As the days get shorter, the evenings get colder and the mornings frostier, many begin to look forward to cosy nights in, candles, latkes and doughnuts. For others, the idea of darker days, cold weather and less time outside can be a daunting prospect. Weather not only affects people’s living conditions and external environmental settings but can also impact happiness by altering our emotional states.
Lack of sunlight experienced during winter is a primary contributor to seasonal dips in mood and motivation. One of the best ways to counteract this is to find opportunities for brightness throughout your day. This can include getting outside in natural sunlight where possible, even if just for 5-10 minutes, or even situating your desk close to a window to increase brightness indoors. This sunlight exposure helps regulate our body’s our circadian rhythm and contribute to the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter which plays a crucial role in regulating mood.
Being outdoors has a multitude of mental health benefits. This could be any green space like a park, woodland, river, wetland, beach or canal; even just a brief walk in the forest has a calming effect on our inner state. The sights and sounds of nature, like rustling leaves, chirping birds and flowing water, have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Even watching nature documentaries is good for our mental health. Research by the University of York has found that nature-based activities led to a 12.7% improvement in mental well-being and reduced feeling of burnout by 16%.
The winter season can also bring with it a sense of loneliness and detachment from our social circle. According to a study on social exclusion, if we are cold, we are much more likely to feel lonely. Therefore, this winter we ought to prioritise staying connected with loved ones and maintain an active social life to combat isolation and loneliness. Whether it is a group hike, a community event, a simple walk with friends or socialising in natural settings can significantly boost your mood.