We are currently in the throes of winter here in the UK, and I wouldn’t be surprised if many people’s batteries are running on low right now. I always find January in the UK especially difficult. You feel as though you should start the year on a high note, going out and doing lots of new and fun things… only to be mentally suppressed by the cold and the dark. Of course the cold and the dark aren’t really a valid excuse for not doing something, but the way that these conditions can affect our mood is real (and can make one want to straight out retreat into hibernation!) Below, I outline some of the things that help me through a UK winter that feels like it is dragging on forever…

Make yourself get out the house

Even if it is just for a short walk around the block, the importance of fresh air and a little exercise cannot be understated. This is also especially beneficial when the sun is out. Try to spend at least 15 minutes in the sun if this is the case, to capitalize on that delicious vitamin D! If you have a dog, all the better, as this presents even more of a reason for getting out there. When I am not in the mood for a walk, I will take a trip into one of the nearby towns for a wander around the shops and a coffee at a café. Again, all the better if you can meet up with a friend or loved one at the same time, which leads onto the next point…

Maintain a healthy social life

Even though we may not always realise it, being social has a massively positive impact on our mental wellbeing. “No man is an island” as the saying goes, and we all need each other to both survive and to thrive in this world. Even if it is just sending a WhatsApp message to a friend (although face to face or even over the phone are the ideals here), getting some form of social interaction will help. I have a bad habit of socially withdrawing when I am feeling a bit glum, so it can be difficult. If, however, I give myself a kick up the backside, I often find that a good catchup chat with someone close to me really lightens my mood and can help me to see the world and my current situation in a more positive light again.

Take joy in the small things

Indulge in the smaller activities that make you feel good. For me, these are things like taking a bubblebath, eating my favourite meal or snack, getting engrossed in an engaging book, or watching my favourite film. Sometimes it is an amalgamation of these little things which lifts the mood the most, instead of one single “grand gesture”. I would say that being thankful for what you have in life is also a very important mindset to employ, as this helps us to put things into perspective and to stop comparing ourselves to others so much (which can be a very destructive mindset in comparison).

And finally, if you are able to, book up a holiday, minibreak, or fun day out!

It really helps me to have something to look forward to, even if it is in a few months’ time. I can also spend significant time researching and planning my trip, which acts as a nice distraction for when I am feeling a bit “meh”. If a holiday or minibreak isn’t doable, even a well planned day out to somewhere nice can prove to be an efficient mood enhancer. I can remember some of my best days out even better than some of the holidays or minibreaks, which I would say is testament to the fact that a long excursion isn’t required to make great memories.

What are some of the techniques that you use to help lift your mood through difficult times? I would love to hear these, and perhaps add them to my own list!