Look after your wellbeing during winter

The winter months can be challenging for mental health, but there are things we can do to protect our wellbeing.

On this page you'll find Mindfulness tips to face the winter months with positivity, and ideas and resources to support you through the season.


 


 

Give Laughter Yoga a go

Laughter Yoga is not yoga as you know it: it’s the practice of intentional laughter.

The idea behind it is that voluntary laughter provides similar physiological and psychological benefits to spontaneous laughter: your heart rate will raise as when you exercise, your mood will improve as when you come across something funny.

Be prepared for your intentional laughter to turn into real and contagious laughter!

Try this warm-up led by Mand Black, qualified practitioner and marvellous giggler.


 


 

Go mindfully through the winter

Mindfulness means to pay attention and live in the present moment rather than dwell on past regrets or future fears. It can help us to cope with challenging situations and live life to the full.

Here are three easy ways you can build mindfulness into your daily routine this winter:

Every morning and evening

Start and finish the day by sitting down, feeling your feet on the floor, and taking five deep breaths, feeling the sensations of breathing in and breathing out as best you can.

While out for a walk

Spend 30 seconds deliberately savouring an enjoyable experience of each of your senses. For example the feel of a piece of bark, the smell of wet leaves, the sight of a robin on the path, the taste of a rosemary leaf, the sound of the water against the bank of the river.

To break out of a cycle of negative thoughts

Count ten things on your fingers that you are grateful for, for example my friend who rang me last week, that nice dinner I had last night, my dog, the tree in my neighbour's garden with the bird feeder, etc.

Find out more about Mindfulness

 


 

More ways to winter wellbeing

Stay in touch

Making connections with other people is important for our self-worth and helps keep loneliness at bay.

You could call friends or family, write a letter to someone you’ve not seen for a while, or join an online social club.

Helping others is also a fantastic way to stay connected – you could pick up shopping for a vulnerable neighbour, or volunteer through your local community organisation, church or school.

Find out about our social groups

Get outside

Spending time in nature has proven benefits for wellbeing, whether it’s sweeping up leaves in the garden, walking the dog, or wrapping up for a stomp along the beach.

Getting outside in daylight can help people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder, a kind of depression which can get worse during winter.

During the Covid-19 pandemic make sure you're safe by staying local, maintaining social distancing, and following the guidelines in your area.

Be active

Physical activity can help with depression and anxiety, helps improve your self-esteem and promotes good sleep.

You could do some gentle yoga in your front room, go for a walk or cycle around your local area, or simply get moving by doing household chores or walking up and down the stairs.

Find ideas for moving more on the Active Norfolk website


 


 

Need more support?

If you’re struggling with your mental health, you don’t have to do it alone.
  • If you need urgent help you can call the 24-hour First Response helpline on 0808 196 3494 for immediate advice and support.
  • You can talk to the Samaritans any time on 116 123.
  • REST is a new community space that gives you the support you need, when you need it. Find out more at restnorwich.co.uk.



 

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