From painting to movies: A definitive guide on how to beat the winter blues in Birmingham

If the overcast February weather and cold winter nights have got you running into bed right as the sun sets and waiting impatiently for spring to finally arrive, you’re not alone. One in 15 people in the U.K. experience S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder) during the winter, which can cause low energy, irritability, and decreased mood during specific seasons. Luckily, there are some ways to combat these “winter blues”.

So, here are five ways to beat the winter blues this winter season.

Slowing down with peaceful hobbies

The beginning of the new year can always ring in some panic. There is so much pressure to pursue “productive” hobbies that will help us accomplish our goals and acquire new skills. Suddenly, going to the gym six days a week and learning Mandarin doesn’t sound as appealing as when you put it on your vision board. That’s why this is the perfect time for some peaceful hobbies that force us to slow down.

Crack open that novel you swore you’d finally read this year and take your time with it, buy some cheap yarn and look up free crochet tutorials on YouTube, or trade in some of your intense workouts for stretching or yoga. When it comes to comforting hobbies, the options are always customisable and endless. 

If you’re wanting to do it as a group, you could join a society. The possibilities are endless.

Plan events with your friends

Long winter nights and dreadfully dark mornings make it difficult not to begin isolating ourselves.

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Continuing with the theme of comforting activities, try to keep the plans low-key so you’re more likely to stick with them. Think friend group trips to the cinema, trying out cafes with a new friend, or finding a recipe to cook with your housemates.

One of my favourite traditions this winter has been planning craft nights with my housemates. Whether we’re painting pottery or just sketching in our living room, it’s such an easy and cosy way to make some brilliant memories without even having to leave the house.

Sleep and sleep well!

It may seem counterproductive to give in to the sleepy energy of the winter, but it’s actually in our nature to sleep more in the winter. Everything in nature goes to sleep during this period, and yet, somehow, we’ve convinced ourselves that the new year is meant to be our most productive time of year.

Research suggests that we need even more sleep in the winter and recommends optimising the sleep we do get as much as possible. Some simple ways to improve sleep include establishing a relaxing evening routine, avoiding caffeine too close to bedtime, and optimising your sleep environment with low lighting, comfy sheets, or mellow music.

Get outside

Vitamin D is your best friend for the next four months, o get outside and get outside often. Research has found that being outside, even for a short while, can increase dopamine and serotonin, aid in cognitive function, and reduce stress.

The British weather is not always compatible with our dire need for sun exposure in the winter, but even just going for small walks can improve mood and vitamin D levels. So consider grabbing your mates and your coat and spending some time outside.

Comfort foods

Time to ring your mum for that recipe you’ve been craving. Making a nice and nostalgic meal for yourself is such an easy way to get in some extra serotonin, and the nutrients, we desperately need this time of year. It’s also an excellent way to establish some routine.

When we’re feeling down, the first things to go are usually the little things that are actually pivotal for how we’re feeling. Daily movement, getting out of the house, three meals a day. Taking some time out of your day to be present and cook something that may hold nostalgic memories, or just warm us up, can establish some routine around eating regularly and encourage the habit of cooking for yourself more often.

However, if you do need to speak to someone, you can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or the university’s wellbeing team.