Top tips to boost your wellbeing this winter

It’s easy to feel glum and to forget to take moments to enjoy all the good that is going on around you in the winter months. Here are some tips to keep handy for boosting your wellbeing...

Focus On Your Senses And Stay Present

Try being present, mindful and aware of your surroundings. Really notice the smell of your warm coffee on a chilly morning, the shapes your breath makes in the cold air when you step outside.

It's a simple tip, but actively checking in with yourself on a daily basis and being present to experience all life has to offer can make a real, genuine difference in your mood.

Get Some Sun

Vitamin D helps mood, brain activity, and nervous system functioning, and when you don't have enough of it, you can definitely feel low.

In the UK, sunlight doesn't contain enough UVB radiation in winter (October to early March) for our skin to be able to make vitamin D so during these months, we rely on getting our vitamin D from food sources (including fortified foods) and supplements. 

Move Your Body

Even when it feels easier to put on your “comfys” and curl up on the sofa, a little movement will always help to improve your mood and wellbeing.  Exercise helps increase circulation and releases endorphins. These feel-good hormones give you that "happy" feeling, which help you combat the lows felt when the temperatures drop and the body wants to go into hibernation mode. 

So, go for that walk or run, dance around your living room like no-one is watching. I’ll be making more of an effort to pick up my hula hoop!

Eat Nutritiously

You may be finding yourself more drawn to warmer and heavier foods this time of year (I know I am) but make sure you're getting in your fair share of nutritious foods, and that you aren't only relying on treats like sugar and caffeine to boost your mood; they may backfire later in the day causing you to crash even earlier as the days get shorter.

Remember Your "Why"

This simply means don't forget about your reasons for being you: your favourite things, images of what makes you feel happiest, the people you love, the things you might want to accomplish, or the places you'd like to go.

When work, life, communicating, or just getting out of bed gets hard, always remember your why.

So, as the winter draws in, try to implement some of these tips to help keep you feeling good. And remember: There is always a coming spring.

Dowload Amanda's wellbeing tips 

Share this pdf with those around you to help boost their wellbeing. 

How can employers help support the mental health and wellbeing of their staff?

iHASCO have a range of online mental health and wellbeing courses which provide a range of tools and techniques to help staff identify and deal with mental ill-health and stress in the workplace. You can request a free trial or contact our friendly support team if you have any questions.