Winter wellbeing
While the winter season gives us many reasons to celebrate and be happy, it can also come with loneliness and dark, cold nights. We’ve put together some tips to help you look after your wellbeing this winter.
Outdoors:
During winter months, the outside is a lot less inviting. It's cold and rainy, the days are shorter, and we’d often rather stay inside. However, making the effort to take a light walk, pop out for lunch or do a quick and easy outdoor activity can be a great way to take advantage of the limited daylight. Not only does it help to break up your day, but it supports your physical and mental wellbeing. We can’t get enough Vitamin D in the winter months, so consider taking a supplement to keep your levels up.
Change:
If you work from home or in an office environment, your days can become predictable. Winter is the perfect time to consider changing up your workspace. Take advantage of shared workspaces, use standing desks if you have access to them, work in a space that provides you with more sunlight, or even change up your workday routine.
Connect:
The winter months can be a lonely and isolating time for many. It's worth reaching out to family, friends, colleagues or even people in your wider community for a quick catch-up. In-person meet-ups, coffee mornings and community events are great ways to connect, but even virtual connections and catch-ups can work wonders!
Enjoy:
Having some activities booked in that bring you joy can help fight the doom and gloom of winter. There are a range of winter activities such as food and festive markets, ice skating, breakfast mornings and local attractions in London that you can explore. Don't be afraid to take up a new hobby or exercise and be sure to check out what events your local or neighbouring councils are putting on over the winter months.
Help:
Seek help if you need it. We all need support at various times in our life. Reaching out to your GP or utilising some of the resources below is a great way of looking after and being kind to yourself.
- If you live in Croydon or the surrounding areas: A 24-hour mental health telephone support line is available for people experiencing mental distress. The freephone number is 0800 731 2864.
- If you live in Sutton, visit their website.
- If you live in Bromley, call the NHS Oxleas urgent advice line on 0800 330 859 or visit their website.
- If you need urgent help, phone the NHS 111 Team.
