you should try all of these ideas – that would be a truly exhausting winter! Take a look and pick out the suggestions that really speak to you. Who knows, some these self-care ideas may turn you into a true cold-weather animal, ready to thrive as the mercury drops.
1. Head to the spa
From Finland to Norway, there’s one thing many colder-climate countries have in common: an appreciation of the healing power of heat therapy. In the UK, we’ve been a bit slower to embrace the sauna as a winter sanctuary, but that’s rapidly changing.
Public saunas are popping up across the country, from city-centre spaces to seaside spots. Research into the health benefits of regular sauna use is ongoing, but studies so far suggest that these include easing muscle tension, improving circulation and relieving stress.
You don’t actually need to spend ages in the sauna to reap the benefits – 20 minutes maximum, and more like 5 if you’re new to heat therapy. That means this is a relatively easy win when it comes to revitalising your winter routine.
2. Choose a skill upgrade
Make the most of extra time in the great indoors and create a plan to learn a fresh skill or develop an existing skill. Cooking different dishes with new-to-you techniques, learning or improving a language, perfecting a racquets sport such as Padel; there’s a whole world to explore while staying warm.
3. Winterproof your skincare
Sore, dry and reddened skin is unlikely to spark joy – and yet it can be a common side effect of falling temperatures. Avoid this winter annoyance by choosing richer moisturisers and/or serums than you’d use for the rest of the year. That goes for your body as much as for your face.
4. Book winter-specific activities
There are some activities you can only do in winter. Budget allowing, book some of these to help you celebrate the uniqueness of the season. We’re talking light trails, pantomimes, skiing and outdoor ice skating, among other wintertime pleasures.
You don’t actually need to spend any money on winter activities. A long walk on a crisp winter’s day can be a thing of joy.
5. Embrace winter dressing
Similarly, lean into the singular delights of winter outfits. It’s the time of year to embrace the softest of knits, duvet-style coats, ear-cosseting hats and faux-fur-lined gloves.
While a summertime sequin can be very chic, winter is also a particularly good time to surface your sparkliest looks, from embellished tops to head-to-toe metallics.
Of course, it’s not just about the aesthetics. If you’re committed to exercising outdoors throughout winter, make sure you have the right kit for running and cycling when it’s cold.
6. Defend your vitamin D levels
Vitamin D is produced in the skin through exposure to sunlight – something that’s in short supply in a typical UK winter. If possible, try to get more of this essential nutrient through your diet; sources include oily fish, red meat and egg yolks. You could also start taking a regular vitamin D supplement.
7. Make some new playlists
Music can have a real affect on mood. Why not create some winter-specific playlists to give you a boost? Think fresh exercise music, tracks to cosy up to on cold evenings, a morning playlist to uplift and inspire.
8. Revamp your sleep routine
Other than the December, winter can be a slightly less social time than the rest of the year. Why not take advantage of having more free evenings by setting up a sleep routine? That means setting yourself a bedtime and wake-up time, and sticking to both as far as possible.
It’s worth taking the time to experiment in order to find out what works best for you. If you find yourself unable to drift off, try going to bed a bit later and setting your alarm a bit earlier.
9. Revamp your morning routine
In winter, you’re more likely to wake up when it’s still dark, so consider whether it’s worth tweaking your morning routine to reflect that. If you’re normally an outdoor exerciser, for example, you might want to move your morning run or walk to lunchtime, so you can get as much natural light as possible. You might try adding a first-thing meditation session if you’re struggling to get up, to give you a gentler start to the day.
If you’re simply not a breakfast person, simply scroll on by. But if you are? Think about supercharging your breakfast for extra energy. Add nuts and berries to your porridge, avocado and salmon to your eggs.
10. Nourish your body
Now is not the time for deprivation. Nourish yourself with delicious, warming, seasonal winter foods. Does Christmas chocolate count as seasonal food? We’ll leave that up to the individual.
11. Look ahead to joy
Staring down the barrel of a UK winter can be somewhat challenging. While officially lasting for just a few months, winter can feel like several years at once, particularly on days when ice and sleet make their appearance. One way to remain positive to think of all the good to come this season. After all, the UK winter is the time of (depending on dates) Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year and, further ahead, Valentine’s Day and Pancake Day.
There are also some great sporting events to enjoy, if that’s your kind of thing, such as the Australian Open, the Women’s Ashes and the Six Nations. And just think of all the sparkling new TV series that will be launching in January and February.
You could also, budget allowing, start booking any holidays you’re planning for the year ahead. Knowing you’ve got a trip or two to look forward to can really improve your mindset – and you might bag a bargain in the sales.
12. Let the bath into your life
Are you a bath person? Winter is your season. What could be nicer than sinking into heated, scented water after a long, cold day? And a bath doesn’t just have to be an evening pleasure. A morning bath can be both revitalising and relaxing, setting you up nicely for the travails ahead.
With environmental and energy bill concerns, we’re not suggesting you must bathe every day. But don’t discount a delicious soak as part of your winter care toolkit.
13. Switch things up
Even if you’re not going out as much, winter can still be a time of new experiences. Keep your mind active by trying new things. Read a book in a genre you wouldn’t usually choose, try one new exercise class a week, even just wear a colour you’ve never considered.
New experiences can help spark a sense of wonder, which can truly improve your outlook.
14. Get creative with your social life
While we’re speaking of creating new experiences, why not apply that same idea to your social life? Rather than doing the same old things when you meet up with friends, agree to try something different at least once a month, whether that’s a one-off book club, a visit to a gallery or trying a new indoor sport together.
15. Upgrade your accessories
We’re not saying you can spend yourself happy, but a few little upgrades to your winter-specific accessories can make you feel extra-cossetted. Think a substantial new mug for your favourite hot drink, an inviting blanket, stroke-able cushions or soft-as-butter bedding. Perhaps add some twinkling fairy or festoon lights, or a new glowing lamp that brings extra cosiness.
16. Introduce a Sunday planning session
Use Sunday evenings to plan out how you want your week to look. That can include meal planning for the week, an essential tasks to-do list and writing down five things you want to accomplish.
17. Plan your spring
What would it look like to love your life? Spend time considering this, and once you have a picture in your head, think about the steps you’d need to get there. We’re not talking about big leaps – small progressions towards what you want, and habits and routines you need to develop.
Then you can think of winter as the time when you’ll be preparing yourself and taking the steps you need, before emerging into the newness of spring.
18. Acquire and use a David Lloyd Clubs membership
Oh, you must have known we’d get to this eventually. At David Lloyd Clubs we have a whole range of ways to thrive in winter: socialising and swimming; indoor fitness and indulgent spa time. Our cosy Clubrooms are great places to work when you’re WFH but would like other people around you. And you’ll find a whole range of brilliant classes, including everything from HIIT to meditation sessions.
If you’re already a member, we suggest you draw up a list of things to try at your favourite club, particularly anything you haven’t got round to yet.
And if you’re not a member? Winter might just be the perfect time to join us – and when the weather improves, you’ll be able to enjoy our outdoor facilities, too!
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